Imagine the Fusion: The Human League Meets Miles Davis
Imagine a musical collaboration between The Human League and Miles Davis, two iconic figures from vastly different eras and genres. This fusion would likely result in a groundbreaking sound that combines the electronic and synth-driven beats of The Human League with the complex jazz arrangements and improvisational nature of Miles Davis. This hypothetical scenario invites us to explore the potential synergy between these two musical giants.
Cherry's Influence: A Bridge Between Jazz and Pop
Don Cherry, a renowned trumpeter from Sweden, made significant contributions to the fusion of jazz and pop. During the 1980s, he experimented with world music and jazz hybrid styles while being familiar with Talking Heads. His album, Home Boy Sister Out, features an edgy jazz trumpet played over African-influenced rhythms. If Talking Heads pursued a more jazz-oriented sound, it could have resulted in a sound much like Cherry's work.
Cherry also collaborated with his stepdaughter Neneh Cherry's group, Rip Rig Panic. In their collaboration, Cherry's inside-out jazz trumpet was married to a dance-punk-funk background, further demonstrating his ability to blend genres innovative and engaging ways.
Miles Davis: Smooth and Mainstream
Miles Davis, known for his smooth and polished production, would likely have approached a collaboration with The Human League in a similar manner. His previous collaborations, such as covering Cyndi Lauper's Time After Time or Scritti Politti's Perfect Way (from the album Tutu), and his guest appearance on Oh Patti by Scritti Politti, showcase his ability to adapt and incorporate new elements into his jazz sound.
However, it's important to note that Miles Davis's approach to pop music was more polished and mainstream compared to the experimental and adventurous sound that Don Cherry achieved. Cherry's marriage of jazz and pop often carried a dark core, while Davis's approach was smoother and more accessible.
From Experimentation to Pop Standards
In the 1930s and 1940s, jazz musicians often treated Broadway musicals and popular songs as new standards, arranging them with complex harmonies and improvisational solos. This tradition was carried forward by Miles Davis during the 1980s, where he often incorporated contemporary pop songs into his jazz repertoire. An imagined Miles Davis collaboration with The Human League would likely follow this model, creating smooth and polished arrangements that blend electronic rhythms with jazz improvisation.
What could have happened is what Don Cherry did, but what did happen is more akin to Miles Davis guesting on a Simply Red record.
This hypothetical collaboration would not only showcase the artistic versatility of both artists but also push the boundaries of what is possible when two distinct musical worlds come together. The potential outcome would likely be a sophisticated, polished sound that blends the electronic intricacies of The Human League with the harmonic depth and improvisational spirit of Miles Davis.