Mainstream Talent Scout Talent Scout Objective: listen to the six bands assembled at your recording studio, evaluate the bands' use of the Mainstream style characteristics, decide which band to offer

Interview with Miles Davis appearing in Cool Music magazine

Coming from a rather affluent family in Alton, Illinois Miles Davis got his start in music when his father arranged for him to have trumpet lessons at age 13. His later, simple style is thought to have came from the fact his father slapped his knuckles every time he played his trumpet using vibrato. It seems that slap stuck in the mind of Davis and helped guide his signature sound. He started his professional career at age 16 but was pushed to continue his formal academic studies. Davis attended the famed Julliard School of Music but later dropped out after thinking the classes centered too much on a white stylings. Davis continued his career with multiple collaborations with other famous musicians. His style of music ranged from Jazz to Cool to Hard Bop and other mixes of sounds. He had his share of heartbreaks, successes and everything in between.

CM-When growing up as a child, did your Dad really slap your hand to keep you from having a vibrato sound?

I’m not sure how that got out to the public, but yes it is true. However it is not as bad as it sounds. In fact, I’m really glad he did it, it has made me the musician I am today.

CM- Do you wish you had finished Julliard or are you happy with the path you took?

I wouldn’t exactly say I am happy that I dropped out, in fact I hate saying I failed at anything. Julliard gave me a good basis of music knowledge that helped me become a better musician. But I enjoy how my career turned out and wouldn’t change anything about that part.

CM- How did playing as a sideman to Charlie Parker feel since you were such a young musician?

As I have stated so many times Charlie Parker was my idol growing up. He was such a great musician and so influential in to me in helping me find out who I was. The fact that I met up with him and he was willing to listen to me shows how he helped me. We all know how the relationship ended but I don’t blame that on him.

CM- It is well known that Charlie Parker was a drug addict; did that introduce you or lead you in your future battle with heroin?

That’s a tough question. I saw how destructive the drugs could be, especially within the relationships of each other in the band. But that’s about it. It may have actually kept me away from the drugs for a while, but definitely didn’t lead me to them.

CM- There was a lot of racial tension in your early days of playing. Did you ever feel that tension from white musicians, or other fellow black musicians?

I felt it from all sides. Some whites didn’t think that blacks should play with them. Some blacks didn’t think I should play with white musicians. As with everything else, I couldn’t make everyone happy. I just tried to surround myself with the best and not worry about everyone else.

CM- You have admitted that to support your heroin addict you were also a part time hustler. Tell me about how you came to doing that.

The drugs overtake you, you don’t really think about anything other than getting your next fix. I have always been a laid back person, but the drugs, they change you. My eye opening experience was when Cab Calloway informed the world of my habit in his interview with Down Beat. It was at that point I decided I had to quit. I had to lock myself in a room until I finished going through the withdrawals. After I came out though, I felt like a new person.

CM- Following some of your early music that was characterized as “cool”, you continued with music considered Hard Bop. Do you consider yourself a founder of either styles of music?

Wow, to be considered the founder of anything is flattering but I think I had a major part in both. The thing you have to remember is that I never worked alone on either project. In my Walkin’ album I felt that was the way my music was going and went with it.

CM- You were given the nickname “prince of darkness”, do you think you, or Ozzy Osborne is more fitting for the name?

I know I had a quick temper and a bit of a reputation, but I still don’t think I’m as dark as Ozzy. But you can’t compare apples and oranges.

CM- Your masterpiece is considered to be your album Kind of Blue. What did you do different in that album than in others?

I think having Bill Evans back gave a whole new personality to the album. We played what we felt was right and things flowed together.

CM- How did you feel about having the US House of Representatives passing a resolution making that album a national treasure?

Amazing, is all I can say. It was truly an honor

CM- Anything new we need to be looking for from you?

Not really, I’ve been feeling kind of dead….

Audition Results:

Chet Baker,

Instruments we want to hire: trumpet, flugelhorn, piano, singer/songwriter.

