3 Shades of Blue: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bill Evans And The Lost Empire Of Cool

3 Shades of Blue: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bill Evans And The Lost Empire Of Cool
James Kaplan
496 Pages
ISBN: #9780525561002
Penguin Random House
2024

James Kaplan's 3 Shades of Blue is an intimate biographic work that takes you through a fly-on-the-wall journey on the careers of three of the greatest jazz musicians of all time: Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Bill Evans. In 1959, the three recorded what is widely considered as the greatest jazz album of all time—Kind of Blue (Columbia, 1959). The book covers the before, during and after of this album and a multitude of other legendary cats that came before and after them. To the hardcore jazz aficionado, there may not be a whole lot of discovery here, but it is to Kaplan's credit that he portrays the humanity of his subjects, which is to say bringing these larger-than-life, often deified figures down from their pedestals, and delving into their struggles, failures, insecurities and jealousies, while also recognizing their remarkable persistence, determination and artistic curiosity.

The book is packed with anecdotes, memorable quotations and Davis f-bombs on how the three artists started, largely on the coattails of Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk, and their uphill battles to carve themselves a place in jazz royalty. Davis saying that he could never match Gillespie's virtuosity and speed with his horn, is a humble admission from a man not known for his humility. This realization, we learn, is apparently part of what inspired Davis to abandon bebop's chord progressions and explore modal jazz—seeking a musical platform that would provide more flexibility for improvisation.

A common thread among the three, as well as their mentors, was their curiosity to bring jazz out of its entertainment roots and cement it as a true artistic form. Charlie Parker meeting with Edgar Varèse, Coltrane's exploring Bartók, and Davis' fascination with Joaquín Rodrigo—all these pursuits brought classical and avant-garde influences into jazz, innovations that were often not embraced by the critics of the time. Davis started at Juilliard, eventually dropping out because he found it too "white," which never stopped him from borrowing from those genres. In contrast, fascinated and influenced by Les Ballets Africains, he felt uncomfortable in his ability to take from them because he himself was not African.

Kaplan does not shy away from diving into the three musicians' battles with drug addiction. While Davis repudiated Parker's drug abuse, he admired his ability to wake up from a heroin trip only then to go on stage and perform like a true virtuoso. Eventually Davis and Coltrane dropped heroin in favor of cocaine.

Davis is depicted as a figure of titanic complexity and creativity, marked by constant Picasso-like reinvention. Kaplan dives deep into his introduction of modal jazz and his pivotal role in the birth of cool jazz and jazz fusion. The author does not retreat from discussing Davis' tumultuous personal life, his struggles with addiction, and his controversial demeanor, portraying a man of contrasts whose influence is perhaps unrivaled.

Coltrane's spiritual and relentless pursuit of a deeper musical expression is captured from his explosive performance style to his pioneering work in avant-garde. As he spread his wings beyond the Miles Davis Sextet with Giant Steps, (Atlantic, 1960) his first album of original compositions, the work became an instant classic with a challenging technique that would position him as a towering figure among what jazz critics called Coltrane disciples.

Evans, known for his lyrical and introspective piano style, is portrayed as a quieter revolutionary, whose approach to harmony and the trio format left an indelible mark on jazz. Kaplan highlights Evans' contributions, such as his work on Kind of Blue, his development of a highly nuanced, impressionistic approach to jazz piano and his personal struggles, painting a picture of a sensitive artist whose internal battles mirrored the soulfulness of his music.

3 Shades of Blue is more than a biography; it is a compelling examination of artistry, identity and innovation. It is a heartfelt tribute to three musicians who defined the contours of modern jazz, meaningfully sprinkled with stories about those that came before and after them.

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