On May 26, Miles Davis (1926–1991) would have turned 100. He was one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, a man of many transformations who took pride in having fundamentally reinvented jazz on multiple occasions: From bebop to the sonic sophistication of cool jazz, from the earthy passion of hard bop to the iridescence of modal jazz, from the magnetism of the swinging beat to the groove, to the trance of electronic dance music.

MILES AHEAD

Don Cheadle | USA 2015 | 100’ | OV with german subtitles

Starring Don Cheadle, Ewan McGregor, Emayatzy Corinealdi, and others. The biopic focuses on two days in the life of jazz trumpeter Miles Davis, played by Don Cheadle, who makes his directorial debut here. Since the mid-1970s, Miles has been living a reclusive life in New York, trying to use drugs to suppress his chronic pain and the memories of his muse and former wife, Frances Taylor. He hasn’t released an album in years. But then, in 1980, rumors begin to circulate that he has recorded new tracks. Music journalist Dave Braden senses a major story and is determined to secure an interview with Davis. Their encounter takes a dramatic turn…

MILES DAVIS – BIRTH OF THE COOL

Stanley Nelson | USA 2019 | 116’ | OV with german subtitles

Miles Davis is considered one of the most significant and influential jazz musicians of the 20th century and is regarded as “cool” like no one else. Stanley Nelson’s documentary about the legendary artist’s life gives audiences a deeper understanding of his sound, his fame, and his fascinating personality.

FAHRSTUHL ZUM SCHAFOTT (Ascenseur pour l’échafaud)

Stanley Nelson | France 1958 | 93’ | OV with german subtitles

Starring Jeanne Moreau, Maurice Ronet, Lino Ventura, and others. Former officer Julien Tavernier and Florence Carala are lovers. But Florence is married to Simon Carala, an older arms dealer, at whose company Tavernier holds a senior position. Florence and Julien Tavernier plan to eliminate him. To this end, Tavernier has devised a nearly perfect murder plot…

Jeanne Moreau became a star thanks to this film, and for Louis Malle, it marked his breakthrough. Elevator to the Gallows is considered a pioneer of the Nouvelle Vague. The melancholic modal jazz soundtrack by Miles Davis was recorded entirely by improvisation in a single night at a studio on the Champs-Élysées.

LIVEMUSIK WITH THE TRIO GUIDO RÜCKERT (SAX), JOHN HUGHES (BASS), CHAD POPPLE (DRUMS)

DJ ROUND TABLE GOES JAZZ

Four DJs will take turns playing music by Miles Davis, jazz from his era, and even dancefloor jazz. And we’re going to party!