Jazz Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Jazz - Essay Example In 1944 Davis was privy to observe the performance of a band comprised of jazz great, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. These two were creators of the then new bebop style of jazz known for its ‘fast’ and ‘dynamic rhythm variations’ (all.about.jazz 2009). Interestingly, Davis style was in direct contrast to this fast pace it was considered to be cool. It was so cool that his first recording which was initiated by him was called ‘Birth of the Cool’. This album would later be abducted to the Grammy Hall of Fame. In an attempt to emulate Parker and Gillespie Davis began a program of study in the Institute of Musical Art in New York City now known as Julliard in 1944. However, by 1945 he was requested to be a guest player at one of Parker’s show and so ended his study at Julliard’s. He became a full-time jazz musician. For the next three years Davis joined bands of the like of Benny Carter, Eckstine and Parker. During these years he made several recordings as a sideman. In 1948 Davis established his own band and eventually signed with Capitol Records. Subsequent to his signing with Capitol for several years Davis’ success was hindered by his use of heroin. Fortunately Davis was able to overcome this drug addiction and landed a contract with Columbia Records. Following his heroin years Davis went on to gain nine Grammy Awards and several other Grammy Nominations. One of his most famous recordings was in 1959 ‘Kind of Blue’ which sold more than ‘two million copies, a phenomenal success for a jazz record’ (all.about.jazz 2009). With albums like ‘Someday My Prince Will Come’, ‘Quiet Nights’, ‘Miles Davis in Europe’ and ‘Bitches Brew’ to name a few earned Davis these awards. His final Grammy in 1993 was a Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance for Miles and Quincy Live at Monteux. Clearly, Miles Davis was a legend in his own right. He created a new form of jazz which