MILES SMILES
Jazz megastar Miles Davis was at the forefront of the development of the American jazz music tradition. As a bandleader, Davis garnered and mentored some of the most prominent musicians of the 20th century, who each went on to redefine music in their own right. More than 20 years after his death, Miles Davis continues to cast a long shadow over the music world. So it is fitting that this all-star project is named after the sensational Miles Davis album, „Miles Smiles“. Released in 1967, with his famed second quintet, it immediately caused uproar because of its high and inspired quality.
Today, the memory of „Miles Smiles“ will be evoked by some of the most prodigious players in jazz today, who come together to pay sizzling tribute to their legendary employer. Wallace Roney is the only trumpeter Davis ever mentored and he held down the trumpet chair in the great Tony Williams quintet. Saxophonist Rick Margitza had a spectacular run, appearing on several Miles albums in the late ‘80s. Joey DeFrancesco was 17 and unknown outside of Philadelphia when Davis recruited him, a spotlight that revived the flagging fortunes of the Hammond B3 organ. Larry Coryell, one of the era’s dominant jazz guitarists, put in one studio stint with Davis in the mid-70s. Bassist Ralphe Armstrong was picked to play in Miles’s band in 1977 when Miles had a car accident and stayed out of music for years. Drummer Omar Hakim, a veteran of Weather Report, appeared on the landmark Davis albums „Tutu“ and „Amandla“.
Today, the memory of „Miles Smiles“ will be evoked by some of the most prodigious players in jazz today, who come together to pay sizzling tribute to their legendary employer. Wallace Roney is the only trumpeter Davis ever mentored and he held down the trumpet chair in the great Tony Williams quintet. Saxophonist Rick Margitza had a spectacular run, appearing on several Miles albums in the late ‘80s. Joey DeFrancesco was 17 and unknown outside of Philadelphia when Davis recruited him, a spotlight that revived the flagging fortunes of the Hammond B3 organ. Larry Coryell, one of the era’s dominant jazz guitarists, put in one studio stint with Davis in the mid-70s. Bassist Ralphe Armstrong was picked to play in Miles’s band in 1977 when Miles had a car accident and stayed out of music for years. Drummer Omar Hakim, a veteran of Weather Report, appeared on the landmark Davis albums „Tutu“ and „Amandla“.
Wallace Roney – trumpet
Rick Margitza – tenor saxophone
Larry Coryell – guitar
Joey DeFrancesco – Hammond B3, trumpet
Ralphe Armstrong – bass
Omar Hakim – drums
http://youtu.be/TUBZj3IURnk
Visit official website: Miles Smiles
