3 Shades of Blue: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bill Evans & The Lost Empire of Cool

James Kaplan's 3 Shades of Blue isn't just a book about the creation of a jazz masterpiece; it's a compelling and multi-layered exploration of three towering figures – Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Bill Evans – and the extraordinary confluence of talent that led to 1959's Kind of Blue, the bestselling jazz album of all time. Kaplan masterfully weaves together their individual journeys, charting their paths to that pivotal mountaintop year and their subsequent, divergent trajectories.

This is a narrative that delves far beyond the purely musical. Kaplan expertly navigates the complex intersections of music and the often-turbulent business that surrounds it, the pervasive realities of race in America during this era, and the shadow of heroin that touched the lives of these brilliant artists. Yet, at its core, 3 Shades of Blue is a profound meditation on creativity itself, examining the strange and intense environments that can foster its most breathtaking bloom.

Above all, Kaplan's work is a deeply human story, focusing on the individual struggles, crucial choices, and unique sources of inspiration that defined these three very different men. He paints vivid portraits of their personalities, their ambitions, and the internal landscapes that fueled their groundbreaking music. In Kaplan's skilled hands, the interwoven tapestry of their lives becomes nothing less than a captivating American Odyssey, exploring themes of artistic ambition, personal demons, and the enduring power of musical innovation. 3 Shades of Blue is a rich and rewarding read for jazz aficionados and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the forces that shape artistic genius.