brandx@ihtnt.UUCP (10/23/83)
It seems that people have this notion that since Miles Davis was once disrespectful of his audience, that he is still this way. Have any of you who are so eager to put down Miles seen him recently? I've seen Miles twice since he came out of retirement. Miles treats his audience much better now. He likes to play around with the audience a bit and he seems to enjoy making music. Although he isn't doing anything earth-shattering musically (there are no Tony Williams or Joe Zawinuls in his band), he plays good music, full of humor. The people who thought that what he did in the early to mid 70's was a little too cosmic for their tastes may actually find the new Miles listenable, maybe even accessible. I've seen Miles smile in concert. I've seen him play call-and-response with his sax player. I've seen him play some beautiful phrases to some women in the audience. On his first tour back, he came on stage, started playing and all of the sudden he got some (unwanted) feedback through the PA. Did he let those speakers have it!!! You knew that what was coming out of his trumpet was a definite scolding directed at the PA. All very musical, mind you. So next time you feel the need to criticize, don't dwell on the past. Enjoy the present!