New Blues & Maze

Miles Davis

Davis and Robben Ford dig into the blues

For a few months in 1986, guitarist Robben Ford worked with Miles Davis.

Around this time, Davis enjoyed playing a blues in the middle of his set which he simply called “New Blues.”

At that year’s Montreux Jazz Festival, Davis’ trumpet chops were in very good form as he shows during his passionate solo on “New Blues” which includes some surprising high notes.

Robben Ford takes a lowdown blues solo before the tempo and groove change as the band segues into the uptempo “Maze” which features another excellent spot for the trumpeter and a short solo by Bob Berg on tenor.

Miles Davis had a particularly strong band at the time which also included Adam Holzman and Robert Irving on keyboards, electric bassist Felton Crews, drummer Vincent Wilburn Jr, and percussionist Steve Thornton.

-Scott Yanow