An extraordinary recording, some say the greatest in musical history, Kind of Blue, deserves an extraordinary theatrical appreciation, and here it is. At the unassuming surroundings of TechCube we are witnessing its birth.

This is, unashamedly, a work in progress, as the programme notes tell us, but it has already landed in a very special place. This is no tribute gig show like you see postered all over town – good as many of them are, this is the real deal.

It tells the story of the recording of Kind of Blue in 1958 (released the following year), seen through the eyes of a young Jazz trumpeter, Jay (Jay Phelps, whose concept the show was built on and who is an accomplished trumpeter and DJ), aged 32 – the same age as Miles Davis was when he recorded his masterpiece.

Set in the late ’70s Jay has turned up for a meeting with the legend (played astonishingly by Benjamin Akintuyosi in his professional debut – well he sure sets his personal bar high).  Davis is grumpy as hell. The two men struggle to find a meeting of minds as Jay plays his trumpet too mechanically for him. “It’s not about playing the right notes, it’s about playing the right music,” he reprimands.  But Jay perseveres and over the course of the show wins Davis over.  Of course he would because, in real life, Jay is an accomplished Jazz trumpeter and it shows, man it shows.

Miles Davis’ life is well documented and centres often on his substance abuse and Akintuyosi skilfully captures all aspects of Davis’ excess. But most remarkably, as the show time-skips, we see Davis pre- and post-surgery on his Larynx, Akintuyosi renders his distinctive raspy voice in a way that is nothing short of spellbinding.  It’s like he’s smoked 100 cigarettes in the last three hours.

The show design is quite beautiful.  Video, lighting, sound, and added elements, like puppetry, make for an endlessly shapeshifting production.

We see footage and stills of Parker, Gillespie, Juliette Gréco, Monk, Evans, Cannonball, Coltrane (even Joe Louis) and more.  They’re his heroes, collaborators and influences, but he knows his place among them. We even have a wee touch of tap-dancing (the real American dance) to illustrate the rhythmic structure of Flamenco Sketches.

This show will go on to greater things because it’s truly great. Flawless even, and the company are only on its foothills of potential.  I hope Akintuyosi and Phelps stay with it and benefit.

Try to see this, because maybe one day you will be able to say, “Aye, I was there at its birth.”

‘MILES.‘ is at Summerhall – TechCube 0 until Mon 25 Aug 2025 at 18:00