Sketches Of Spain (studio album)
by Miles Davis

For those who have lived in the very diverse country, this very great album by the masterful Miles Davis might well stand as good, or even a better testimony to Spain's wide variety of attractions than many of their own often masterful indigenous musicians have managed to convey.
With its artistic antenna closer to the South than to the centre or industrial North, Davis' work conjures up the traditional and historical flavour of Andalucia and surrounding areas, its music culture, and sentiment. His brilliant rendering of Joaquín Rodrigo´s "Concierto de Aranjuez" will not be pleasing to every purist ear, but for others, including myself, it will be remembered as one of the great piece's finest performances.
This album is a must for both lovers of Davis' music and of Spanish music generally. It is also a standout Third Stream work, perfectly combining Jazz Fusion and Spanish Flamenco.
After very careful consideration, I currently have this at the top of my favourite ever Jazz releases, including the artist´s own "Kind of Blue". unlike my great adoration of the work, that may change, but. I have given it a full 5 out of 5. It is that good!

As far as Jazz releases go, this is my own personal favourite.

One of the best third stream albums of all time.

A fantastic jazz album that has hints of a Spanish influence scattered across all its tracks making for one of his most unique albums he has made. Miles Davis still leads the line on his trumpet on these brilliant compositions with the record opening on its strongest one with Concierto De Aranjuez: Adagio. This is a 16 minute epic that really gets you in the feel for the music and soundscape we are about to experience. The music has an incredibly grand feel to it which is mainly due to the large ensemble that is present on this record. This makes for an extremely layered and complex release which is a lot of fun to explore. All the instrumental performances are amazing and the quality of the musicians is really put on display for us to see. Despite this, the music can feel a little slow at times and the music does take a while to build up. Also, I feel like they under used some of the talent on here by bringing in so many performers, as you lose a bit of the personality and connection you get with other records. Overall, a unique record in Miles Davis discography and one that is worth coming back to for its vibrant nature and grand feel it gives you.

I like the spanish flavour of this album.

From Jboy56 01/01/2022 16:37

This is an essential Miles album, an orchestral work, with sources from classical and world music and brought into the jazz domain.
A thoroughly composed and arranged, with no improvisational parts included. The larger band is also devoid of normal jazz rhymic accompaniment.

From VictorVale 11/11/2020 17:40

O clima é extraordinário, a orquestra agrega muito!

From 2nd-Impressions 10/02/2020 04:18

84/100

Best tracks: Concierto De Aranjuez, Saeta
Worst track: The Pan Piper

Another fantastic release from the legend himself, and one of my personal favourites!

From teague 06/23/2020 17:41

Sketches of Spain is essential Miles Davis and essential jazz in general. I love the orchestral arrangements, it makes the songs sound massive.

From Montpejo 04/17/2020 00:20

Highlights:

Solea
Saeta
Will O' The Wisp