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The exhibition is divided into eight sections, each
marking a point of redirection in each of the musician's
periods, for Davis never stopped reinventing himself
throughout his life.
From St. Louis to Fifty-second Street:
In Search of Bird (1926-1948)
In this section, which traces the trajectory from Davis's
middle-class childhood to the New York
jazz clubs, visitors will discover the dream of bebop. Davis meets the leaders of bebop, Dizzy
Gillespie and Charlie Parker, whom he seeks out in New York.
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Out of the Cool: Invention and Self-Loathing (1949-1954)
Davis opens the way to cool jazz. In 1949, after a stay in Paris, where he encounters
the intelligentsia of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, he returns to the United States and falls prey to drugs. He gathers the
young black vanguard of the new hard bop (Thelonious Monk, Art Blakey, etc.), participates in various recordings and develops a unique style.
Miles Ahead: In the Studio for Columbia (1955-1962).
The records of the consecration. In 1954, he quits drugs. Columbia gives him a contract. He creates Kind of Blue
in 1959, as well as a number of ambitious orchestral albums, and achieves star status in the
world of jazz. In Europe, his music for the film Ascenseur pour l'échafaud (1958) is a triumph.
Miles Smiles: Controlled Freedom (1963-1967)
Davis surrounds himself with young, incredibly talented musicians (Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams, Ron Carter, Wayne
Shorter) and invents a free and intuitive style of jazz that would prove to be very influential.
Electric Miles: Rock Distortion (1968-1971)
A new era and a new look. Davis plugs into rock and contributes to the emergence of what will be called "jazz-rock." He
receives a Gold Album for Bitches Brew (1970), which leaves its mark.
On the Corner: Funk Beat (1972-1975)
The artist searches for the sounds of the street, the blackness of funk and the impact of boxing.
Silence, Solitude and Requiem (1976-1980)
Battling with a number of problems, Davis stops appearing on stage in 1975 and lives as a recluse until 1980, when he makes a comeback.
Star People: Global Icon (1980-1991)
Miles Davis reinvents a way to make music that reflects the times. In 1986, the record Tutu garners accolades. The artist rises from the
ashes and helps to forge his own legend. He participates in the Montreux Jazz Festival in
1991 and renews ties with former tour partners at La Villette in Paris. He dies on September 28.
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© 2010 The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. All rights reserved.
Miles Davis, Newport Festival, Palais des Sports, Paris. November 15, 1973. After photos © Christian Rose
Important notice: copyright and reproduction rights
http://www.mmfa.qc.ca/milesdavis
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 Anthony Barboza, photographs taken during a photo shoot for the record cover for You're Under Arrest, 1985, 100 x 100 cm. Anthony Barboza Collection. Photo © Anthony Baarboza |
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