'Aura' was recorded at Easy Sound Studios in Copenhagen in January1985. It was produced by Palle Mikkelborg. Due to contractual issues and other "rhubarb", it wasn't released until September 12, 1989.
This is Miles' final masterpiece, a fully realized suite that stands as a cohesive whole. 'Aura' earned Miles two Grammy Awards: Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Soloist, and Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Big Band, in 1990.
Aura, a tribute to Miles Davis that took place in early 1985 in Denmark, was a celebration of his work with Danish musicians. This prestigious Danish cultural award featured a recording session that Miles really enjoyed. Danish composer and trumpeter Palle Mikkelborg, a jazz modernist with deep classical roots, composed and arranged all the tunes.
The recording featured the Danish Radio big band and special guests like bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, drummer (and Miles’ nephew) Vince Wilburn, Jr., and guitarist John McLaughlin. While some dated musical elements, such as gated drums and heavy reverb, hint at the 1980s production, the overall sound maintains a sense of good taste and balance.
The tracks are named after simple colors, with the closer the color is to white, the more subtle and subdued the music becomes. Conversely, the more intense the shade, the more dynamic the music. "Orange" introduces electronic elements and sets the tone for an energetic performance. "Red" featuring a throbbing bass line and tide-like synthesizer swells, flows seamlessly from one section to another, evoking a sense of solemnity reminiscent of a movie score. "Violet" showcases John McLaughlin in his full-force, less distorted sound from the 1990s, offering a cleaner and clearer performance compared to his work in the 1970s. As Aura’s final track, it also includes a particularly effective moment when Miles switches from playing mute to playing an open bell. This moment leaves me wishing John and Miles made more collaborative music.
Tracklist
1. Intro
2. White
3. Yellow
4. Orange
5. Red
6. Green
7. Blue
8. Electric Red
9. Indigo
10. Violet
The Players
Miles Davis, Trumpet
Palle Mikkelborg, Flugelhorn, Trumpet
John McLaughlin, Electric Guitar
Vince Wilburn, Jr., Drums
Marilyn Mazur, Percussion
Benny Rosenfeld, Flugelhorn, Trumpet
Palle Bolvig, Flugelhorn, Trumpet
Jens Winther, Flugelhorn, Trumpet
Jens Engel, Trombone
Ole Kurt Jensen, Bass Trombone
Perry Knudsen, Flugelhorn, Trumpet
Idrees Sulieman, Flugelhorn, Trumpet
Vincent Nilsson, Trombone
Ture Larsen, Trombone
Axel Windfeld, Bass Trombone, Tuba
Jesper Thilo, Flute, Reeds
Per Carsten, Flute, Reeds
Uffe Karskov, Flute, Reeds
Bent Jaedig, Flute, Reeds
Flemming Madsen, Flute, Reeds
Niels Eje, English Horn, Oboe
Bjarne Roupee, Electric Guitar
Lilian Thornquist, Harp
Thomas Clausen, Keyboards, Piano
Ole Koch-Hansen, Keyboards
Kenneth Knudsen, Keyboards
Bo Stief, Electric Bass
Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen, Bass
Lennart Gruvstedt, Drums
Ethan Weisgaard, Percussion
Eva Hess-Thaysen, Vocals
Sounds amazing; thank you
ReplyDeleteGood afternoon, everyone. Given that I wear jeans almost every day, I would say "denim blue." However, I don't have a general preference. Whether it's white T-shirts, colorful ones, or solid colors—whatever the shade may be—it simply has to suit my mood and appeal to me personally. In that case, the color doesn't matter to me. I wish you all a pleasant rest of the afternoon. Best regards, Mike
ReplyDeleteMost worn color is probably a toss up between blue (jeans) and green (tees). Really want to get more purple in my line-up.
ReplyDeleteWho knows why I posted Miles today?
ReplyDeleteMiles 100th birthday!
ReplyDeleteBlue - jeans, various colored t-shirts mostly. There once was a time when all socks I wore were red, no longer. Looking forward to Aura, I bought a cd when it came out, but only listened a few times, I think. Due for a revisit. Thanks Babs.
***Ding-Ding-Ding***
DeleteWe have a winner!
Here's Johnny Olson to tell you what you've won.
"Thanks Babs! Mumbles you have won an audio cassette head cleaner and demagnetizer from Vinyl Styl. This tape head cleaner easily cleans & demagnetizes heads and rollers. It demagnetizes your system by using a spinning magnet, which removes remnant magnetic field or polarity that can distort playback. At the same time, the cleaning tape buffs the heads and rollers. This head cleaner can be used for home, portable and car cassette systems. This has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of eleven dollars and ninety-nine cents! Back to you, Babs".
Aw shucks. Also, Rest In Peace - Sonny Rollins
DeleteThanks Babs (& Johnny!)
Mostly shades of green, although I also own a purple hoodie that is in most disreputable condition.
ReplyDeleteANON RF: Green, green, and green.
ReplyDeleteLink
ReplyDeletehttps://workupload.com/file/DVsAgrjTfzA