Miles Davis
Trumpet Solo on
Donna Lee

About

Miles Davis's trumpet solo is the 2nd of 3 on this recording, spanning half a chorus at approximately 226 BPM. Set within a swinging rhythmic framework, the 32-bar AB form and the key of A♭, the solo navigates the chord changes with purpose. Built on the chord changes of "Indiana," the harmonic foundation is a familiar one in the jazz repertoire, inviting inventive melodic departures. Positioned between Charlie Parker and Bud Powell, Davis bridges the conversation between the two. This May 1947 Savoy session was one of the first to feature the Parker-Davis-Powell combination, assembling three of the most important voices in modern jazz. Following 2 choruses from Bird, Miles takes just half a chorus.

Miles Davis was 20 to 21 years old at the time.