Chicago Jazz Philharmonics Celebrates International Jazz Day with Sketches of Spain: Revisited Concert & Conversation
In celebration of International Jazz Day, the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic (CJP) proudly presents Sketches of Spain: Revisited, an innovative orchestral tribute to the legendary 1960 collaboration between Miles Davis and Gil Evans. This captivating performance will guide audiences through rich cultural textures and musical storytelling, blending jazz, classical, and world music influences in a fresh and evocative interpretation.
The performance will take place at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts (915 E. 60th Street, Chicago) on Monday, April 27, 2026 from 1 PM to 3:30 PM.
The Sketches of Spain: Revisited Schedule:
1:00 PM: Sketches of Spain: Revisited
2:15 PM: Sketches of Miles: The Conversation Continues — A panel discussion unpacking Miles Davis’s life, legacy, and the significance of Sketches of Spain.
Panelists include:
• Orbert Davis, Emmy Award-winning trumpeter and composer;
• Mark Ruffin, award-winning journalist and Sirius XM Real Jazz program director; and,
• Vince Wilburn, drummer, bandleader of M.E.B., Miles Davis’s nephew, and co-manager of the Miles Davis Estate
The conversation will be moderated by Karen Chilton, the 2026 Library of Congress Jazz Scholar and critically acclaimed author, Hazel Scott: The Pioneering Journey of a Jazz Pianist from Café Society to Hollywood to HUAC. This august panel of native Chicagoans features those whose work in jazz continues to impact the global music landscape.
Orbert Davis’s journey with the iconic Sketches of Spain began in the 1990s when, as a trumpeter with Bill Russo’s Chicago Jazz Ensemble, he performed the challenging solo trumpet part originally played by Miles Davis. Rather than attempting to replicate Davis’s performance, Orbert Davis embraced the spirit of improvisation and soulful expression that defined Miles’s playing. Over the years, Orbert Davis’s interpretation has evolved, incorporating Moorish influences, infectious jazz grooves, and Spanish cultural elements, creating a vibrant and dynamic reimagining that continues to resonate with audiences today.
For tickets and more information, visit www.chijazzphil.org.
