Ashley Kahn, Author of Book on Davis’ “Kind of Blue” Album, to Present Reading at UB on Jan. 30

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Author Ashley Kahn, author of "Kind of Blue: The Making of the Miles Davis Masterpiece," will give a reading at 8 p.m. Jan. 30 in the auditorium of Allen Hall on the UB South Campus.

The event, which will be broadcast live on WBFO 88.7 FM, UB's National Public Radio affiliate, will be free and open to the public.

The reading will be presented by WBFO in co-operation with Talking Leaves Books and just buffalo Literary Center. A book-signing will take place after the reading.

For more information, call WBFO at 829-6000.

Forty-one years since its recording in 1959, "Kind of Blue" has sold millions worldwide and is considered the one jazz album every fan must own.

In his book, Kahn takes the reader into the studio to witness the creation of the album. Using eyewitness accounts and newly discovered documents, he traces Davis' move from bop to modal jazz, re-creates the recording sessions using master tapes -- weighing in on fragmentary takes and the dispute about composers -- and follows the rise of the album from its contemporary reception to its transformation into a cultural landmark through conversations with those who were there.

A journalist and the primary contributor to "Rolling Stone Jazz & Blues Album Guide," Kahn has contributed articles to The New York Times and Mojo, as well as Rolling Stone.