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Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool (12A*)

Part of EFG London Jazz Festival 2019

,Barbican Cinema 2
Miles Davis playing trumpet in the studio

Miles Davis’ life and music are given a fascinating re-telling in this new documentary from director Stanley Nelson (The Black Panthers – Vanguard of the Revolution).

Nelson’s account uses newly-released archival footage, studio outtakes and rare photos in combination with interviews with the people who knew Davis best – friends, family and collaborators, among them musicians Quincy Jones and Carlos Santana, legendary jazz promoter George Wein, and past love Juliette Gréco.

From these insights, Nelson builds a complex, multi-faceted portrait of Davis the musician – his fierce creativity and musical development – and the man – his past loves, personal relationships and addictions. Overlaying it all are Davis’ own words, from his 1989 autobiography, read by Carl Lumbly.

Premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this year to great acclaim, this film will please Miles Davis fanatics and new fans alike.

Tagged with: Cinema EFG London Jazz Festival

US/UK 2019 Dir Stanley Nelson 115 min Digital Presentation

Barbican Cinema 2

Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue. 

Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.