Porgy and Bess
Miles Davis · 1959
58 min · 15 tracks · jazz fusion · bebop · hard bop
A lush, orchestral reimagining of American folk and jazz that breathes new life into Gershwin's classic opera.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady melodic exploration
- rich orchestral textures
- thoughtful afternoon listening
- emotional storytelling through music
Maybe skip if you want
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
- seek standalone singles only
Where this album fits
- Themes
- American folk reinterpretation· orchestral jazz fusion· operatic melancholy
- Career context
- Released on March 9, 1959, 'Porgy and Bess' marked a significant moment in Miles Davis's career, coming shortly after his groundbreaking album 'Kind of Blue'. This project showcased his willingness to experiment with orchestration and reinterpret jazz standards, highlighting both his artistic growth and the evolving landscape of jazz during this period.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter
- Sounds like this from elsewhere
-
Mingus Ah Um by Charles Mingus — Shares orchestral complexity and deep emotional narratives rooted in American jazz tradition.Out of the Cool by Gil Evans — Combines lush orchestration with a blend of jazz and classical elements, echoing similar experimental spirit.A Love Supreme by John Coltrane — Explores spiritual themes through rich improvisation and orchestral depth, aligning with Porgy and Bess's tonal richness.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Buzzard Song 4:09
- 2 Bess, You Is My Woman Now 5:12
- 3 Gone 3:38
- 4 Gone, Gone, Gone 2:05
- 5 Summertime 3:21
- 6 Oh Bess, Oh Where's My Bess 4:30
- 7 Prayer (Oh Doctor Jesus) 4:42
- 8 Fishermen, Strawberry and Devil Crab 4:07
- 9 My Man's Gone Now 6:16
- 10 It Ain't Necessarily So 4:25
- 11 Here Come de Honey Man 1:20
- 12 I Loves You, Porgy 3:42
- 13 There's a Boat That's Leaving Soon for New York 3:26
- 14 I Loves You, Porgy (take 1, Second version) 4:16
- 15 Gone (take 4) 3:40
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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