
Happily the trend continues as news has just been released that a film based on the life of the hugely influential jazz trumpeter and bandleader (also to my mind probably the coolest muthaf****r ever!), Miles Davis has been given the go-ahead. The acclaimed actor Don Cheadle has signed on not only to play Davis, but will also make his directorial debut on this project entitled 'Kill The Trumpet Player'. This is an obvious labour of love for Cheadle who has been trying to get the iconic musician's life on celluloid for many years.
This development reminds me of an occasion over 10 years ago when I was in an audience at the National Film Theatre in London attending a special interview with Wesley Snipes. At the time he informed us that he too had a burning desire to play Miles Davis on film and his production company were working full out to make this a reality. We should expect the finished product in the next year or so. The fact this did not happen only goes to show the kind of dogged determination and patience needed just get all the right pieces (finance, script, director, actors etc.) in place for a film of this nature to get off the ground.
Not only have I included a clip of Miles performing 'So What' from my favourite Miles album, the majestic 'Kind Of Blue', I have chosen to also add a fantastic clip of film of Miles live in Milan, Italy in 1964 performing my all time favourite Davis track, 'All Blues'. The youngbloods (and future jazz stalwarts) who are playing alongside the master include a youthful Herbie Hancock on piano. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFuHKvEuFbU