Miles Davis’s improvised soundtrack for Louis Malle’s 1957 film, Ascenseur pour l’Échafaud, continues to radiate sensuality, tension, and nocturnal beauty in its recent lavish reissue (Decca France). As Miles Davis approached the end of his life in September 1991, a neighboring trumpeter, whose practice sessions were often heard, shifted from classical melodies to improvisations inspired by Miles’s voice-like, blues-inflected phrasing. This served as a touching personal tribute to the unparalleled instrumental voice and imagination that profoundly shaped 20th-century music.
This month commemorates Miles Davis’s centenary, prompting widespread celebrations of a musical career that earned him, reputedly from Duke Ellington, the moniker “the Picasso of jazz” for his diverse stylistic explorations. Among the notable releases this month is his 1957 film soundtrack, Ascenseur pour l’Échafaud. This re-release features restored audio, stunning photographs, and insightful essays, offering a rich exploration of this iconic work.