Miles Davis : Book Review

"Miles Davis" by Ron Frankel offers a in-depth look into the life and career of the legendary jazz musician. This comprehensive biography provides readers with a detailed account of Davis's early influences, his rise to fame, and his significant impact on the music industry.

Frankel takes the readers on a journey through Davis's formative years, exploring the people and experiences that shaped him as a musician. From his childhood in East St. Louis to his time at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music, Frankel presents a vivid portrayal of Davis's early life and the events that influenced his musical development.

As Davis's career took off, Frankel delves into the various stages of his artistic evolution, from his early days playing with jazz legends like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, to his innovative experiments with modal jazz in albums like "Kind of Blue." Frankel also examines the profound influence of Davis's collaborations and relationships with other musicians, including John Coltrane and Herbie Hancock.

What sets this biography apart is the personal and intimate portrait of Davis that Frankel presents. Through interviews with Davis's family, friends, and fellow musicians, Frankel unveils the complexities and contradictions of the enigmatic artist. Readers will gain insight into Davis's relentless pursuit of artistic excellence, his struggles with addiction, and his complex personality.

Beyond Davis's personal life, Frankel explores the broader impact of his music on the jazz genre and the music industry as a whole. He analyzes Davis's revolutionary contributions to the development of jazz, such as his incorporation of electric instruments and fusion of genres like rock and funk. Frankel also examines Davis's relentless pursuit of artistic originality and his determination to push boundaries.

What are readers saying?

The biography "Miles Davis: The Definitive Biography" by Ron Frankel has received a mixture of reviews from readers. While some have praised Frankel for his extensive research and detailed portrayal of the legendary musician's life, others have had some criticisms.

Many reviewers admired Frankel's thoroughness in capturing Davis's childhood, musical career, and personal relationships. They found the book engaging with a good balance between Davis's personal and professional life. Readers appreciated Frankel's ability to capture Davis's complex personality and the challenges he faced throughout his life.

However, some readers felt that the book was overly dense and lengthy, which made it challenging to fully grasp Davis's story. They expressed a desire for more focus on Davis's music and creative process, feeling that these aspects were not adequately explored. Some reviewers also criticized Frankel's writing style, finding it too academic and lacking the passion and energy that Davis's life and music deserved.

Another criticism raised by readers was the lack of diversity in perspectives and voices. Some felt that Frankel relied too heavily on existing biographical material and interviews, neglecting to delve deeper into the perspectives of Davis's contemporaries and collaborators. These readers wished for more firsthand accounts and interviews to provide a more comprehensive understanding of Davis's life and career.

Despite these criticisms, "Miles Davis: The Definitive Biography" was generally well-received, particularly by those who appreciated the insights it provided into Davis's life, struggles, and musical genius. It is considered a valuable resource for fans of Davis and jazz enthusiasts looking to delve into the life and legacy of one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

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