Z2 Comics has unveiled a forthcoming graphic novel biography titled “Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound,” an inventive and captivating exploration of the life of the legendary musical innovator. This graphic novel is scheduled for release by Z2 Comics on November 7th, 2023.
The narrative within the pages of this graphic novel takes readers on a compelling journey through Miles Davis’ life, from his upbringing in Illinois to his mastery of jazz improvisation during the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s. These formative years paved the way for his continual redefinition of the genre, ultimately leading to the psychedelic realms of Afro futurism and fusion during the 1970s and beyond.
Cartoonist Dave Chisholm, who holds a doctorate in Jazz Trumpet from the Eastman School of Music, meticulously guides readers through the evolving musical landscape of this iconic figure. Throughout the narrative, Chisholm remains focused on the central theme that threads its way through Davis’ extensive career: an unceasing quest for the perfect sound. A quest that shattered boundaries and redefined the very essence of jazz and music.
Incorporating Davis’ own words for narration and utilizing a diverse palette of visual styles that mirrors Davis’ famously varied discography, this 150-page graphic novel chronicles four decades of musical innovation and the ever-mounting challenges faced by the artist.
Chisholm frames the story around Davis’ recovery from a debilitating stroke in 1982. Unable to play his trumpet, Davis embarked on a journey to regain his coordination by sketching patterns and scribbles with a pencil on paper. From this point, the narrative takes a captivating leap back in time to Davis’ quest to rediscover a mysterious tone he had heard on a moonlit country road during his childhood.
“Davis’ music has truly been a lifelong obsession of mine, inspiring me to pursue jazz trumpet in college and beyond. Sketches of Spain is the first music I ever remember hearing, and I even had the opportunity to perform all of the music he and Gil Evans did together at the Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia, Italy,” Chisholm explains. “Miles continually inspires me to pursue stylistic change as an artist, both visually and musically. This is the book I’ve always dreamt of creating; it’s the biggest honor of my professional life to be given this opportunity by the Davis family.”
“Dave Chisholm has captured the struggle, the genius, and the complexity of Miles Davis in this book. Each page brings the energy of his music to life with the same kinetic fluidity of Miles’ compositions,” Z2 Editor-in-Chief Rantz Hoseley continues. “This is a powerful story that pulls you deep within, whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the lasting influence and innovation of this jazz icon.”
“Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound” will be available from Z2 Comics on November 7th in both standard hardcover and deluxe hardcover editions. The deluxe hardcover edition will feature three exclusive art prints by Dave Chisholm and a limited-edition 7″ vinyl record, featuring tracks “Miles Runs The Voodoo Down” and “Spanish Key,” with new artwork by Dave Chisholm. Additionally, a limited number of Gold editions, signed and numbered by Dave Chisholm, will include a set of accordion-style postcards featuring original paintings from Miles Davis, and the split 7″ vinyl will feature an exclusive colorway. Furthermore, there will be only 10 of the Platinum editions, which will include a 360° spinning Miles Davis Limited-Edition 3D sculpture, a Miles Davis T-shirt designed by Dave Chisholm, and the split 7″ vinyl on clear vinyl.
Available from https://z2comics.com