← Back

Porgy and Bess

by Miles Davis

Released: March 09, 1959

Third stream, orchestral jazz, cool jazz

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

It marked a significant moment in jazz history, demonstrating the genre's ability to transcend boundaries and explore new musical territory. "Porgy and Bess" is a jazz album by trumpeter Miles Davis, released in March 1959. It is an interpretation of George Gershwin's opera "Porgy and Bess," featuring arrangements by Gil Evans.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The album features a large ensemble including brass…

The album features a large ensemble including brass, woodwinds, and rhythm sections, creating lush, orchestral textures that complement Davis's lyrical trumpet playing.

"Porgy and Bess" showcases Davis's ability to blend…

"Porgy and Bess" showcases Davis's ability to blend jazz with elements of classical music, resulting in a unique and innovative sound.

The album includes memorable tracks such as "Summertime,"…

The album includes memorable tracks such as "Summertime," "Bess, You Is My Woman Now," and "It Ain't Necessarily So," all reimagined through Davis's distinctive improvisational style.

Start listening here

Essential Tracks

Bess, You Is My Woman Now

The album includes memorable tracks such as "Summertime," "Bess, You Is My Woman Now," and "It Ain't Necessarily So," all reimagined through Davis's distinctive improvisational style.

Summertime

The album includes memorable tracks such as "Summertime," "Bess, You Is My Woman Now," and "It Ain't Necessarily So," all reimagined through Davis's distinctive improvisational style.

It Ain't Necessarily So

The album includes memorable tracks such as "Summertime," "Bess, You Is My Woman Now," and "It Ain't Necessarily So," all reimagined through Davis's distinctive improvisational style.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Miles Davis - Porgy and Bess

Open in Albums Gallery

Then

Reception

The album received critical acclaim upon its release and is considered one of Davis's most important recordings.

Now

Legacy

The album received critical acclaim upon its release and is considered one of Davis's most important recordings.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Porgy and Bess" is a jazz album by trumpeter Miles Davis, released in March 1959. It is an interpretation of George Gershwin's opera "Porgy and Bess," featuring arrangements by Gil Evans. The album features a large ensemble including brass, woodwinds, and rhythm sections, creating lush, orchestral textures that complement Davis's lyrical trumpet playing.

"Porgy and Bess" showcases Davis's ability to blend jazz with elements of classical music, resulting in a unique and innovative sound. The album includes memorable tracks such as "Summertime," "Bess, You Is My Woman Now," and "It Ain't Necessarily So," all reimagined through Davis's distinctive improvisational style.

The album received critical acclaim upon its release and is considered one of Davis's most important recordings. It marked a significant moment in jazz history, demonstrating the genre's ability to transcend boundaries and explore new musical territory.