Director, co-writer and star of Miles Ahead Don Cheadle loves jazz. Really loves jazz. So much so that to mark the release of the Miles Davis biopic, he’s curated a playlist exclusively for ShortList readers.
For the newcomer: Blue In Green by Miles Davis
“This is easily digestible and one of the most beautiful songs ever. It’s hearing Miles express himself in such a gentle way. The outward showing of him is someone supercool and aloof, but you hear this and it’s the most sensitive soul ever. When he put that trumpet to his mouth, what came out was his truth."
From the new school: The Epic [album] by Kamasi Washington
“This is a cat who knows from whence he comes and is pulling forward a lot of musical expressions to create a new sound. He plays on Kendrick [Lamar]’s album."
A leftfield Cheadle choice: Bluesette by Toots Thielemans
“This is a jazz waltz, a very breezy, swinging and happy track that will remind you of Sixties pop, dealt with in a jazz treatment. It always puts me in a good mood."
For the commuter: The Tube by Ahmad Jamal
“This feels like the Tube: you get the speed, percussiveness and angst. Last time I was on the Tube we were here filming Traitor. We shot all over London. I almost got killed, hit by a [van] by looking left by Trafalgar Square. It brushed my hands and face."
A true genius: Epistrophy by Thelonious Monk
“He’s a one-of-a-kind musical genius. You can tell when he plays that he’s hearing things you just can’t hear."
Bonus chillout: Circle by Miles Davis
“If this can’t chill you out, then you can’t be chilled out. It’s a perfect song.”
Miles Ahead is at cinemas from 22 April
Miles Ahead is in cinemas from 22 April
