Robert Irving III, a multifaceted creative force of immense talent and versatility, has made a profound and lasting impact on the music world through his extraordinary abilities as a pianist and composer.
As a prominent figure in the realm of post-bop piano, Robert Irving III is part of an esteemed legacy of accomplished artists who have had the privilege of collaborating with the revered and iconic Miles Davis.
The extraordinary musical masterpiece, aptly christened "Space", penned by the ingenious Irving, served as a pivotal catalyst in Davis' resounding return to the spotlight in 1981, thereby ushering in a transformative era in his storied profession.
Miles Davis
Born on May 26, 1926, in Alton, Illinois, Miles Dewey Davis III was destined for greatness. As a child, he was exposed to the world of music, with his father, a dentist, introducing him to the likes of Louis Armstrong and Charlie Parker. Davis' early fascination with the trumpet soon led him to study music at Juilliard, where he honed his craft alongside other notable musicians.
After serving in the United States Army, Davis began his professional career in the late 1940s, initially playing bebop and later moving towards cool jazz. His debut album, "Birth of the Cool," released in 1957, showcased his unique blend of styles, setting the stage for his subsequent rise to fame.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Davis continued to push the boundaries of jazz, experimenting with various genres and collaborating with some of the most influential musicians of the time. His iconic album "Kind of Blue," released in 1959, remains one of the most celebrated works in the genre.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Davis' music underwent a significant transformation, incorporating elements of funk, rock, and electronic music. His album "On the Corner," released in 1972, marked a departure from his earlier work, introducing a new era of experimentation.
Despite the ups and downs of his career, Davis' unwavering dedication to his craft earned him numerous accolades, including eight Grammy Awards. His legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians, solidifying his position as one of the most important figures in jazz history.
The extraordinary partnership between saxophonist John Irving and trumpeter Miles Davis resulted in the production of not one, but two, highly acclaimed and award-winning albums, "Decoy" and "You're Under Arrest", which exemplified the dynamic duo's pioneering musical perspective and exceptional technical expertise.
Irving, in collaboration with the renowned trumpeter Davis, embarked on a profound journey of artistic growth, marked by an immersive period of intense study under the expert guidance of the illustrious arranger Gil Evans.
Noted composer and producer Irving has had a career that is truly remarkable in its scope and breadth. Beyond his impressive collaborations with the legendary Davis, Irving's discography is a testament to his boundless creativity and artistic vision.
Irving's extensive filmography boasts scores for a diverse array of projects, each one a reflection of his unique talent and skill. Among his most notable works are the acclaimed "Alfred Hitchcock Presents The Prisoner's", the critically acclaimed "Street Smart", and the poignant "Scenes For the Soul". These scores showcase Irving's ability to craft music that is both evocative and emotionally resonant.
Irving's artistic endeavors have not gone unnoticed, and he has been honored with a staggering five Grammy Award nominations. This is a testament to his exceptional talent, dedication, and commitment to his craft.
Throughout his career, Irving has had the privilege of working with a diverse range of talented artists, including Terri Lyne Carrington, Carlos Santana, Wayne Shorter, Patrice Rushen, Diane Reeves, Grover Washington Jr, Nancy Wilson, Branford Marsalis, Regina Carter, and Roy Ayers. This impressive network of collaborators is a reflection of Irving's ability to bring people together and inspire creative collaboration.
Overall, Irving's career is a testament to his exceptional talent, dedication, and passion for his craft. His music has touched the hearts and minds of countless people around the world, and he continues to be an important and influential figure in the world of music.
Irving has had the extraordinary privilege of occupying the esteemed position of Musical Director for the illustrious ensemble, The Last Poets, renowned for their powerful and thought-provoking spoken word and music performances. Furthermore, he has had the remarkable opportunity to collaborate with the legendary jazz musician, Dr. Donald Byrd, whose contributions to the world of music have been immense and far-reaching. Additionally, Irving has also had the distinction of working with the iconic R&B group, Sister Sledge, whose harmonious vocals and catchy melodies have captivated audiences worldwide.
Steve Irving, a multifaceted individual, has taken on the role of co-founder for the Sonic Portraits Entertainment label, a venture that has undergone a profound metamorphosis in 2017, evolving into the prestigious Sonic Portraits Jazz label, a testament to its dedication to the art of jazz.
It was the year 2009 when the esteemed Jazz Institute, in a collaborative effort with the esteemed Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, extended a prestigious commission to the renowned composer Irving, tasking him with crafting an orchestral suite of unparalleled beauty and sophistication, titled "Sketches of Brazil". This magnificent work, a true masterpiece, premiered at the iconic Millennium Park in the vibrant city of Chicago, featuring Irving's meticulously curated 33-member Sonic Portraits Orchestra.
Irving, a dynamic and multifaceted individual, has consistently demonstrated a remarkable capacity for excellence in his professional pursuits, while simultaneously dedicating a substantial and considerable amount of his valuable time and expertise to various educational and community-based initiatives.
Throughout the span of more than a decade and a half, he has had the distinguished honor of serving as a professional mentor for the renowned Jazz Institute Chicago, where he has devoted his expertise and acquired wisdom to the edification and guidance of the future leaders and aficionados of the esteemed jazz genre.
Irving's extraordinary accomplishments within the realm of jazz have been met with widespread recognition and acclaim, culminating in the receipt of not one, but two prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards. The initial prestigious honor was bestowed upon him by the esteemed Chicago Music Awards in 2015, serving as a poignant tribute to his enduring influence and profound impact on the music industry at large.
Notably, in the year 2018, the prestigious Jazz Institute Chicago bestowed a distinguished honor upon him, thereby reinforcing his esteemed position as a paramount figure in the realm of jazz music, a testament to his unwavering dedication and unrelenting passion for the art form.
