Watch Miles Davis - Miles Electric: A Different Kind of Blue

Miles Davis - Miles Electric: A Different Kind of Blue is a mesmerizing documentary about the life and times of legendary American jazz musician Miles Davis. The documentary, which was released in 2004, covers the period of Miles' life from the mid-1960s to the early 1970s, a time when he was experimenting with his music, pushing boundaries and testing the limits of jazz.

The film, directed by Murray Lerner, focuses primarily on Miles' electric period, where he fused jazz, rock, and funk to create a sound that was unlike anything that came before it. The documentary features rare footage of Miles in concert, as well as interviews with musicians who played with him, including percussionist Airto Moreira, guitarist Carlos Santana, and keyboardist Herbie Hancock.

The film also features interviews with the people who knew Miles best, including his family and friends. Through these interviews, we learn about Miles as a person, including his struggles with addiction, his relationships with women, and his battles with racism.

One of the most captivating aspects of the film is the way in which it explores Miles' music. The documentary delves deep into the creative process behind some of Miles' most innovative tracks, including "In A Silent Way" and "Bitches Brew," and shows how Miles worked collaboratively with his band to create these groundbreaking compositions.

The documentary also provides an insight into the social and political climate of the time. We see footage of Miles performing at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970, where he took a stand against the Vietnam War and dedicated his performance to the Black Panthers. The film also shows how Miles' music was influenced by the Civil Rights movement, and how he used his art to speak out against injustice.

Throughout the film, we see Miles as a complex figure, both as a musician and a person. The film shows us his genius, his flaws, his humor, and his vulnerability. We witness his artistic growth and how he evolved from a bebop musician to an experimental jazz pioneer. We also see how he struggled with the pressures of fame, dealt with racism, and managed his personal demons.

In addition to the interviews and concert footage, the film features stunning visuals, using psychedelic colors and abstract imagery to represent Miles' music. The documentary is a visual and audio feast, and it effectively captures the energy and excitement of Miles' live performances.

Overall, Miles Davis - Miles Electric: A Different Kind of Blue is an engrossing and informative documentary that provides a fascinating insight into the life and music of one of the most innovative musicians of the 20th century. It's a must-see for fans of Miles' music, as well as anyone interested in the history of jazz and the evolution of popular music.

Miles Davis - Miles Electric: A Different Kind of Blue is a 2004 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes.