Miles Davis

Date

1964

Description

Creator of the image: Jan Persson
Date of the image creation: 1964
Medium of the image: Photograph
Person depicted: Miles Davis

This photograph is of the jazz musician Miles Davis (1926–1991) while he was performing in KB Hallen, Copenhagen, Denmark on the 4th of October 1964. That evening, the Miles Davis Quintet featured Ron Carter, Tony Williams, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter. After his magisterial 1959 album, Kind of Blue, Miles Davis was something of a legend, composing extraordinarily refined music that was wistful, contemplative, and outrageously cool. In those days, Davis maintained a suave image of himself, donning tailor-made suits, close-cropped hair, with either a trumpet or cigarette to his lips. As the 1960s wore on, he changed his style, beginning with a set of sunglasses, and proceeding through a procession of outlandish outfits, hairdos and sports cars.

This photograph captures Davis mid-set, beads of sweat flowing down his face, harsh stage-light reflecting from his skin. He is looking across at a one of his musicians performing a solo. His gaze is both intense and composed, with the artist seemingly completely absorbed in the moment, monitoring the music as the concert flows forwards.

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