News Courtesy AllAboutJazz.com Four Generations of Miles: Ron Carter, Jimmy Cobb, George Coleman & Mike Stern
The masterful skills of bassist Ron Carter, tenor saxophonist George Coleman, drummer Jimmy Cobb and guitarist Mike Stern, will pay tribute to each and every facet of Miles Davis. Four contrasting approaches to the jazz combo; four different perspectives on the improviser’s art; this is the Four Generations of Miles.
Bassist RON CARTER worked with Miles from 1963 until 1968, participating in such works as Miles Smiles, Sorcerer and In A Silent Way. Carter also appeared on every crucial mid-'60s recording and teamed with Herbie Hancock and Tony Williams to craft a new, freer rhythm section sound. The high profile job led to the reputation that has seen Carter become possibly the most recorded bassist in jazz history. He's been heard on an unprecedented number of recordings; some sources have estimated it to be as many as 1,000. The list of people Carter has played with is simply too great to be accurately and completely cited.
Saxophonist GEORGE COLEMAN was invited to play with Miles from 1963 to 1964, performing both live and in the studio, producing several notable recordings including the acclaimed My Funny Valentine. He played alongside Davis, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock and Tony Williams. Part of the rich Memphis jazz scene of the early '50s, Coleman started playing in blues bands in the South (including with BB King in 1952 and 1955-1956). He moved to Chicago in 1957, where he played with the MJT+3, and then onto New York the following year. Before joining Davis, Coleman played with the Max Roach Quintet (1958-1959), Slide Hampton’s Octet (1959-1961), and Wild Bill Davis (1962). Following that association, he was with Lionel Hampton, Elvin Jones and Charles McPherson. Since the mid-'70s, George Coleman has mostly led his own groups, and has recorded both as a leader for Timeless, Theresa, and Verve.
A superb, mostly self-taught drummer, JIMMY COBB played with Davis from 1958 to 1962, including collaborating on such projects as Sketches of Spain, Porgy & Bess and Miles in Stockholm 1960. He is a dominant accompanist and outstanding soloist, who approaches the drum kit in both a melodic and percussive fashion, never playing overly-long or rambling solos. Cobb is known for working slightly ahead of the beat, and has anchored many fine sessions. Cobb studied briefly with Jack DeJohnette and has played with, among others, Charlie Rouse, Leo Parker, Frank Wess, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington and Pearl Bailey.
Rounding out the quartet is guitarist MIKE STERN, who flanked Miles in his resurgence in the early 80’s and is heard on Man With The Horn, We Want Miles and Star People. A rocking, experimental guitarist who rose to fame while playing with Davis, Stern is a competent bebop and hard bop player, and an excellent fusion and jazz-rock musician. He's provided some wondrous riffs, blistering lines, complex voicings, and dynamite phrases doing fusion, playing with much more force and vigor than on more conventional jazz. Stern attended the Berklee College of Music in the early '70s, where he studied with Pat Metheny and Mick Goodrick until which time Metheny recommended him for a vacancy with Blood, Sweat & Tears, with whom he worked with for two years. He later worked with Billy Cobham until joining Miles’ band in 1981. Stern stayed with Davis for two years, going on to play with Jaco Pastorius’ group Word of Mouth. Stern made his recording debut as a leader in 1985; he later toured with Davis again, played with Steps Ahead and has worked in bands led by Michael Brecker and Harvie Swartz (now known as Harvie S). Stern recorded as a leader for Atlantic in the '80s and '90s and most recently signed to ESC Records, where his latest release is slated for September 2003.
There is no better way to salute a master than with the musicians who helped him in creating the sounds behind the genius. Carter, Cobb, Coleman and Stern will each bring their individual history, style and approach to the Davis art form in a week of celebration not to be missed.
Tuesday, June 10 through Sunday, June 15, 2003, 8:00pm & 10:30pm
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