Celebrating a Century of Innovation: ‘Round About Miles’ Honors Jazz Legend Miles Davis
The world of music is marking a monumental milestone in 2026: the 100th anniversary of the birth of Miles Davis. To honor one of the most revolutionary figures in jazz history, the AgìmusFestival in Mola di Bari is presenting “Round About Miles,” a specialized recital of music and spoken word. Scheduled for Saturday, June 13, at 9:15 p.m. In the Chiostro Santa Chiara, the event promises an immersive exploration of the man who redefined the boundaries of modern music.
A Human Portrait of a Jazz Giant
Unlike a standard concert, “Round About Miles” offers a first-person narrative of Davis’s life and career. The production is crafted by Ugo Sbisà, a jazz historian and music critic who shares a unique connection with the legendary trumpeter. During the 1980s, Sbisà was the only European journalist to establish a genuine friendship with Davis, who was famously guarded and elusive with the press.
Drawing from private conversations, personal reflections, and anecdotes, Sbisà provides a vivid, humanizing portrait of Davis. The narrative doesn’t just track musical milestones. it weaves in the intellectual currents of the 20th century, touching upon Davis’s interactions with influential figures such as Juliette Gréco and Jean-Paul Sartre.
The Evolution of a Musical Visionary
Miles Davis didn’t just follow musical trends—he anticipated them. His career was a series of bold reinventions that shifted the trajectory of the 20th century’s sonic landscape. “Round About Miles” highlights this restless search for innovation, tracing his path through several pivotal genres:
- Bebop and Cool Jazz: Establishing the foundational languages of modern jazz.
- Hard Bop: Adding soulful, driving elements to the jazz tradition.
- Fusion: Breaking barriers by blending jazz with rock and electronic music.
The recital pays homage to the enduring legacy of seminal albums like Kind of Blue, which remains one of the most celebrated records of all time, and Bitches Brew, the catalyst for the fusion movement. Davis’s ability to curate talent also defines his legacy, having collaborated with and empowered giants such as John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, and Jimi Hendrix.
The Ensemble: Master Musicians on Stage
To bring the music of Miles Davis to life, the event features a powerhouse lineup of jazz artists under the musical direction of saxophonist Roberto Ottaviano. The performing ensemble includes:
- Flavio Boltro: Trumpet
- Roberto Ottaviano: Saxophone and Musical Direction
- Eugenio Macchia: Piano
- Giuseppe Bassi: Double Bass
- Mimmo Campanale: Drums
- Ugo Sbisà: Narrator and Author
Event Logistics and Organization
The performance is part of the STAGIONi_2026 (XXXII) programming, organized by A.G.ì.MUS. (Associazione Giovanni Padovano Iniziative Musicali) of Mola di Bari, under the artistic direction of Piero Rotolo. The initiative is supported and sponsored by the Municipality of Mola di Bari, the Puglia Region (via the Rotation Fund), and the Ministry of Culture.
- What: A music and spoken-word recital celebrating Miles Davis’s 100th birthday.
- When: Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 21:15.
- Where: Chiostro Santa Chiara, Mola di Bari.
- Unique Angle: Narrative based on the personal friendship between Ugo Sbisà and Miles Davis.
- Musical Focus: A journey from bebop to fusion, featuring the work of a world-class jazz ensemble.
Looking Ahead: The Enduring Influence of Miles Davis
A century after his birth in Alton, Illinois, on May 26, 1926, Miles Davis remains a cornerstone of musical education and inspiration. His open, experimental approach continues to influence artists across diverse genres, from electronic music to rock. “Round About Miles” serves as more than a retrospective; it is a testament to a voice that remains powerful and silent at once, continuing to point the way toward the future of music.