New and upcoming: Miles Davis biopic, Chick Corea and more

Recently, I was scanning Netflix for a movie to watch and I came across Indecent Proposal. I watched it, again. Surprise, Herbie Hancock played the piano in one scene. I hadn’t noticed that when I watched the movie the first time. It was released in 1993. Back then, I wasn’t fully aware of jazz yet. Anyway, the movie got me thinking.

How many other living jazz greats have graced the silver screen in recent years and received such worldwide exposure? Not many, although vocalists Dianne Reeves and Nnenna Freelon, who both played nightclub singers in the movies, come to mind.

Then I thought of the making of the new biopic about the late trumpet legend Miles Davis that features actor, producer and director Don Cheadle. This is excellent news, especially as he’ll star and direct the biopic, Miles Ahead. Cheadle also learned to play the trumpet for the film.

Chick Corea coming to Dakota

Speaking of Miles, just the other day I was thinking of his controversial 1972 album, On the Corner from Columbia Records. Pianists and composers Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea made vital contributions to the iconic album that’s finally getting the recognition it deserves.

Corea’s new trio album from Concord Records, Trilogy, features first-rate musicians and bandleaders bassist Christian McBride and drummer Brian Blade. The three discs of previously unrecorded originals and jazz standards blew me away.

It has so much going for it. For one, it’s a triple-CD set recorded around the world. I love live albums, sometimes more than studio recordings. Corea called his trio experience with his musical partners McBride and Blade, “a joyful exploration.” He goes on to say that there was a certain chemistry that happened, which is difficult to describe. Yeah, well try writing about that. It ain’t easy.

This set is a good example of the magic a veteran musician and a young virtuosic trio can make on stage together. No jazz generation gap here. All three are master musicians. I was personally struck by songs “My Foolish Heart,” “Spain,” “Blue Monk,” and “Someday My Prince Will Come,” all played like I’ve never ever heard before. But to fully appreciate this music, you must listen to it for yourself.

Guests flutist Jorge Pardo and guitarist Nino Josele in Madrid, along with Gayle Moran Corea, Chick’s wife, make this must-own recording that much more pleasurable not only to the ears, but also the heart and mind. And the solos on “Fingerprints” represent fierce high-level artistry. From the phrasing to the beautiful flourishing notes, in a word it’s all quality. The music and sound quality is the result of high intentions, skillfully executed intelligence, and sincere effort.

In Corea’s liner notes for Trilogy, he writes, “My thanks also to our mentors who helped us form ourselves as musicians: especially Bud Powell, Ahmad Jamal and Miles Davis.

I mention this as it occurs to me that I still need to finish reading the book The Amazing Bud Powell: Black Genius, Jazz History, and The Challenge of Bebop by Guthrie P. Ramsey, Jr. (University of California Press, 2013). It’s so deep, I had to take a pause for a minute, but I’m getting back to it, especially as I’m reminded of Powell’s birthday on September 27.

Next week, Corea and his Vigil band will perform at the Dakota on Sept 24. As promising as this performance is, I wish he was bringing the trio. No doubt the new band will perform new music from their new album, The Vigil (Concord). The band includes guitarist Charles Altura; Tim Garland on sax, flute, and clarinet; Luisito Quintero on percussion; Carlitos Del Puerto on acoustic and electric bass; and Marcus Gilmore on drums. For more information, visit www.dakotacooks.com.

Checking out more new music

On my iPad, I checked out the recent edition of “The Checkout” with Josh Jackson on WBGO Jazz 88.3 FM featuring the promising new young talent saxophonist Melissa Aldana and the outstanding trumpeter Diego Urcola from Argentina. I thought the lively interviews and new music really gave listeners a rare glimpse into the artistic creative process. And Urcola’s rendition of “You Don’t Know What Love Is” is absolutely superb.

I’m familiar with Urcola’s work, and now I must listen to his entire 2013 album, Mates, from Sunnyside Records. His ability to play so soft, makes it sound easy, but I know that it’s not.

There are so many more new albums out now from Blue Note, HighNote, and Impulse!, and I’m looking forward to listening to them all in more detail. So far, pianist Jason Moran’s Fats Waller-inspired Blue Note recording featuring singer-songwriter, bassist and rapper Meshell Ndegeocello, All Rise: A Joyful Elegy for Fats Waller (also available on vinyl) is a standout.

It’s Moran’s ninth album for Blue Note, and his first in 14 years without his regular band. Sure, I’d love to hear more from his exceptional band, but this album is cool for now. At the present, I’m still absorbing it all.

By far, it’s not your ordinary tribute album. I really dig the tune, “Two Sleepy People” featuring trumpeter Leron Thomas, among other songs. As for Moran, he sounds as inspired as ever. This album is a rarity, as it’s truly a risk-taking type of recording that was released at the right time in the right century.

The recording is ultimately a celebration and captures the passion of Waller’s creative genius and his inner luminescence. There’s plenty of musical excitement here that should translate into moving listeners emotionally. For proof, just listen to “Jiggerbug Waltz.”

Changes for Kenny Garrett

In my last column I wrote about saxophonist Kenny Garrett and his new director of jazz studies position at William Paterson University. Unfortunately, plans have changed and Garrett will not be joining the faculty as originally announced. More details to come.

In memoriam

Big Band leader and composer Gerald Wilson passed away recently, as did pianist Joe Sample.

They will be missed dearly, yet remembered fondly for their invaluable musical contributions, and passionate enthusiasm. I feel fortunate to have shared insightful conversations with both men, who gave me their full attention.

I’ll never forget seeing saxophonist Najee perform at the Fine Line and experiencing the spontaneous moment when Sample stepped up to the stage to sit-in with him. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thank you for the beautiful music and memories.

Robin James welcomes reader responses to jamesonjazz@spokesman-recorder.com.