StLJN Saturday at the Movies: Happy birthday, Miles Davis

Since Miles Davis' birthday falls on a Saturday this year, it seemed like a good idea to combine our 2007 commemoration of the trumpeter's birth with StLJN's weekly Saturday video feature.

A couple of these clips have been displayed here before, but most are new to this space. The performances span more than 30 years, from the late 1950s to 1991, and you'll see Miles in both acoustic and electric formats (as well as some interview footage). Where it was available, I've noted the personnel and recording dates below the clips' respective embedded windows.

So, without further ado, and with apologies to those still using a dialup connection, here's a multi-part, video birthday tribute to the St. Louis area's most famous jazz musician of all, born on this day in 1926...

"So What"


"My Funny Valentine"


Recorded October 11, 1964 in Milano, Italy, featuring Davis (trumpet), Wayne Shorter (tenor sax), Herbie Hancock (piano), Ron Carter (bass) and Tony Williams (drums).

"I Fall In Love Too Easily"


Recorded 1969, featuring Davis (trumpet), Wayne Shorter (saxophone), Chick Corea (piano), Dave Holland (bass) and Jack DeJohnette (drums)

"Ife," Parts 1-3






Live in Vienna


Recorded November 3, 1973, featuring Davis (trumpet), Dave Liebman (saxophones), Reggie Lucas (guitar), Pete Cosey (guitar), Michael Henderson (bass), Al Foster (drums) and Mtume (percussion).

"Tutu"


"It's About That Time"


Recorded 1991 in Paris and credited to "Miles Davis and Friends," featuring Davis (trumpet), Kenny Garrett (saxophone), Bill Evans (saxophone), Joe Zawinul (keyboards), Herbie Hancock (keyboards), Chick Corea (keyboards), Al Foster (drums), Foley (bass) and others.

1982 interview on NBC's "Today Show"