Miles: The Autobiography

Reading many of the reviews here for this book I was surprised about how many did not like ti because they turned out not to like Miles Davis as a person. His apparent cursing, his attitudes, his doings, his views of women, his attitudes to race and and much more. So these reviews judge miles Davis himself rather than the book.I absolutely loved to read it. Most people would come across and to Miles Davis because of his music, me included. So I approached this with the desire to find out more about the man and his life. From that point of view it is a very good read and will give you an excellent insight into not only Miles Davis's life, but all the other musicians, the general attitudes and mores of the time periods (from the 1920ies to the late 80ies. He describes in considerable details the musicians he worked with (very early on in his musical life CHOOSE to work with in his own bands) and why he worked with them. He goes into detail about their styles, touches on most of their lives and backgrounds.So in that sense he paints a very tangible picture of his musical world. As other mentioned (and were negatively touched by) his language is as frank and to the point as his character must have been. Transcribing taped interview sessions formed the basis of this book (did anyone think Mr Davis spent years at the typewriter or computer with it???? ;), so its style is colloquial and often there is always a sense of him speaking the words to you. This is expressed in the Word choices and sentence constructions. Motherf***er and other succulent expletives abound, but not as many think because he hates everything or everybody or feels the constant need to put people down, but - at least I believe so - because that is simply part of the language idiom. Thing called BAD are really EXCELLENT, and said mother f***er is often synonymous for DUDE, MAN, FRIEND, etc.Of course, if you read this book solely to analyse Miles Davis's personality and judge him on that - you WILL find that he had a tendency to be a recluse, a no-nonsense man 140% focused on his music and his music alone, with everything else coming second to that: personal relationships with women (of which he had more than many), family, kids, parents, friends, etc. He was judgemental, opinionated and strict in his live and his attempt to remain true to his vision (or what he calls DEMONS) of music.But what would you prefer - a man who made the music like he did, revolutionising and regenerating the genre at regular intervals during his career of 50 or so years, or someone who, well, would not be talked about (or listened to) at all, because he tried to manage his work - life balance like any other office worker? I know MY answer to that question.And another thing to keep in mind is that artists - in all fields of art - that work up on a level as he did WILL make HUGE sacrifices for their art. Sacrifices that to the normal eye will look inconceivable, pointless, hurtful to others, seemingly utterly counterproductive and even self destructive.So let's not worry too much about that aspect of Miles Davis, but celebrate what he managed to bring to us in terms of his achievements and music. That is what he will be remembered for for a very long time.A great book, a great insight.

Having recently read Ian Carrs in depth biography; which I would certainly recommend for all Davis enthusiasts, this book gives a very personal perspective on a jazz musicians life. Miles talks eloquently about his thought processes toward composing music, his contemporaries, and also his preference for listening to classical music. His battles with ill health,and particularly drug addiction, makes his musical achievements all the more remarkable. He speaks candidly about his sex life and numerous relationships and most disturbingly about race relations and his confrontations with the police. Be prepared for some rich use of language; get some of his CDs at the ready and enjoy.

That Davis is one of the most important musicians that ever lived is undeniable. That Davis had a knack for putting together the perfect band is something that becomes apparent while reading this book. That Davis was a flawed genius should be obvious. From start to finish, this book is open, honest and revealing. Davis does not hold back, and when he does, he does so spitefully: readers will note how Macero's contributions are pretty much maligned or completely overlooked. Why? Because Davis didn't like that white people were getting the credit for the work of the black man. If readers cannot stomach that very American fact, they will not enjoy this book. If readers are squeamish about bad language, violence and drug use, they should stay away from this book. If readers cannot bear to see their beloved Miles beating on women, being a pimp in order to get money for his narcotics habit, they should stay away from this book. Like James Brown, Miles needed control. When he didn't have it, he was uncreative and destructive. Davis was rude, rash and impulsive - he says all this.And yet.Davis was also kind, loving, affectionate and misunderstood. His intentions were frequently overwhelmingly positive. He didn't need to service critics, he was always at the cutting edge of jazz, he was forever moving forwards - unless he was lain low by a habit. This is an essential read for music lovers. For lovers of black music. For lovers of life. Davis ate life up, and gave us some great music. But he ignored his own family - seemingly much to his regret. Was this his sacrifice?Towards the end of the book come the most moving moments when Davis States how he talks to his parents and his friends: Monk, Bird, Trane, Garland, Evans etc. Though all dead, he states that he carries them around with him. We should do the same with Davis. Yes, he was narcissistic, but he was also proud. A vicious recount, then, but a fascinating one.And if those paragraphs about Gil Evans' death don't bring a lump to your throat, then you ain't human.

I love Miles Davis' music and have done so for years. I thought it was about time I learnt a little more about the man. I found this book very easy to read all of Miles' stories and anecdotes are extremely entertaining. The only downside after reading this book is it has whetted my curiosity so much I will now have to buy myself more books to read about Miles Davis and then, who knows Mingus and Parker et al !

As expected. Good condition.

Instantly gripping. The first few pages of this book will grip you immediately. The writing style allows you to read in the spirit of Miles Davis, to be able to read how it is spoken is a great factor about this book. Well written and so far, extremely gripping.

Great book

Okay...So I am biased because Miles is my greatest musician of all time , but......This is without doubt the most honest , brutal and down to earth autobiography I have ever read. The MF word is probably used a bit too often but as I said its honest and thats how the man spoke. Miles the individual , self-reliant , bold , creative genius. Fantastic read.......