Miles Davis walked off the stage
That’s what the folks are all saying
Oh yes he did leave the stage
After his solo was all over
Coltrane he walked off the stage
That’s what the folks are all saying
Yes they both left the stage
Clean out of sight
They felt they had to rehearse
Although we know they are masters
They get a real Groovy sound
And you will have to admit it
Yes they both left the stage
Soon as their solo’s were over
And if you can’t figure out
Their groove I’d like to help you
So what!
Miles Davis, trumpet; John Coltrane, tenor; Wynton Kelly, piano; Paul Chambers, bass; Jimmy Cobb, drums; Gil Evans Orchestra, background riffs. 2 Apr 1959, Studio 61.
In 1985, I was 15 year old, middle America white kids, who stumbled into the life of an angry black man knick named Corky; who for reasons, that I still don't understand, took a liking to me, and introduced me to jazz. This was the first song he played for me, on a 45 record player, and it was all over for there, I was hooked. Thank you Mr. Lewis for those hours you spent explaining Monk, Train and Davis, 30 years later I'm still listening trying to understand.
During this period in his career, Miles had the curious habit of quickly licking his right index finger before taking a solo, often accompanied by a momentary drop of the horn, as if he were reconsidering whether he even wanted to play. The mannerism had faded by the mid-sixties - so happy it's been preserved here on film. One more bit of proof that the tiny gestures of giants are food for us mere mortals.