May 2026 marks a hundred years since the birth of Miles Davis. To commemorate the centenary, Maijazz has chosen a concert concept primarily involving the city’s young music students – specifically students from the Faculty of Performing Arts at UIS and Young Talents of Bjergsted (UTB).
Miles Davies, or “Miles” as he is most often referred to, is one of jazz music’s great soloists and innovators and for many, the most influential figure in American jazz music of the last century, from the late forties until his death in 1991.
In addition to being an outstanding trumpeter and improviser, he constantly sought new musical frameworks for his art practice, and many of his record releases have become iconic snapshots of stylistic changes in American art music. Releases such as Birth of Cool, Milestones, Kind of Blue, Miles Smiles, In a Silent Way, Bitches Brew, We Want Miles and Tutu are examples of this.
His educational significance for new generations, his musical learning and aurally-based musical understanding are less discussed, yet of equal historical relevance.
Miles’ rhythmic, melodic and sonorous approach to improvisation, in addition to his ability to constantly seek musical collaboration with young, talented musicians, has rendered him an artistic and innovative role model for ever new generations of creative young musicians right up to the present day.
With the concert concept “Milestones”, Maijazz wishes to celebrate Miles’ anniversary in a fitting manner to his example by challenging the city’s music students to use Miles’ music as a framework and basis for their very own musical interpretation.
Time and place:
Folken, Friday 8 May at 19:30 hrs.
Photo: Svein Erik Fylkesnes