Rediscovering Miles Davis through Paolo Fresu’s ‘Kind of Miles’
Do we need myths today? I mean, apart from the ones that say eating a pizza at 2 a.m. won’t make you regret anything in the morning? Let’s dive into a different kind of myth—the kind that embodies creativity and vision, specifically Miles Davis. Enter, stage left, Paolo Fresu with his captivating project Kind of Miles. This musical-thespian production isn’t just a tribute; oh no, it’s a cunning reinvention of Davis’s genius!
Starting from the charming town of Bolzano—where, let’s be honest, the wine flows with the same rhythm as a Miles record—this odyssey of sound and story has already hit Turin and Milan and will continue its quest through Italian theaters until January 2025. Talk about a tour! It’s not just a concert; it’s a promise of over fifty performances, which is more longevity than most relationships out there.
Fresu’s ensemble, made up of a dazzling septet, isn’t just hitting notes; they’re detonating them! Picture this: Filippo Vignato on trombone, working enlighten music with multi-effects and synths like a wizard, while Dino Rubino sprinkles piano magic that would make even Beethoven tap his toes. And let’s not forget Bebo Ferra, who strums his electric guitar like an Italian widow playing the lute at a mafia wedding!
But how’s the show panning out, you ask? Fresu himself has echoed a resounding ‘satisfaction’ as he transitioned from a simple narrator into a performer at the ripe age of 63. That’s right, folks! At an age when many are getting into knitting, he’s busting out an acting experience that requires dual focus: mastering a text and switching to demanding musical scores faster than I can remember my own passwords. Quite the multitasker!
“These are words I use in the show. Today’s myths turn on and off like a shooting star, they are fleeting and sudden while myth is something that has to do with history, with languages.”
Moving beyond mere music, he’s locating Miles Davis’s essence in a nostalgic storytelling structure, intertwining Davis’s philosophies with his artistic journey. Rather than a straight biography, it’s more like a jazzy branching narrative that twirls around Miles’s life like a saxophonist at a smoky bar. Forget the straightforward narratives; we’re serving this with a side of interpretation and a twist of heartfelt sincerity.
So why do we still need a mythical figure like Miles Davis today? Simply put, while modern ‘myths’ in pop culture fade faster than a cheap party balloon, genuine legends like Davis possess an enduring quality that resonates in our collective consciousness. As Fresu puts it, Davis’s influence is a ‘temporal connection that erases distances and dilates time.’ Sounds poetic, doesn’t it? Kind of like an artsy pop-up poetry event, only with more trumpets and fewer berets.
The layers of experimentation Fresu employs promise something fresh—jazz standards here, original compositions there, woven together like a fine Italian tapestry. There’s an acoustic exploration that respects Miles’s storied legacy and pays homage with lyrics that would make your grandma proud. Released on CD and vinyl, because let’s be real, what’s cooler than vinyl? It’s nostalgia on a platter!
The show offers a delve into emotions and experiences; a reflection on the struggles of artistry that can resonate even with those who can’t tell a trumpet from a trombone. Fresu’s storytelling not only brings Davis’s music to life, but it also croons about his tumultuous relationship with success, beauty, and expression—like truffles in a creamy pasta—rich and worth savoring.
“Miles believed that music and life are a question of style.”
So whether you’re an aficionado of the avant-garde or someone who thinks jazz is just what you hear while sipping your espresso, Kind of Miles beckons you. It’s not just a performance; it’s an experience to engage your senses, a daring exploration of a musical titan’s legacy, and a fabulous reason to put down your phone, step out, and embrace the magic of live performance!
Don’t miss out on this lyrical journey that promises to keep Miles’s myth alive and redefined, as only Paolo Fresu can present it; versatile, passionate, and ever so slightly cheeky—just like a well-delivered one-liner after a killer punchline!
Do we need myths, particularly that of Miles Davis, in today’s world? How can we narrate the captivating story of his imaginative and groundbreaking universe while intertwining it with his diverse repertoire—not by simply replicating, but by reinterpreting it? These and other thought-provoking questions are addressed in Kind of Miles, a unique creation by musician and composer Paolo Fresu. This ninety-minute musical-theatrical production, accompanied by a CD and vinyl release through Tuk Music, is produced by the esteemed Bolzano stable theatre and directed by Andrea Bernard.
Launching in Bolzano on 23 October, the show has since made stops in Turin and Milan and is scheduled to tour various theaters until 26 January 2025. It will visit Bologna, San Marino, Genoa, Udine, Treviso, Voghera, Chiasso, Trieste, Savona, and Pontedera, totaling over fifty performances throughout this tour.
Fresu, a multifaceted talent as an actor, author, musician, and leader, is joined in this venture by a brilliant septet featuring Filippo Vignato on trombone and multi-effects, Dino Rubino on piano and Fender Rhodes, Bebo Ferra on electric guitar, Marco Bardoscia on double bass, Federico Malaman on electric bass, and drummers Christian Meyer and Stefano Bagnoli.
Fresu expresses his satisfaction with the development of the show, noting that it posed quite a challenge for him. Initially, he envisioned bringing a written text about Miles to the theatrical stage, intended for a single narrator with eight musicians supporting the narrative. However, Walter Zambaldi, the director of the Bolzano stable theatre, encouraged Fresu to perform it himself. Embracing this new role at the age of 63 was complex, requiring him to master both the spoken text and the intricacies of the musical score.
This production serves as a composite work that merges various artistic languages and has room to evolve further. Fresu points out that many have suggested it could be valuable in educational settings, given its informative nature. It has the potential to resonate with individuals unfamiliar with jazz, guiding them toward a deeper understanding of music’s significance.
In terms of structure, Kind of Miles transcends merely recounting Davis’ life. Instead, it delves into his musical philosophy, passions, and visions. Fresu shares his personal journey, recalling how listening to the piece Autumn Leaves with a pop group during his formative years left a lasting impression. The lunar quality of Miles’ interpretation at the Juan-les-Pins festival was so distinct that it rendered the original melody nearly unrecognizable.
He became a legend because he was ahead of his time, because he opened the doors where we could enter, because there has always been a vision that looked forward. Paolo Fresu
Fresu’s narrative intertwines his experience of transcribing solos, particularly the famous melody of Round Midnight from a 1957 Columbia LP. He reflects on his fascination with the mute, exploring the internal sound and the struggles Miles faced throughout his life. This autobiographical tale is twofold; it provides a minimal outline of Miles in his historical context while tracing Fresu’s own artistic apprenticeship, sharing in an honest manner what Miles Davis’ music represents to him—its essence and enduring relevance.
Fresu articulates the necessity of keeping the myth of Miles Davis alive, highlighting how today’s heroes often flicker like shooting stars, momentary and ephemeral. In contrast, myth possesses a deeper connection to history and language. Fresu clarifies that he does not seek to mythologize; rather, he acknowledges the shared humanity among all individuals. Yet, he argues that Miles embodies myth through his ability to challenge norms, opening doors for those who would follow while maintaining a progressive vision.
Fresu elaborates that the legacy of musicians like Miles, Coltrane, and Parker remains vital today, as their contributions continue to resonate within contemporary music and discourse. He emphasizes the importance of linking classic mythological elements from Mediterranean civilization to Miles’ exploration of African heritage, which played a significant role in his life and music. This relentless search for redemption is mirrored in Miles’ passionate pursuit of success, luxury, and recognition, revealing an underlying need for affirmation.
The complexity of Davis’ character is further reflected through the album cover of the CD, which evokes an ancient and totemic mask, hinting at the alienating corporeality associated with his iconic presence. Fresu draws parallels between this symbolic representation and the familiar Sardinian rice mask, underscoring Miles’ distinctive physicality characterized by his signature S-shape posture. In the production, Fresu explores this yearning for sound—searching for it in the earth while simultaneously striving to transcend it—and likens his own positionality as a musician to that of Miles, where the quest for sound becomes a performance art that captivates audiences.
Miles’ positions were deeply linked to his instrument, to his idea of sound construction. Paolo Fresu said that music and life are a question of style.
Ultimately, Fresu emphasizes that whether during the ’80s or earlier decades, Miles continuously searched for sound, maintaining the core essence of his trumpet playing throughout his career. The musical dialogue between his physical embodiment and his inventive sound construction left a profound impact on audiences, reaffirming the relationship between artistic expression and personal style. Fresu reflects on how Miles revered beauty, particularly drawn to Italy for its artistic grace, which he expressed throughout various phases of his life while pursuing the elusive quality of refinement.
Within the production, fewer songs are showcased than those featured on the double CD. The acoustic portion leans heavily on Miles Davis’ traditional repertoire, while the electric segment prominently features Fresu’s original compositions, alongside a single exception. Fresu clarifies that the aim of the show was never to serve as a cover band or to recreate Miles’ entire recording history. Instead, the structure presents a contrast between a pre-Davis black-and-white realm and a vibrant, colorful representation of Miles’ later era. The first section predominantly features standard pieces while also including rare songs that hold significant meaning for Fresu, who desired to incorporate those lesser-known gems into the narrative.
Throughout the performance, references to Miles’ original work are subtly interwoven rather than overtly replicated. In the electric segment, original pieces dominate with the inclusion of one standard that resonates with the audience. Each song performed offers a distinct perspective on Miles, as various composers strive to capture his essence through their individual creations. For instance, the composition Berlin, crafted by Federico Malaman and Christian Meyer, imagines a contemporary Miles living in the vibrant city of Berlin.
How does Fresu’s *Kind of Miles* reinterpret the legacy of Miles Davis to resonate with today’s audiences?
F his art while remaining open to innovation. It’s this duality that makes Miles Davis such a monumental figure—the relentless pursuit of personal expression while redefining musical boundaries. It is the very essence of jazz: to speak your truth while being attuned to the voices around you.
In a world where fleeting trends dominate, the need for figures like Miles Davis becomes even more apparent. Fresu’s endeavor in *Kind of Miles* serves as a reminder that the greats of the past have much to teach us about perseverance, authenticity, and the true meaning of artistry. By weaving together narrative, music, and emotional depth, Fresu is not only paying homage to a legend but also urging us to reflect on our own humanity through the lens of art.
As the tour unfolds and audiences gather in venues across Italy, Fresu invites everyone—from the seasoned jazz enthusiast to the curious novice—to partake in this communal experience, reminding us all of the power of music to unite, inspire, and transform. With each performance, *Kind of Miles* extends an open invitation to explore the fascinating intersections between personal stories and broader cultural legacies, ensuring that the music and myth of Miles Davis continue to resonate in our lives today.
