Customer Reviews

Miles and Me (George Gund Foundation Imprint in African American Studies)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I read Troupe's tome, and neither recommend nor disrecommend it. Those interested will read it. However, to me it brings to mind two comments I recollect: "I don't want to hear the bathroom noises of the artist" (Bill Evans), and "The greats are disappointing when you meet them" (Woody Allen).

I read "Miles" and was riveted. It is valuable, hard-hitting oral history. Reading this though, is a perplexing, even depressing exercise. (I'm not saying it's not well written, it is, and has some moving passages)The book is as much about Troupe as Davis, and I'm not sure what his modus operandi is for making public the tyrannical rages and assorted uglier impulses of Davis. Is he trying to bask in reflected glory, tripping that he "really knew" Davis? Is it necessary for music fans, etc. to read how Troupe stood up to Davis's verbal taunts? Does this have anything to do with, or cast any light whatsoever on the MUSIC( which, after all, is what we'll remember long after books like these fade away)?

Honesty notwithstanding, as a musician the more I read about Miles Davis the person, the more I'd like to forget.

The really important stuff is down on record.

Troupe is an outstanding poet and performer of his words, he was also Miles Davis's biographer, and has written a memoir of that relationship which is redundant, self-serving, fan-mag ooze which makes one reconsider the biography Troupe assembled from taped interviews with Davis, perhaps the most durable and ominpresent jazz soloist since Louis Armstrong. Published by a University press obviously trying to hit the trade marketplace, this slim volume reads like it were much longer.

I picked up this book not knowing what to expect, hoping mainly to get some insight into one of my favorite musicians. On that level this book delivers. The author was very close friends with Miles through the later stages of his life and the book centers around the time they spent together and Troupe's perceptions of Miles during this time. We learn that Miles, while a brilliant and influencial musician, had his share of flaws and Troupe makes no attempt to cover these up - this book is not for those who cannot conceive seeing their hero portrayed in a sometimes negative light. The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars was because sometimes the author let his personal views and beliefs get in the way. Personally I would rather read about Miles than Troupe, but oh well, it is his book.

Quincy Troupe and Miles Davis first collaborated on 1989's MILES, a work that had a lot to say -- and a lot to answer for. Some disliked its rough language, many more took offense at its misogyny and unforgiving attitude toward fellow musicians. The book also took great liberties "adapting" from previous books on Miles without giving due credit. You won't know this from MILES AND ME. All we get here is the jazz version of TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE, where our intrepid interviewer gets to the heart of a crotchety old man and reveals him as -- what else -- a down-home guy with a heart of gold. While Miles's autobiography was an intriguing but flawed portrait of Black masculinity and American genius, MILES AND ME steps away from any real analysis of his attitudes, his life or his legacy. Some nice anecdotes are sprinkled throughout the rather formless narrative, but it's easily missed amid all the sentimentality. As I read MILES, I wondered what it would be like to be a fly on the wall, hearing The Man's life story. I'm still waiting...

Troupe continues to lower himself with this book. It hasalready been demonstrated that much of Miles's so called autobiographywas ( ) -- Troupe copied things wholesale from earlierbiographies and magazine articles. Now he stoops to this jumbled collection of half truths that aren't all that interesting in the first place. Was Troupe really Miles best friend -- probably not, but who cares? We should be interested in the music and the creative process -- Troupe, who used to be a poet, should be able to address these things -- but doesn't even make an effort -- END

I enjoyed both books written about Miles by Quince Troupe. In my opinion Troupe has the uncanny ability to write from a perspective that allows a reader to see the personal side of his subject. Troupe's "no holds barred" approach permits the reader to form their own opinion and paint their own picture. This book portrays Miles as both a legend and human being who confronts life's challenges in both positive and negative ways. Be sure to read this book with an open mind. Sometimes it hurts to see our heroes, who we've placed on such a high level fail in some areas of life.

I've been a fan of Miles Davis since hearing "Kind of Blue" in 1992. Miles legend precedes him and this book helped me gain a better understanding of him as an artist, musician and man.

I especially liked the way the author used Miles music to recollect his own life--what he was doing and how he felt about each new release. For a fan like me, that gave me a idea of how it would have been to anxiously await each new Miles Davis album.

Quincy Troupe was obviously a fan and a friend. I'm glad he wrote this book.

voila le livre comporte un fabuleux passage où l'on découvre que au delà des critiques les musiciens communiques et son humain et consciens de leurs faiblesse , mais ils ne peuvent se battre contre certaine chose qui sont au-delà de leur seul capacité .
A lire pour le passage stratosphérique sur Mc coy tyner .

I just picked up the "Bitches Brew Complete Sessions" on CD. Troupe has a long essay in the liner notes that are seemingly taken right from this book (or vice versa). Given there are so many Miles Davis books out there, I have to say I really like Quincy Troupe's approach because he is not some music professor or cultural critic analyzing or deconstructing Miles and "the meaning" of his music, blah, blah, blah. Rather, Troupe was there with Miles in the same room, in the car, eating dinner, wherever. That's the real value of this book. If you put Miles on that high pedestal you may not want to read the book: Troupe details some incredibly awkward and tense situations with Miles's temper which made everyone run for cover; but there are also moments of showing Miles with his force field down. One can only imagine how fascinating and frustrating it would be to meet, let alone have a friendship with, one of your idols.

I Never tire of Miles Davis.any Book on Him gets my attention at full wide-eyed view.Quincy Troupe does a Solid Job Here.He Captures The Essences of Miles.Very Good Follow-up.Miles Davis is a Great Teacher of Music.His Music was as Interesting as His Life.