65 years ago this week: “Kind of Blue” was recorded and performed by a young group of talented musicians – before they were jazz legends – under the direction of visionary trumpeter Miles Davis. After its release in August 1959, sales were initially slow, but the album went on to become the best-selling jazz album of all time.
So why does “Kind of Blue” Lasted 65 years as the best classical jazz album?
“I consider ‘Kind of Blue’ to be a timeless work,” said James Kaplan, author of “3 Shades of Blue: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, and the Lost Empire of Cool.”
“‘Timeless’ is a word that gets used far too often these days, but this great album really seems to exist outside of time in a way that’s hard to explain.”
Angelika Beener, an award-winning journalist, DJ, producer and presenter, says “Kind of Blue” captures universal human emotions in a unique way.
“Everyone loves this album, and it’s not because they’re forced to, or because they have to, or because they’re told to,” Beener said. “There’s something deeply moving about it. This album goes into the deepest realms of sensuality and romance and contemplation and ecstasy and vulnerability.”
While Davis took charge of the album, he was supported by several other talented musicians who contributed to the creation of his legendary work.
“He gave the artists a lot of freedom,” said Leon Lee Dorsey, an associate professor at Berklee College of Music. “You see interviews with people like Herbie Hancock, who he trusted – the chemistry they brought to the table, that whatever was going on, it was like a laboratory.”
All this and more – including the thoughts of a new generation of jazz musicians at the Global Jazz Institute at Berklee College of Music – in this week’s special episode of Under the Radar with Callie Crossley.
GUESTS
James Kaplan is the author of four books, including his latest, “3 Shades of Blue: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, and the Lost Empire of Cool.”
Leon Lee Dorsey is an associate professor at Berklee College of Music and has worked as a bassist, composer, arranger and producer.
Angelika Beener is an award-winning journalist, DJ, producer and presenter. She hosts the podcast “Milestones: Celebrating the Culture” on New Jersey-based WBGO.
