Miles Davis Septet - Freaky Deaky - Live at NSJF Tuinpaviljoen - 15/07/1984 • World of Jazz

 

Another Sunday Special this week.

The Miles Davis Septet was a groundbreaking ensemble led by the iconic trumpeter and composer Miles Davis. Davis, born on May 26, 1926, was already a jazz legend by the time he formed this septet. Known for his innovative approach to jazz and his ability to consistently reinvent his sound, Davis was at the forefront of every major jazz movement during his illustrious career. The septet's core lineup included some of the most influential jazz musicians of the era: 

Miles Davis: The leader and driving force behind the ensemble, Davis was a virtuoso trumpeter and composer. His willingness to experiment with different styles and musical approaches would come to define the group's sound. 

Wayne Shorter: A brilliant saxophonist and composer, Wayne Shorter brought a unique and adventurous voice to the septet's music. His compositions and improvisational prowess were integral to the group's success. 

Herbie Hancock: A prodigious pianist and composer, Hancock's innovative harmonies and keyboard work added depth and complexity to the septet's repertoire. 

Ron Carter: An exceptional bassist, Ron Carter's impeccable sense of time and rhythm provided a solid foundation for the group's music.

Tony Williams: A remarkable drummer known for his youthful energy and groundbreaking innovations in jazz drumming, Williams added a dynamic and forward-thinking dimension to the ensemble.

Frank Butler (replaced by George Coleman): Initially, Frank Butler played the drums, but he was later replaced by the talented saxophonist George Coleman, who brought his unique style to the group.

Victor Feldman (replaced by Harold Mabern): Victor Feldman played the piano but was eventually replaced by Harold Mabern, who continued to contribute to the septet's evolving sound. 

The Miles Davis Septet was known for its pioneering work in modal jazz, as exemplified by the landmark album "Kind of Blue" released in 1959. This album redefined jazz and became one of the best-selling and most influential jazz recordings of all time. In the 1960s, the septet continued to innovate, incorporating elements of avant-garde jazz and free jazz into their music with albums like "E.S.P." and "Miles Smiles". "Freaky Deaky"was performed at the North Sea Jazz Festival on July 15th, 1984 at the Garden Pavillion.