The Last Miles: The Music of Miles Davis, 1980-1991

by George Cole

Miles Davis was one of the musical giants of the 20th century and, during his long career, he transformed the face of jazz, fusing the genre with other styles. This book looks at the work and legacy of this important musician.

Genres: Music, Jazz, Biography

608 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2005

Reviews

[Carlos Repuestodelatabla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is interesting because it is, or was when I read it, the only book to focus on the last decade of Miles. Not even the 70s experiments, but the stuff Miles did after his 5 year hibernation. It's a labour of love from someone who had never heard earlier Miles, so it is unique and a fresh perspective. A book for the initiated, but anyone who is deeply into Miles should read this.

[Ian Parkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exhaustive (and at times exhausting) account of Miles’ later day output. The book contains a huge number of facts and appears to be very well researched, but the while thing comes across as a bit dry and academic. It also feels like it could have done with more thorough editing as some information gets repeated. Having said that it’s improved my understanding of an undeservedly maligned period of Miles’ career and led me to some other fine recordings from the time which I would otherwise have missed.

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it's fair to say that I've read quite a bit on the music of Miles Davis. I've been listening to his music for almost 30 years. My introduction to his music was the albums he made in the 80s. Also all the concerts I saw him play were in that time as well. As I grew more familiar with all of the music he recorded, I listened to the 80s stuff less and less. This was a good book for me, because it made me listen to that eras albums again. If you are interested in the music of Miles Davis, this book is essential .