Song of the Day: April 8, 2020

Today, we’re going all the way back to 1959 for our Song of the Day.

As many of you know, I played trumpet in high school – A LOT of trumpet. It was a really great time to be in to trumpet. Dizzy was still actively playing. Miles was still pushing the envelope as he did his entire career. Wynton released amazing albums like “The Majesty of the Blues”and the three-album “Soul Gestures in Southern Blue” suite. The late 80’s and early 90’s were great years to be really in to trumpet.

If I had to look back and pinpoint the one album that flipped the switch for me to focus my studies on jazz trumpet, it would be Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue.” I am convinced that millions of trumpet players would say the same thing. “Kind of Blue” is approachable and understandable to anyone that enjoys music. That album is fairly unique in that way. No matter what genre you prefer, you can listen to and enjoy “Kind of Blue.” I even heard the album blaring from a roof top patio of a fraternity down the street from Currier Hall in Iowa City when I was in college. That was when I knew Miles and that album transcended everything.

Out of all of the great songs on the albums, the one that consistently puts a smile on my face, the one where I am convinced the guys were having an incredible moment in the studio is “All Blues.” I have listened to this song so many times that I can sing, and in some cases, play all of the solos. I hope it brings you as much joy as it does for me.