Miles Davis - So What - The Robert Herridge Theater, New York - April 2, 1959

Miles Davis - trumpet
John Coltrane - tenor sax
Wynton Kelly - piano
Paul Chambers - bass
Jimmy Cobb - drums
Gil Evans - conductor - Gil Evans Orchestra

[jimdixon]

This was such a weird moment in the history of the United State. In 1959, Miles is at the top of his game, recording for the most important U.S. record label, in the best-sounding studios, laying down music that was at the very pinnacle of post-war modernism...the pinnacle not only in the context of music, but in the context of all the arts. He is being broadcast on the CBS television network into millions of homes...nothing is more sophisticated than Miles in American culture, and the guy can't even go to a drug store lunch counter in most cities and order a grilled cheese sandwich! We may have a long way to go yet, but jeez, this country in 1959 had, uh....a much longer way to go.

[Breakbeats.]

Miles providing the ice while John Coltrane played the fire! Brilliant I tell you.

[marsharupe]

If I could travel back in time for a day, this is where I would want to go . . .

[terrellstephen]

Thank God. I cant believe i found this on the 2nd of April 2023 and am watching it exactly 64 years later. Simply Awesome. A performance of a Lifetime.

[fryelee]

Thank God someone was smart enough to preserve this.  I've only seen this video about 50 times and every time I watch it, it still leaves me in ah.

[ralphmurray]

That upright bass deserves total respect. Davis and Coltrane is off the hook. Best jazz ever.

[sammyscellojourney]

100 years from now people will be watching this video in awe!!!! as I am now....

[daleyokuwa]

Miles Davis and John Coltrane what a combination of genius playing Jazz

[malbug]

One of the best live performances of any song, ever...

[TheOwl]

Some people are virtuosos with an instrument. Gil Evans was a virtuoso with the jazz orchestra between his detailed writing and use of unconventional instruments (flutes, oboes, French horn, tuba). Gil and Miles created some amazing music together that I'll always love, this TV special offers much proof. ❤❤❤❤

[arsenalfeet]

the coolness of miles davis combined with the smoothness and power of coltrane, best jazz piece ever.

[waveatthelighteveryone]

Play this before going into war and you'll lose the motivation to fight, turn around and head back home. This is simply brilliant!

[ChristianFabris]

The introduction by Robert Herridge makes what follows even more special and enjoyable.... everything seems perfect!

[smallbuj]

I don't think Coltrane has ever been surpassed. God!!! What a talented player.

[zanderdiasdude]

Anyone that enjoys "Kind of blue" or the music of Davis should read the book "kind of blue. The making of a masterpiece" by Ashley Kahn. It's a beautifully written book on the album, Davis, and the band as a whole, and an intricate look on the music

[jamesm.]

It swings man, that bass line. My God.

[calicowest]

These were musicians being musicians… however Miles knew what he was creating here a ‘Masterpiece’

[agamemnonpadar]

Listening to Miles Davis and John Coltrane for now about 40 years every time I hear their music I am amazed by its beauty and depth. Another artist who has the same effect on me is Oliver Nelson. One night in the 1980s I sat with four elder jazz musicians in a club where them had finished their concert. There was loud Funk playing and we all chatted happily away and drunk quite heavily. When it got late in the night a piece of music by Oliver Nelson "Stolen Moments" from the album "The Blues and the Abstract Truth" (1961) was played and suddenly the crowd got quiet and all listened to the music. When the track ended there was a moment of silence and the saxophonist remarked into it "damn, this was good". I really recommend for the one who don't know "Stolen Moment" to look it up on YouTube and have a "damn, this was good" moment. I envy you to hear this beautiful piece of music for the first time.

[jasonnstegall]

You know, the whole Kind Of Blue was as much as a challenge to play for all involved because of the conception of the music involved -- even Miles knew that those 5 pieces he presented to the sextet would also be challenging himself. But the one person who really had to find a way to discipline himself yet be true to his own way of expressing himself was Coltrane, and I think he did a brilliant job -- so much so, it affected the rest of his life/career in terms of how he both composed his own tunes and how he improvised.

[nassar]

Jimmy Cleveland and Frank Rehak were very underrated trombone players. Nobody was here who wasn't top notch - Trane, Paul Chambers, Wynton Kelly, Jimmy Cobb, arranger Gil Evans and of course - Miles Davis. Music of the time reflects a culture more than any other medium. THIS was when American culture was great - because America was great then.