Musing on Miles - An American icon
Course Description
Summary
Miles Dewey Davis III (May 26, 1926 – September 28, 1991). An American icon whose approach and innovation on the trumpet set him apart from the mainstream while exploring new approaches to creating music. Davis was a trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. He is among the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz and 20th-century music. When you hear a Miles Davis recording, you know it's Miles. Davis's five-decade career kept him at the forefront of many major stylistic developments in jazz. He has performed and recorded with many innovative musicians and composers such as, Charlie Parker, Thelonius Monk, John Coltrane, Paul Chambers, Tony Williams, arranger Gil Evans, and countless others. With over 64 full-length albums, numerous awards and citations, Miles Dewey Davis's career went through many peaks and valleys. Looking at his life through an overview, students will view Davis's highlights from a select group of readings, listening, responses while viewing a treasure trove of documentation that will illuminate why Miles Davis is an American Icon.
Learning Outcomes
- * Discovering how Miles Davis developed his unique sound
* The trials, tribulations, and challenges of being black in America during the middle of the 20th century
* How Miles became a contributing architect to Cool and Post Modern jazz
* Exploring the rise, fall, and return of an American icon.