Jon Faddis on why Miles Davis still matters at 100

Jon Faddis, a renowned trumpet virtuoso and educator, is spearheading a major homage to Miles Davis as the jazz icon’s centennial approaches. On November 12, Faddis will lead “Miles at 100,” a concert commemorating the groundbreaking albums Birth of the Cool and Kind of Blue. The event is part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival held at the Victoria Theater in Newark, New Jersey.

Faddis’ musical journey began at an early age, inspired by witnessing Louis Armstrong’s performance on television. His formative years in the San Francisco Bay Area were marked by an auspicious encounter with Dizzy Gillespie, which blossomed into a nearly 30-year mentorship and friendship. By age 17, Faddis was already performing with Lionel Hampton’s band and soon relocated to New York to immerse himself in the jazz capital’s vibrant scene.

Throughout his career, Faddis has contributed significantly to jazz, leading ensembles such as the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band and the Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra of New York. Additionally, his role as director of jazz performance at Purchase College has positioned him as a pivotal figure in training new generations of musicians.

The upcoming tribute concert features a cadre of esteemed artists. Among them are trombonist Steve Turre, tubist Bob Stewart, French horn player John Clark, and saxophonist Erena Terakubo. Notably, Sam Dillon, a former student who now teaches at Juilliard, will embody the spirit of John Coltrane during the performance, highlighting Faddis’ influence as a mentor and educator.

Central to the commemoration is an acknowledgment of the revolutionary nature of Davis’ collaborations, particularly with arrangers and composers such as Gil Evans, Gerry Mulligan, Johnny Carisi, and John Lewis. These partnerships helped redefine jazz’s sonic palette, introducing instruments like the French horn and tuba into ensembles, which offered a softer, more nuanced color contrary to traditional big band arrangements.

Kind of Blue remains a landmark recording in jazz history, celebrated for its pioneering modal improvisation and stellar lineup, including Jimmy Cobb, Paul Chambers, Bill Evans, Wynton Kelly, Coltrane, and Cannonball Adderley. Faddis emphasizes the album's enduring influence, equating its significance in jazz to the stature of classical compositions by European masters.

Faddis also addresses common misconceptions about Davis, particularly critiques regarding his stage presence and audience engagement. He draws parallels to classical conductors, illustrating Davis’ role as a bandleader who prioritized musical direction over traditional showmanship. This perspective challenges the notion that Davis was disengaged during performances.

The tribute further reflects on the personal dimensions of Faddis’ relationships within the jazz community, including his connection to James Moody, whose family’s involvement in educational initiatives continues to support aspiring jazz musicians. Moody’s multifaceted musicianship and entertaining style are noted as influential within the lineage of jazz performance.

Moreover, Faddis recounts his own development under Dizzy Gillespie’s tutelage, acknowledging the balance between emulating his mentor and cultivating a unique artistic voice. His educational philosophy stresses respecting jazz’s deep roots—from African musical traditions to the Black church—and encourages emerging artists to innovate while honoring the genre’s heritage.

The concert and festival stand as a testament to the vitality of jazz and its capacity to inspire. Through these celebrations, Faddis aims to uplift audiences and musicians alike, reinforcing jazz’s relevance and emotional power more than a century after Miles Davis’ birth.