About The Song
“Blue in Green” is a modal jazz composition by Miles Davis, first recorded on March 2, 1959, and released on his album Kind of Blue. The piece is in the key of E♭ dorian mode and features solos by Davis, John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, and Bill Evans.
Miles Davis (1926-1991) was an American trumpeter, bandleader, and composer who is widely considered one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz. He was a leading figure in the development of bebop, cool jazz, modal jazz, and jazz fusion. Davis’s playing was characterized by his use of a mute, his relaxed phrasing, and his improvisational skills.
Kind of Blue is considered one of the most important albums in jazz history. It was recorded in just two days and features Davis, Coltrane, Adderley, Evans, and Wynton Kelly on bass. The album is a modal jazz masterpiece, and “Blue in Green” is one of its most popular tracks.
The modal approach to jazz improvisation was a radical departure from the bebop style that was dominant at the time. Bebop was based on the use of chord changes as a springboard for improvisation. Modal jazz, on the other hand, is based on the use of modes, which are scales that are associated with particular moods or feelings.
The modal approach gave Davis and his fellow musicians more freedom to improvise and explore different melodic and harmonic possibilities. This is evident on “Blue in Green,” which features long, flowing solos by Davis, Coltrane, Adderley, and Evans.
The solos on “Blue in Green” are all masterful, but Davis’s solo is particularly noteworthy. He begins his solo with a simple, lyrical melody that he gradually develops and embellishes. His playing is full of emotion and expression, and he creates a sense of tension and release that is both exciting and moving.
“Blue in Green” is a beautiful and moving ballad that is considered one of the greatest jazz compositions of all time. It is a testament to the genius of Miles Davis and his fellow musicians, and it continues to inspire and amaze listeners today.
Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song is in the key of E♭ dorian mode.
- The melody is based on a simple, eight-bar phrase.
- The song features solos by Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, and Bill Evans.
- The song is considered one of the greatest jazz compositions of all time.