»Don’t play what’s there, play what’s not there« – this was the artistic credo of legendary jazz trumpeter Miles Davis, who would have turned 100 in May 2026. One musician who has truly taken this motto to heart is Ambrose Akinmusire. In his project »... What’s Not There«, he joins forces with the Brussels Jazz Orchestra to explore that mysterious »nothingness« – reviving the unique spirit of Miles Davis through a creative dialogue with his music.
Like Miles, Akinmusire combines his characteristic sound with a light, casual tone and dreamy, breathy melodies with a constant search for new forms of expression. DownBeat magazine described his music as »a gentle rush of beautiful sounds, where space, tone, and beauty converge« and named him Jazz Trumpeter of the Year 2025 – an honour once shared by a certain Miles Davis back in the 1950s.
On the occasion of Miles’ 100th birthday, Akinmusire and the Brussels Jazz Orchestra follows in the footsteps of his great role model. He’s joined by two extraordinary arrangers: Guillermo Klein and Lennert Baerts. This project is the »best proof that Miles’ artistic mindset is still relevant today and continues to inspire new generations,« says Akinmusire.
PERFORMERS
Brussels Jazz Orchestra jazz ensemble
Ambrose Akinmusire trumpet
PROGRAM
»... What’s Not There – A New Perspective on Miles«
