Miles

Track Listings

1. Let's Start Love Over

2. Lazy Love

3. Special Thing

4. I've Been a Fool for You

5. I Cry for You

6. Come Home

7. Happy 2 Have U

8. Desiree

Miles,Miles Jaye,Polygram Records,Disco,Pop,R&B,Soul,Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues,Urban

Miles

Tracks:

You're Just a Country Boy
Simple Love
Jacob's Dream
Away Down the River
Sawing on the Strings
Down to the River to Pray
Baby Mine
Molly Bán
How's the World Treating You (duet with James Taylor)
The Scarlet Tide
Whiskey Lullaby (duet with Brad Paisley)
You Will Be My Ain True Love
I Give You to His Heart
Get Me Through December
Missing You (duet with John Waite)
Lay Down Beside Me (previously unreleased duet with John Waite)

Amazon.com

A Hundred Miles or More carries the subtitle A Collection, and what a curious collection it is--cuts from soundtracks, side projects, and tribute albums, plus guest duets on other artists' albums and five previously unreleased tracks. In other words, this is a collection of Alison Krauss performances that have never appeared on an Alison Krauss album, though it holds together better than such a grab-bag approach might suggest. Highlights such as her duet with Brad Paisley on "Whiskey Lullaby" and her a cappella rendition of "Down to the River to Pray" from O Brother, Where Art Thou? will be familiar to most Krauss fans, though it's doubtful that many share her infatuation with retro rocker John Waite (with whom she revives his "Missing You" and duets on a cover of Don Williams's "Lay Down Beside Me."). Other projects represented range from Disney to the Chieftains to the Louvin Brothers (she duets with James Taylor on their "How's the World Treating You." There's minimal contribution from her Union Station band--making this a solo release by default--and little information to indicate whether the previously unreleased tracks were outtakes from earlier releases or recently recorded for this one. --Don McLeese

More Alison Krauss

Lonely Runs Both Ways

Live

Now That I've Found You: A Collection

Album Description

"A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection" is comprised of 16 tracks, highlighting Alison Krauss's career outside of her traditional releases with longtime band Union Station. The album features Krauss's collaboration with John Waite on the single "Missing You," as well as Krauss's contributions to film soundtracks, including the Oscar-nominated songs "The Scarlet Tide" and "You Will Be My Ain True Love," written for the motion picture "Cold Mountain," and "Down to the River to Pray" from the film "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" Known for her collaborations, Krauss also includes several duets in the collection such as the 2003 hit with Brad Paisley, "Whiskey Lullaby," and her duet with James Taylor for the tribute album "Livin', Lovin', Losin': Songs of the Louvin Brothers," "How's the World Treating You." The collection debuts five new songs: "You're Just a Country Boy," "Jacob's Dream," "Simple Love," "Lay Down Beside Me," and "Away Down the River," all of which feature Krauss as a producer.

Customer Reviews:

Allison Krauss.......2007-08-07

It is an OK CD. I think she has put out better ones. Maybe one or two of the songs really stuck in my head.

Music is missing Union Station - unfortunately.......2007-08-03

AKUS is a favorite of mine -- particularly their live CD. This collection falls a little flat. It is good, but less than I expected.

back water revival.......2007-07-31

I love her sweetness and clarity. She revisits gospel and olde tyme toe tappers and make you want to stomp your feet, get up and clap and say "Amen". I don't believe Alison Krauss could produce any thing that you wouldn't like. Sort of like Emmy Lou Harris. Just gifted.

Fantastic Album.......2007-07-23

I really liked the album especially "Missing You" with John Waite. Any fan of Alison will like this album.

Relaxing Music.......2007-07-18

This cd is wonderful. It is great to listen to in the car when you need something soft and relaxing. Alison Krauss has the voice of an angel. I highly recommend this cd.

Average customer rating:

Kind of Blue
The Pinnacle of Jazz Music
Shades of Blue
feeling blue...
Classic with a slight engineering problem

Kind of Blue
Miles Davis , John Coltrane , Cannonball Adderley , and Bill Evans
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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A Love Supreme
Time Out
Birth of the Cool
Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall
Mingus Ah Um

ASIN: B000002ADT
Release Date: 1997-03-25

Tracks:

So What
Freddie Freeloader
Blue In Green
All Blues
Flamenco Sketches
Flamenco Sketches (Alternate Take)

Amazon.com essential recording

This is the one jazz record owned by people who don't listen to jazz, and with good reason. The band itself is extraordinary (proof of Miles Davis's masterful casting skills, if not of God's existence), listing John Coltrane and Julian "Cannonball" Adderley on saxophones, Bill Evans (or, on "Freddie Freeloader," Wynton Kelly) on piano, and the crack rhythm unit of Paul Chambers on bass and Jimmy Cobb on drums. Coltrane's astringency on tenor is counterpoised to Adderley's funky self on alto, with Davis moderating between them as Bill Evans conjures up a still lake of sound on which they walk. Meanwhile, the rhythm partnership of Cobb and Chambers is prepared to click off time until eternity. It was the key recording of what became modal jazz, a music free of the fixed harmonies and forms of pop songs. In Davis's men's hands it was a weightless music, but one that refused to fade into the background. In retrospect every note seems perfect, and each piece moves inexorably towards its destiny. --John Szwed

Customer Reviews:

Kind of Blue.......2007-07-12

This CD is a must for all the JAZZ lovers out there. The mood setting makes for a night of yesterdays (the good days). The sound of the horn from Miles makes you want to cling to every note and have them just lay next to your soul. It will take you into the minds eye where you will see and feel the greatness within you and yours. This is a must share CD. I mean you must share the mood with that person of rare bread of taste. This is ome CD that the five pleasure zones will be thankful.

