Miles Davis' Greats in Seattle

Recorded in 1959, Kind of Blue is woven into our musical lexicon, into the very fabric of our lives. Many say it’s the greatest jazz recording of all time, maybe even the greatest recording of any music genre. Its influence is felt by every living musician.

So when "Four Generations of Miles" played at Jazz Alley last night, it was a poignant and heartfelt tribute.

A sans-trumpet tribute to Miles Davis. "None of these four Miles Davis alumni were ever classmates in the same Miles Davis group, but all are distinguished grads of that most prestigious small college in jazz." - JazzTimes.com

Legendary Miles Davis drummer Jimmy Cobb

The legendary Jimmy Cobb educated us all on how to use brushes—at 82 he is still crisp and tight, and brilliant. I wish my drummer friends could've been there to see how the Master does it. His unique contribution of tasty drum licks will forever be emblazoned on our memories.  Mike Stern, silky smooth across the galaxy of frets, likes his effects pedal, and on most guitars I’m not too fond of the echo-y sound. All was forgiven when they played one of the best versions of My Funny Valentine I’ve ever heard.

Jazz guitarist Mike Stern and Honolulu guitar hero Gomez Fraser after the show

Sonny Fortune, one of the best jazz sax players since Dexter Gordon, is old-school, impeccably dressed in suit vest, tie, and Italian loafers. He’s all business when he plays. White-hot lights glinting off his glasses and golden saxophone, I heard echoes of Kind of Blue in his riffs. Sometimes horns can sound a little out of key compared to the strings, but he was dead on. Was Pink Floyd's sax influenced by Kind of Blue? Absolutely.

 
What can I say about Buster Williams? His lumbering old stand-up bass has probably seen as much action as Stanley Clarke’s, with duct tape-harnessed electronics and age-old scuff marks. With the lightest touch, Buster coaxed bouncing highs and the deepest growling lows. It was a wonder to behold.

If you’re lucky you can still catch one of their shows this weekend:

The Pacific Jazz Institute at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley presents 4 Generations of Miles. Band members include Jimmy Cobb (drums), Mike Stern (guitar), Buster Williams (bass), and Sonny Fortune (saxophone). Set times on Thursday and Sunday 7:30 pm and Friday through Saturday 7:30pm and 9:30 pm. Doors open at 6:00pm Thursday and 5:30pm Friday through Sunday.

Bios:

Jimmy Cobb: A superb, mostly self-taught musician, drummer Jimmy Cobb is the elder statesman of all the incredible Miles Davis bands. Jimmy’s inspirational work with Miles, John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderly and Co. spanned 1957 until 1963, and included the masterpiece Kind of Blue, the most popular jazz recording in history. He also played on Sketches of Spain, Someday My Prince will Come, Live at Carnegie Hall, Live at the Blackhawk, Porgy and Bess, and many, many other watermark Miles Davis recordings.

Mike Stern: In a career that spans three decades and a discography that includes more than a dozen eclectic and innovative recordings, five-time GRAMMY nominee Mike Stern has established himself as one of the premier jazz and jazz-fusion guitarists and composers of his generation. Stern first met Miles Davis in New York, where he was recruited to play a key role in Miles' celebrated comeback band of 1981. During his three-year period with Miles, Stern appeared on three recordings with the jazz maestro, a Man With a Horn, Star People, and the live We Want Miles.

Buster Williams: Buster Williams is a prodigious bassist whose playing knows no limits. He was 20 years old when he first met jazz greats like Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Tony Williams. Meeting them would later figure heavily into his future. His big, deep, resilient and inventive playing since then has made him the bassist of choice throughout the jazz world. Upon his return to New York in October of 1968 Williams recorded 5 albums with the Jazz Crusaders; worked and recorded with Miles Davis; played with Kenny Durham and was in demand as first call for recording studio; TV, and movie dates.

Sonny Fortune: When critics speak of Sonny Fortune, names like Coltrane, Cannonball, Davis, Young, Bechet, Hawkins and Parker are mentioned. Sonny Fortune embodies all of the finest qualities of those late, great musicians. Lucky for us, Sonny is still here and blowing hard. In September 1974, Miles Davis offered Sonny a job in his fusion group. Fortune had previously turned down the same offer to stay with McCoy Tyner, but he eagerly accepted the opportunity to move on to something completely new. Fortune stayed with Miles for a year, recording four LPs, Big Fun, Agartha, Pangaea, and Get Up With It.