DAVIS, Miles (1926-1991).

Carbon-copy typescript document signed by Miles Davis, a recording agreement with Columbia Records, New York, 24 June 1958, the agreement engages Miles to record the songs Django, The Jitterbug Waltz – a pencil correction replaces Nuages with this title – Round Midnight and Wild Man Blues for Columbia’s European affiliate Philips with renowned French composer Michel Legrand on 25 June 1958, for what would become the acclaimed album Legrand Jazz.

Legrand’s arrangements for this recording were played by three sizeable ensembles which, in addition to Miles, included such jazz luminaries as John Coltrane, Ben Webster, Bill Evans, Art Farmer, Phil Woods, Paul Chambers and Herbie Mann. ‘The sessions for the album are uniquely star-studded, and the quality of writing matches up to the cast-list.’ Cook & Morton.

Two pages on Columbia Records onionskin letterhead, signed in blue ballpoint pen by Davis on the second page, 280 x 217 mm; accompanied by a copy of the album.

[With:] – a typed letter signed ‘Miles D. Davis’ to his manager Mark Rothbaum, on Mark Rothbaum & Associates letterhead, 225 Main Street, Danbury, Connecticut, 26 September 1979. Davis authorises Rothbaum to act on his behalf ‘with CBS Records and any of its affiliates covering any and all phases of my career’. One page, 280 x 216 mm, with receipt date ink-stamped verso. Miles mentions Rothbaum several times in his autobiography, and he was present at Davis’ 1981 wedding, before the two fell out in the early 80s ‘after a dispute’. Davis, 335-6.

[With:] a programme for the JATP presents Jazz Winners 1960 Tour, signed in blue ballpoint pen on the front cover by Miles Davis,, the original pictorial wraps with Japanese tissue restoration to binding, 258 x 280 mm.

[And:] a page clipped from a concert programme featuring a black and white photo of Miles Davis, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint pen ‘To George, Miles Davis, thank you’, 266 x 205 mm, in window mount (508 x 406 mm); accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Fraser’s, Bristol.