Miles Davis
Trumpet Solo on
The Hymn

About

Miles Davis's trumpet solo is the 2nd of 4 on this recording, spanning four choruses at approximately 328 BPM. Set within a swinging rhythmic framework, the 12-bar Blues form and the key of B♭, the solo tests the player's command at high velocity. Positioned between Charlie Parker and Duke Jordan, Davis bridges the conversation between the two. Miles Davis follows with four choruses on trumpet, rising to the considerable challenge of maintaining coherence at this velocity. The extreme velocity demands split-second harmonic decisions and unwavering rhythmic confidence. The breakneck pace of this performance pushes every member of the quintet to the edge of their technical abilities.

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