Miles Davis and Free Jazz: An Indirect Influence
Miles Davis is considered one of the most influential figures in the development and evolution of modern jazz. Known for his innovative and forward-thinking approach to music, Davis explored various styles throughout his career, from bebop to cool jazz, and later to fusion. Despite his initial distaste for free jazz, Davis' music was not isolated from this influential movement, thanks to his incredibly talented band members who were heavily involved in the free jazz scene.
Understanding Free Jazz
Free jazz is a genre that pulls its name from the fact that it liberates itself from structured traditional forms and harmonic limitations. This form of jazz emphasizes improvisation and allows musicians to experiment with unconventional forms of expression, often challenging the boundaries of what jazz music can be. Free jazz emerged in the 1960s, a period of significant social and cultural change, and was heavily influenced by the civil rights movement and wider explorations in music and art.
Championing a New Sound
Miles Davis was primarily known for his more structured and boppish sound, which evolved into a more soulful and modal style with his album Bitches Brew. This album marked a turning point in Davis' career, introducing him to a new wave of experimentation and fusion with elements of rock, funk, and classical music. However, Davis himself was not a vocal champion of free jazz. In fact, he was on record as stating his dislike for the genre.
“I don’t like free jazz, man. It gets too abstract, and I can’t relate to it,” Davis is quoted as saying. This statement highlights his own stance on the genre, but it does not tell the whole story of how free jazz influenced his music.
The Role of His Band Members
While Miles Davis did not embrace free jazz directly, many of his band members were heavily involved in the scene. These talented musicians brought their experience and understanding of free jazz to his music, indirectly shaping his work in significant ways. Two notable figures in this regard are Tony Williams and Herbie Hancock.
Tony Williams: The Drum Marvel
Tony Williams was a drummer and composer who initially played with Miles Davis in the mid-1960s. His contributions to the band's music were groundbreaking, often incorporating elements of free jazz into the structure of the band's numbers. Williams was known for his incredible skills and his ability to push boundaries, making him an integral part of Davis' experimentation with new sounds and styles.
Herbie Hancock: The Piano Prodigy
Herbie Hancock, another key player in Davis' band, was a pianist with a unique sense of innovation. Hancock’s involvement in the second great quartet with Davis helped introduce the saxophonist to the world of avant-garde music and free jazz. Hancock's explorations in the realm of improvisation and his openness to experimental techniques had a profound impact on Davis' later music.
The Influence on Miles Davis' Later Works
The indirect influence of free jazz became particularly evident in Miles Davis' work after he formed his second great quartet with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Tony Williams. Albums like Kind of Blue were still in the bop and modal jazz veins, but with each passing year, the influence of free jazz became more pronounced. Tracks like "Tia Juana" and "Ghost Trax" from Braxtons and Ratels exhibit a shift towards more experimental sounds and structures.
Moreover, in his later work, such as the sideman role on No Strand, Miles Davis was able to delve into more abstract forms of music. This was partly due to the influence of his band members who had already embraced free jazz. These elements helped to evolve Davis' sound and explore new dimensions of music that he might have otherwise found more challenging.
Conclusion
Despite Miles Davis' vocal disapproval of free jazz, the genre's influence was undeniable through his band members. Tony Williams and Herbie Hancock were pivotal in bringing a new breadth of musical ideas to Davis' work, indirectly shaping his music and helping to expand the boundaries of what was considered possible within the jazz genre.
For those interested in exploring more about the intersection of Miles Davis and free jazz, one should look at the work of his sidemen and their individual contributions to the genre. This exploration reveals a rich tapestry of musical influence and innovation that further cements the legacy of one of the most influential jazz musicians in history.