The Art of Manliness

The 3 Musical Geniuses Behind the Most Popular Jazz Album of All Time

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Mar 13, 2024
James Kaplan, author of "Three Shades of Blue", dives into the lives of jazz legends Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Bill Evans, the creative force behind the iconic album 'Kind of Blue'. He unpacks their personal struggles and artistic journeys, exploring how their collaboration redefined jazz. Kaplan also sheds light on the era of bebop, the rise of cool jazz, and how addiction shaped the legacies of these music giants. This insightful conversation reveals the profound impact these musicians had on the evolution of jazz music.
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ANECDOTE

Book's Genesis

  • James Kaplan's editor suggested a book about "Kind of Blue."
  • Kaplan, having interviewed Miles Davis years prior, proposed focusing on the three key figures behind the album.
INSIGHT

Macro Factors

  • Macro factors like the Depression and WWII shaped jazz history.
  • These events led to innovations in jazz that might not have otherwise occurred.
INSIGHT

Bebop's Style

  • Bebop is compared to Cubism, a radical departure from previous forms.
  • It was fast, angular, and not danceable, focusing on improvisation in small groups.
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