In the previous post, I gave you some of the evidence that Miles Davis wrote “Nardis,” for a Cannonball Adderley recording session in 1958. But because there is a persistent rumor that Bill Evans wrote it, I promised you that I would go through all of the arguments that people use to support that idea. At the bottom of this essay, I will present yet more evidence that Miles wrote it.
On the subject of Miles as a competent composer, I seem to recall a biographer who evaluated MD assertions that he wasn't successful at Julliard. The biographer found transcripts, if memory serves correctly, proving that Miles did well, but especially in composition.
As today is Eric Dolphy’s birthday anniversary, going to play George Russell’s version of Nardis.
By the way, “Minority” by Gigi Gryce and “Nardis” by Miles on the same album? That’s “announcing one’s presence with authority”!
fwiw when a young Matt Brewer came back to Grand Rapids to visit his Dad, Paul, he picked up a new to him bass from a local player. Before returning to NYC he played live on Blue Lake Public Radio and included a solo version of “Nardis” that then went up on his web site earning thousands of hits.
Another great article, one side comment - Miles at least later in his career did name tunes by reversing names like Selim and Sivad which would have been another prompt for Sidran to ask about Nardis. I don't have the interview recording but as I recall about the transcript in Sidran's Jazz Talk book, Miles' response to Sidran's query was an ambiguous "is that so?"
Hello Nou--did you not click on the interview recording in my article? You can hear what Davis says! And yes, there are tunes which are reversed, and that would have been a good clue, but I haven't determined yet if Miles named those. Backwards names are a common thing in jazz--Emanon, Airegin, etc. THANKS NOU!
Yes, that's a great score. And yes, when Nardis is recorded (not always when it's performed) the Davis estate still collects royalties (until the copyright expires). Thank you Jens!
The deep Oriental feeling of the tune made me always think of Nard, a plant used from remote ages in Oriental perfumery, and the derived fragrance/unguent. (its genitive in Persian I think is nardis). https://www.etymonline.com/word/nard. It most probably gave as Narada as well.
Thanks Alan--yes, plus this is before Wayne was associated with Miles or Bill Evans. THANKS.
On the subject of Miles as a competent composer, I seem to recall a biographer who evaluated MD assertions that he wasn't successful at Julliard. The biographer found transcripts, if memory serves correctly, proving that Miles did well, but especially in composition.
Thanks Alex--good point--that may have been in Szwed's bio. THANKS!
As today is Eric Dolphy’s birthday anniversary, going to play George Russell’s version of Nardis.
By the way, “Minority” by Gigi Gryce and “Nardis” by Miles on the same album? That’s “announcing one’s presence with authority”!
fwiw when a young Matt Brewer came back to Grand Rapids to visit his Dad, Paul, he picked up a new to him bass from a local player. Before returning to NYC he played live on Blue Lake Public Radio and included a solo version of “Nardis” that then went up on his web site earning thousands of hits.
Hi Lazaro, Yes, that's a great Russell album. Very cool story about Brewer! Thanks for sharing that!!
Wasn't there also strong evidence that Miles Davis composed "Donna Lee"?
Hi Bert--absolutely--very strong evidence--that will be later in my series! All the best to you and yours!
Excellent breakdown Lewis.
Thank you Greg!
Another great article, one side comment - Miles at least later in his career did name tunes by reversing names like Selim and Sivad which would have been another prompt for Sidran to ask about Nardis. I don't have the interview recording but as I recall about the transcript in Sidran's Jazz Talk book, Miles' response to Sidran's query was an ambiguous "is that so?"
Thanks again! ... N
Hello Nou--did you not click on the interview recording in my article? You can hear what Davis says! And yes, there are tunes which are reversed, and that would have been a good clue, but I haven't determined yet if Miles named those. Backwards names are a common thing in jazz--Emanon, Airegin, etc. THANKS NOU!
And just before, he recorded this remarkable score https://www.milesdavis.com/albums/ascenseur-pour-lechafaud/
Impromptu! Just viewed the film, then recorded. With some French musicians.
How. Crazy. Is. That.
I believe Miles gets paid whenever Nardis is played - right?
Yes, that's a great score. And yes, when Nardis is recorded (not always when it's performed) the Davis estate still collects royalties (until the copyright expires). Thank you Jens!
The deep Oriental feeling of the tune made me always think of Nard, a plant used from remote ages in Oriental perfumery, and the derived fragrance/unguent. (its genitive in Persian I think is nardis). https://www.etymonline.com/word/nard. It most probably gave as Narada as well.
Very cool, Francesco! Thank you very much for sharing this interesting possibility.
All the best,
Lewis
Excellent as always Lewis
What I found interesting is the discussion on what scales to use. Since I'm not modal player I would approach it a totally different way
Interesting--yes I'm sure that you can approach it various ways. THANKS DOM!
Another interesting read ! Your research is mind-boggling. Thanks
Thanks Gerard!