In order to raise money for the African Research Foundation, Miles appeared at
Carnegie Hall, joined by Gil Evans on several pieces including “Spring Is Here,” inspired
by a Bill Evans arrangement. The atmosphere was tense. Miles, in the wings, confided
his stage fright to a bottle of bourbon while Teo Macero prepared to record the concert
on the theater’s mono equipment, in secret since the trumpeter had refused the idea.
The thrilling introduction to “So What,” arranged by Gil Evans, began the evening on a
note of grace. Soon the rhythm section crackled like dry wood, inciting Miles and Hank
Mobley to outdo themselves. Miles, who thrived on conflict, would be well served. After
intermission, while the concert resumed with “Someday My Prince Will Come,” Max
Roach displayed placards on stage denouncing the colonial character of the African
Research Foundation. Miles left the stage. Persuaded to return, he showed his anger
in the fire and blood he brought to “Oleo” before gradually calming down for the grand
finale of “Concierto De Aranjuez.”
Original issue: Columbia LP CL 1812
on July 16, 1962
Producer: Teo Macero
Engineer: Unknown
(a) Miles Davis (tpt); Hank Mobley (ts); Wynton
Kelly (p); Paul Chambers (b); Jimmy Cobb (d)
(b) Ernie Royal (tpt); Bernie Glow (tpt); Johnny
Coles (tpt); Louis Mucci (tpt); Jimmy Knepper
(tb); Dick Hixon (tb); Frank Rehak (tb); Julius
Watkins (frh); Paul Ingraham (frh); Bob
Swisshelm (frh); Bill Barber (tuba); Romeo
Penque (cl, fl); Jerome Richardson (cl, fl); Eddie
Caine (cl, fl); Bob Tricarico (cl, fl); Danny Bank
(cl, fl); Janet Putnam (harp); Elvin Jones (perc);
Bob Rosengarden (perc); Gil Evans (arr, cond)
Recorded live at Carnegie Hall, NYC
on May 19, 1961