The DEFINITIVE vinyl version of Sketches of Spain…
Miles Davis – Sketches of Spain – Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab #UD1S-1-038 – 180 Gm vinyl- Original Master Recording – Stereo – Limited edition 5000 pressings – 1960- 41:39 – *****
(Artists: Miles Davis – trumpet and flugelhorn; Gil Evans- conductor, arranger; Paul Chambers – bass; Jimmy Cobb – drums; Elvin Jones – percussion; Johnny Coles, Bernie Glow, Taft Jordan, Louis Mucci, Ernie Royal – trumpets; John Barrows, James Buffington, Earl Chapin, Tony Miranda, Joe Singer – french horns; Dick Hixon, Frank Rehak, Bill Barber, Jimmy McAllister – trombones; Danny Bank – bass clarinet; Albert Block, Eddie Caine – flutes; Romeo Penque – oboe; Harold Feldman – flute, oboe, clarinet; Jack Knitzer – bassoon; Jose Mangual Sr. – castanets (#1-2); Elden Bailey – percussion (#3-5); Janet Putnam – harp)
Along with the iconic Kind of Blue release, Miles Davis, might be most well known during his mid career period, for his unique blend of jazz, classical and world music found on Sketches of Spain, which followed Kind of Blue in his discography. Miles had a brief fascination with flamenco music after hearing Joaquin Rodrigo’s composition, “Concierto de Aranjuez.” Working with composer and arranger, Gil Evans, Davis, backed by a full 18 piece orchestra, and his trio of Paul Chambers, and Jimmy Cobb (with guest percussionist, Elvin Jones(!), recorded his tribute to Flamenco, and it remains a fascinating release, that stands out as a masterpiece still today.
What better recording of orchestral jazz to use by the audiophile boutique label, Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, for their ultimate Ultra Disc One Step process, than Sketches of Spain… On the 65th anniversary of the albums release, pressed on 180 gm vinyl by Fidelity Record Pressing, the results are simply sublime. Audiophiles and Davis fans can know, and treasure, that they have the best sounding version, that honors Miles’ vision . The sound stage is truly wide open for Davis’ muted trumpet and flugelhorn, the horns (including five french horns, two tubas, and five trumpets), and wide range of percussion instruments (with castanets!).
The classy MOFI box includes a cardboard storage sleeve, facsimile of the front and back of the original album, with liner notes, as well as an archival photo of Miles.
The pristine black vinyl is comprised of the original five album tracks. The centerpiece, of course, is a re-working of “Concierto de Aranjuez (Adagio), which was the second movement of the composition by Rodrigo, written in 1939. It was written for guitar, but Miles and Gil, adapted their version for trumpet and flugelhorn, with an emphasis on Miles’ noted talent for muted horn.
The other four tracks were inspired by Spanish folk songs with roots from Galicia and Andalusia. Miles felt that flamenco music had roots that were African based, with similarities to American blues.
The “Concierto” at 16:24 is the longest track, and its mournful muted flugelhorn, backed by percussion, including Jose Mangual, Sr., on castanets, has stood the test of time. There is a “noirish” mood, much like a movie soundtrack building tension. The horns have contrapuntal response to Miles Harmon muted flugelhorn. Much could be the same for mood setting on the following “Will O’ the Wisp.”
Side 2 has “The Pan Piper,” with its repeating riff, along with some stand out flute. “Saeta” features a drum beat “march to battle” with fanfare. It has a funereal feel as its opening theme repeats throughout. The closer on Side 2 is “Solea.” Written by Gil Evans, at over twelve and half minutes, it seems to expand on some of the vision of the other shorter tracks, in a more up tempo fashion. Miles’ trumpet reaches increased passion and intensity, closer to a jazz vein, but still fully in synch with the rest of the album.
MoFi advertises their UltraDisc One Step vinyl releases as “The Ultimate Vinyl Experience.” This is an accurate description for listening to this iconic release sixty five years later.
—Jeff Krow
Miles Davis – Sketches of Spain
Tracklist:
Side 1: Concierto de Aranjuez, Will O’ Wisp
Side 2: The Pan Piper, Saeta, Solea
