Jazz Legend Miles Davis Performs in Florianópolis

Voted by Rolling Stone as "the man who changed music," trumpeter and composer Miles Davis will be the main honoree of the month of July in the Tournée AF project, promoted by the Alliance Française of the Capital. This special event will take place in Florianópolis, this Friday, day July 5th, at MULTI, at 8:30 pm. Admission is free.

Early Life and Career of Miles Davis

Childhood and Early Years

Miles Dewey Davis III was born on May 26, 1926, in Alton, Illinois. From an early age, he demonstrated a deep interest in music. Thus, at the age of thirteen, he received his first trumpet, a gift that marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey into the world of jazz.

Formation and Early Influences

Davis was heavily influenced by jazz musicians such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. His formal musical training began at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where he honed his technical skills while immersing himself in the local jazz scene.

Rise to Stardom

Miles Davis's Collaborations with Jazz Greats

Davis's career took off when he began collaborating with some of jazz's biggest names. His collaboration with Charlie Parker was particularly significant, as it helped establish Davis as a top-notch jazz musician.

The Birth of Cool Jazz

In 1949, Davis released the album "Birth of the Cool," a landmark in the evolution of jazz. This album introduced the "cool jazz" style, characterized by its smooth melodies and complex arrangements. The album received critical acclaim and solidified Davis's position as an innovator in the jazz world.

Musical Evolution and Innovations

Modal Jazz and “Kind of Blue”

In the 1950s, Davis began exploring modal jazz, an approach that departed from traditional harmonic structures. This exploration culminated in the album "Kind of Blue" (1959), widely considered one of jazz's greatest masterpieces. Furthermore, the album remains one of the best-selling albums of all time in the genre.

Jazz Fusion and “Bitches Brew”

In the 1960s and 1970s, Davis continued to innovate, this time delving into jazz fusion. With the release of "Bitches Brew" in 1970, he blended jazz with rock, funk, and electronic music. As a result, he created a revolutionary sound that attracted a new generation of fans.

Impact and Legacy

Influence on Other Genres

Miles Davis's influence wasn't limited to jazz. His work had a profound impact on other musical genres, including rock, hip-hop, and electronic music. Many artists across a wide range of genres cite Davis as a key inspiration.

Recognition and Awards

Davis has received numerous awards throughout his career, including nine Grammys. He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, an honor that reflects his far-reaching impact on popular music.

Personal Life and Challenges

Struggles and Overcoming

Davis's life was also marked by personal challenges, including battles with addiction and health issues. However, he always managed to reinvent himself and continue to create innovative music.

Lasting Legacy

Miles Davis passed away on September 28, 1991, but his legacy endures. His innovative spirit and ability to transcend musical boundaries continue to inspire musicians and fans around the world.

A Memorable Tribute to Miles Davis in Florianópolis

In this edition of the AF Tour, renowned musicians will be responsible for bringing the work of Miles Davis to life. Trumpeter Gabriel Barbalho, saxophonist Elio Lorenzo, pianist Edilson Fortes, drummer Bruno Braga, and double bassist Tiê Pereira make up the quintet that will pay tribute to Davis. The performance will focus on the Miles Davis Quintet, the artist's first major quintet, which also included John Coltrane, another iconic jazz figure.

The 2024 AF Tour Cultural Program

In 2024, the Capital's Aliança Francesa language school will continue to enrich Santa Catarina's cultural scene with the Tournée AF – Première Édition project. This project will bring a series of free performances to four cities: Blumenau, Criciúma, Florianópolis and Joinville. There will be eight different attractions throughout the year, including music, dance, and film concerts, all sponsored by the Santa Catarina State Government's Cultural Incentive Program (PIC) and supported by Celesc.

Event Details in Florianópolis

AF Tour | Miles Davis Special Edition Premiere | Florianópolis

• When: Friday, July 5, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
• Where: Multi Open Shopping (Dr. Antonio Luiz Moura Gonzaga Highway, 3339 – Rio Tavares, Florianópolis)
• Prohibited: Free
• Classification: Free