Time After Time

I know you've heard of Miles Davis, how could you have not? World renown trumpeter, composer, and artist his name is known by practically anyone that listens to music. What you may not have heard though was his take on Cindy Laupers classic song "Time After Time". Miles did this tune as honestly and as straightforward as he could and he did a damn good job. He could have taken this song in a direction where it wouldn't have been recognizable except to him, his band, and the producer. You would have known what song it was only by reading the song title on the CD. Jazz artists can do that to you, take a pop or top forty song and turn it completely on it's head. I'll show you a case of that real soon. Miles though did no such thing, he played it straight and it's really a lovely tribute to a beautiful song.

He comes in with his trumpet sounding very much like a cornet, all high pitch announcing it's arrival and then breaks into the melody. The musicianship is pitch perfect and on point and Miles plays above the track, plays with it, toys with it even but all the while stays true to the song. This tune was on Mile's first album with CBS Records entitled "Under Arrest" which dropped back in 1985. CBS had at the time the two biggest acts in music of the day, Cindy and Michael Jackson so Miles being Miles he did this song and a verson of Michael's "Human Nature" which is just as straightforward and just as beautiful. Check it out, I know you'll love it as much as I do. The rest of "Under Arrest" was typical Miles, avant garde and just different, challenging you the listener to follow along if you could. The only time you were able to take a breath was when this song and "Nature" played. At least that's my humble opinion but "Arrest" is by far one of my favorite Miles' albums (Bitches Brew comes in first).

Take a listen to this song and maybe like me you'll add it to your playlist or you may go back and check out more of the enigmatic and masterful Miles Davis. The one artist that definitely did things his own way, except this song and for that you just have to smile. Enjoy!