Miles Davis & Mid Century Modern Music

Volume 2: Golden Years

By: John Cousins

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote there are no second acts in American lives. Miles proved him wrong.

Miles was back in New York City and good health in 1955. In the summer of 1955, Miles performed a noted set at the Newport Jazz Festival. His performance, especially his solo on the Thelonius Monk tune Round Midnight was widely praised, prompting critics to welcome the "return of Miles Davis." Columbia Records executive George Avakian approached Miles and offered a contract with the label if he could form a regular band with a steady lineup. Miles assembled his first regular quintet to meet a commitment at the Café Bohemia in July with Sonny Rollins on tenor saxophone, Red Garland on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums.

This starts the tale of Miles's creative comeback and second act.

This book documents Miles's first and second great quintets and sextets, his work with Gil Evans, and a cast of staggeringly talented musicians. These were the golden years of jazz and Miles was at the forefront of it all.

Long discography

I just listened to a book on all the albums and music that came out with no stories behind it if you’re looking for a discography, this is it