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Rating: BEFORE READING THE BOOK IT'S BETTER TO LISTEN TO THE MUSIC
It was that look drawn on the cover that captured me: really how I imagined Miles to be. I received this book as a gift from my children. I suppose it's more in tribute to my devotion to Miles Davis than for my secret passion for comics. And this graphic novel, as it's called today - which I first leafed through, then read with curiosity, and finally reread attentively chapter by chapter - deserves a dual interest: from those who appreciate Ruvidotti's narrative graphics rich in visual and coloristic solutions, and, of course, from jazz enthusiasts who might be looking for a reflection of the creative legends behind the music of a beloved pioneer. This goal is achieved with great effectiveness by our author, who traverses forty years of Miles' life through images, summarizing about ten episodes, each linked to a specific musical reference among his historic recordings. However, I am surprised by the choice of a constant darkness in the setting throughout the various panels of the story, reflecting an almost unbelievable biographical harshness for such a successful musician, while the relationship between the private Miles and his musical performances remains unanswered. Perhaps it can't be otherwise, and Ruvidotti was right not to attempt to unveil the mystery. However, I wouldn't want the reader to remember a Miles who was drug-addicted, arrogant, presumptuous, misogynistic, and male chauvinist more than the incomparable creator of notes and a giant of Afro-American music of the late twentieth century. So, a piece of advice, as obvious as it may be: before buying this book on Miles Davis, listen to as much of his music as possible. FOUR STARS
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