Miles Español - New Sketches of Spain / Miles Espanol - New Sketches of Spain

In 2008, producer, composer, and arranger Bob Belden put together Miles from India, an album featuring compositions by Miles Davis reimagined by jazz and Indian musicians. Belden follows that up with Miles in Español, which draws from Davis’ Kind of Blue and Sketches of Spain and also presents original material. Here the players come from the worlds of jazz, flamenco, and Latin music; musicians from North Africa also contribute. It opens with Joaquín Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez” (which famously appeared on Sketches of Spain) in a gorgeous arrangement by Gil Evans. The inclusion of oud and dumbek imbue this new version with a North African feel. “El Swing” features what’s essentially an all-star quartet: guitarist John Scofield, pianist Chick Corea, bassist Eddie Gomez, and drummer Jack DeJohnette. Two expert Spanish musicians, guitarist Niño Josele and pianist Chano Dominguez, bring a flamenco flavor to the 1931 standard “Beautiful Love.” The closer, “Solea,” brings together accordion, English horn, oud, timpani, and other instruments to create a feast of timbres.