Kind Of Blue -- Documentary, Concert

Still the best selling jazz album of all time, and still shiver-inducing -- that's Kind Of Blue, recorded in 1959 by an incredible group of musicians assembled by Miles Davis. Its sound, based on modes rather than loads of chord changes, and the mood that created, (moody! and exquisite) connected in a way that few single recordings do.

It has stood the test of time too -- August 2009 marks its 50th year. Noting that anniversary, Saturday on Inside The Music -- a documentary about the making of Kind Of Blue. Interviews include Herbie Hancock, David Amram, and the only extant member of the original group, drummer Jimmy Cobb. (Who also recently reminisced about the experience before a date at the Calgary Jazz fest).

Cobb is eighty now, and leading a band named after one of the Kind Of Blue tunes, the So What Band, which brings me to the concert: Canada Live is recording the So What Band performing the music of Kind Of Blue, and broadcasts the concert on July 13th.

It's an all star band (some of whom weren't even a twinkle when Kind Of Blue was recorded): Wallace Roney trumpet, Javon Jackson tenor sax, Vincent Herring alto sax, Larry Willis piano, and John Webber bass.

If you're a Kind Of Blue fan here's a question for you: Which piece from the album do you love best? (Kind of like asking "who is your favourite Beatle.") So...Freddie Freeloader, Blue in Green, All Blues, Flamenco Sketches or So What?

(As for me --Blue In Green...and George Harrison.)