Customer Reviews

Live at Montreux [VHS]

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For this concert, Quincy Jones somehow prodded a reluctant Miles Davis to revisit a selection of classic Gil Evans arrangements that Davis and Evans originally recorded in the 1950s (the classic albums MILES AHEAD, PORGY & BESS, and SKETCHES SPAIN), but hadn't touched at all since (or in some instances were last played at his May 19, 1961 Carnegie Hall concert).

Let's shatter several myths that have surrounded this event that occured on July 8, 1991. The speculation that Miles knew he was at death's door and decided to play some "real" music one last time seems unfounded. Yes, he did die within three months of this concert. However, on the video Miles looks to me to be as healthy as any 65-year old. Furthermore, Davis' trumpet playing with his current electric ensemble in the summer of 1991 showed him to be more energetic and inspired than he'd consistently been in years (example #1: his incredible, lengthy solo on HUMAN NATURE--recorded two days after this concert--seen/heard on the MILES DAVIS & FRIENDS cable-television program).

By comparison, Miles' energy level seems a tad low here, yet he does have some outstanding moments (BOPLICITY, BLUES FOR PABLO, MAIDS OF CADIZ, and he arguably improves upon the original MY SHIP). The point is that Miles plays quite well, but he actually played with more consistent vitality on the surrounding tour dates with his current ensemble (HARDLY the case of of a dying man saying goodbye via a trip down memory lane). At Montreux, trumpeter Wallace Roney and reedman Kenny Garrett get some solo space, but Miles logs significant minutes on most of the tunes. Probably he relented to play this classic material as an unspoken tribute to Evans, his great friend who had died three years earlier. Furthermore, unlike most "jazz standards" repetoire, the tunes played here rarely or never got recycled by every subsequent jazz musician on the planet--thus they were/are still relatively "fresh."

The video has some rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage preceding the entire concert performance. I would recommend it to fans of the classic Davis/Evans albums, but ignore all of the hype and just listen to the music!! This fine but not flawless performance stands on its own, inside or outside of the timeless shadow of the original classic performances.

I've said it before and will say it again. There will never be anyone like Miles Davis. His sound. His style. His incredible trumpet playing. His enormous body of work spanning decades. And lets not forget his look. What an intense presence.

This is a great video for any jazz enthusiast. I recommend getting it for its historical value alone. There aren't many Miles Davis videos available for purchase. This video has behind the scenes footage and commentary by Quincy Jones sprinkled throughout its 74 minutes. You can hear the excitement, love and awe in his voice when he speaks on Miles. I couldn't help but smile at Wallace Roney's reactions to Miles. Like watching a kid in a candy store. Kenny Garrett is the other featured soloist in the orchestra. Both are incredible.

I especially enjoyed "Here Come De Honey Man" with its lingering melody and the classic "Summertime". Miles also does two songs from Sketches of Spain, "The Pan Piper" and "Solea".

This is the kind of music you can let play without watching it yet you will definitely want to watch it more than once. A definite must have.

Peace. CLB.

this is the kind of event that is a must.two musically pioneers together.and what's so great about it is that quincy jones is conducting older material that miles vowed not to do anymore.it was also a triumph.hearing the genius of miles is always a treat.i miss his genius but his work will live on to the end of all time.

Thank you again Amazon!, for this very now rare and important concert of Miles davis at Montreux 1991,he went against all he stood for to show his love for Gil Evans,whom he called his best friend. Miles never did go back playing the music he onced played in the past,but he only did this for Gil and on this video we get to see this timless event.Alongside him was his sax partner kenny Garrett and trumpeter Wallace Roney! who idolized and followed Miles Davis trumpet playing from a child. And Roney appears like a very humble child here, with his teacher at his side. And this is very wonderful experience to watch as they communicate,trade solos and everything!.Miles proved again as always why he has been a leader and a legend for all these years.Sadly Miles also died two months later after this concert.This is Miles Davis's last return to Montreux,a concert never to be forgotten!.Thank you again Amazon.com