Chet Baker artist style characteristics: contrapuntual touches

Instruments Chet Baker plays: trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals, and piano.

Dear Chet Baker,

After reviewing your application and audition we have hired another person. We appreciate your interest in applying for our coversheet on Cool Music. The reason that we did not hire you was due to your lack of songwriting abilities. We need a composer as well as a musician. We have also conducted a background check on all applicants and found that you have been arrested numerous times in two continents. Your drug habits also hinder you from being able to be featured.

We acknowledge you for your musical abilities in your West Coast Jazz style. You are a talented musician and we look forward to the performances you will produce in the future.

Sincerely

Olivia Grubbs

Cool Music Magazine


Shorty Rogers

Instruments we want to hire: trumpet, flugelhorn, piano, singer/songwriter.

Shorty Rogers artist style characteristics: West Coast Style Jazz, avant-garde jazz

Instruments Shorty Rogers plays: trumpet, flugelhorn, arranges, and composer.

Dear Shorty Rogers,

After reviewing your application, we regret to inform you that you do not qualify to be featured in Cool Music Magazine. The reason that we did not hire you was due to the fact that you only play two instruments. We are looking for a musician that can play as well as write and sing.

We acknowledge your composition that you have done for various labels. We commend you on your performances and look forward to them in the future.

Sincerely

 Olivia Grubbs

 Cool Music Magazine


John Lewis

Instrument We Want to Hire: Trumpeter 

Instrument Artist Plays: Piano

Artist's use of the Swing style characteristics:

Conservative pianists; playing counter-melodies in octaves that combine with other musicians to form polyphonic texture. Doesn’t comp, occasionally plays stride. Plays with delicate touch, sometimes almost indistinguishable. Isn’t a spot light hog the way many young musicians are. Also composes many of his own arrangements, often avoiding repetition, long solos, and familiar keys. Would be a good addition if we were looking for a pianist.


Miles Davis

Instrument We Want to Hire: Trumpeter

Instrument Artist Plays: Trumpeter

Artist's use of the Swing style characteristics:

Plays in a lyrical, introspective, melodic style and skillfully uses a Harmon mute to make the sound more intimate. Davis has a slow and less flashy style that enhances the personal and intimate nature of his playing. He developed modal playing by basing his improvisations on scales rather than cord changes. He has been in the thick of almost every jazz musical innovation since the 1940’s. Shows his ability to grow and change with the times. Would be a good addition to the record label. Has large fan following and with ability to adapt, will hopefully never “go out of style”.


July 6, 2010

Lennie Tristano

3636 New Sights Drive

New York, NY 96337

Instruments we want to hire a Cool style Trumpet player

Instruments Lennie play are several wind instruments

Lennie,

I would like to thank you for giving Cool Music the opportunity to hear your audition and interview. The position we discussed has been filled.

It was with great difficulty a selection was made from an assemblage of gifted musicians. The emphasis was on a trumpet players sound. Unfortunately you did not include this sound. Your outstanding ability for improvisation is remarkable. I hope we will hear from you again in any future upcoming events. Again we would like to thank you for your interest in Cool Music Magazine and wish you great success.

Sincerely,

Gloria R. Carpenter

Producer and writer

Cool Music Magazine


July 6, 2010

Paul Desmond quartet

2106 New heights Drive

Richmond, CA 47682

Instruments we want to hire: a Cool style Trumpet player

Instruments Paul Desmond Quartet play is Saxophone, Bass, drummer, and piano

Paul,

I would like to thank you for giving Cool Music the opportunity to hear your audition and interview. The position we discussed has been filled.

It always makes for a very difficult decision when choosing from a group of very gifted and talented musicians. The emphasis was on a trumpet players sound. Unfortunately your quartet did not include this sound. Your tone, colors and great improvisation with the Cool Style of music will be a great asset to anyone searching for such talent. Again we would like to thank you for your interest in Cool Music Magazine and wish you great success.

Sincerely,

Gloria R. Carpenter

Producer and writer

Cool Music Magazine