The Pinnacle of Jazz Music.......2007-07-12

Well this is THE album to have in your music collection. Its been said many times, but if you only have one jazz album then this is the one to get. This is perhaps the most referred to document of jazz in the history of music, and it does live up to expectations.

Miles Davis was a genius, and both he and his collection of musicians were at the top of their game when they recorded this body of modal work.Timeless in appeal, perfect for background and just as interesting for the astute late night listener. 'Moody' doesn't do the album justice, and neither does any review. If you like jazz, then you simply MUST HAVE this album. If you don't like jazz then grab this out of interest, and watch how it subliminally grows on you.

I cannot recommend this album enough, it deserves more stars than I can give it. I am in reverence of this album, and it is one of the albums that I cannot do without. It will be hard pressed for you to find a bad review regarding this album, and I think that says it all.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Shades of Blue .......2007-07-08

Miles Davis always composed like a painter.....layering shades of color on a canvas, injecting a little light in the center, a bit of darker in the corner. He cops to it with "Kind of Blue", infering that the musical journey may include shades of blue, or other colors that complement. The mood might be kind of blue as well; or maybe not.

The sound waves on "Kind of Blue" play like a rainfall pattern, a rolling brook, a waterfall, many incarnartions of water free-flowing. Perhaps that is where the blue theme came in. "So What", the opener, is probably one of the most recognized jazz standards, re-produced by many artists over the years. It evokes the sight of someone looking like "The Thinker", turning around and asking " I'm deep in thought... so what?" This seamlessly moves into "Freddie Freeloader", a tune that really does depict the lovable mooch of a friend, plying you with smooth talk and subtle requests. "Blue in Green" does seem to speak to a lover, almost a feeling of sadness combined with a little self-righteous jealousy. Truly, these emotions and nuances can be heard in the melodies.

It would require much more space to describe the remaining songs, so I will leave it to the buyer to explore and interpret on their own. Suffice to say, "Kind of Blue" has attained classic status for good reasons. Music is one of the best forms of art, and when a recording achieves the task of being audio and visual, as well as emotional, there is something to touch all sensibilities. "Kind of Blue" delivers.

feeling blue..........2007-06-20

a rainy day...I pop in 'Kind of Blue'...problems with my lover I pop in 'Kind of Blue'...feeling wistful...I pop in 'Kind of Blue'...Miles Davis on trumpet..John Coltrane on tenor sax..Cannonball Adderly on alto sax..Paul Chambers on bass..Bill Evans and Wynton Kelly on piano..drummer Jimmy Cobb..compositions composed by Davis and Evans..in an attempt to move away from bepop which dominated jazz at the time this is the first full jazz album using the modal approach which is basically composing music with a series of scales using improvisation, the results are 'Kind of Blue' one of the most influential jazz albums of all time, also recognized as one of the top albums of all time.

Classic with a slight engineering problem.......2007-06-12

This album never sounded this good before with one exception. Davis's trumpet is in the center channel and ONLY in the center channel. No bleed whatever right and left. Likewise the drums are only right and the piano only left. That is not the way I hear in a live setting. This is obviously a direct conversion from the original three-track master with out-of-phase info added for the surrounds, but the recording obviously acoustically isolated each player. Still, it's minor and shouldn't prevent you from buying. SACD, if you have a good system, is the next step up in CD reproduction.

Average customer rating:

Legendary Cool Jazz, One Awesome Debut!
birth of the cool school...
A must have for your collection
Good not Great
labor of love

Birth of the Cool
Miles Davis
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005614M
Release Date: 2001-01-09

Tracks:

Move
Jeru
Moon Dreams
Venus De Milo
Budo
Deception
Godchild
Boplicity
Rocker
Israel
Rouge
Darn That Dream

Amazon.com essential recording

The first important leader date from one of jazz's most seminal figures and farsighted practitioners. Having made his reputation in large measure from playing with bop giant Charlie Parker, Davis confounded expectations when he embraced the "cool" arranging style of Gil Evans, an arranger for Claude Thornhill's band. Evans, who was employing unique voicings by adding French horns and tuba to Thornhill's instrumentations, also emphasized a diminished use of vibrato in both reeds and brass, producing a drier, "cool" sound. Two of Evans's arrangements, "Boplicity" and "Moon Dreams," appear on the album. Also involved are baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan, who contributed such outstanding tunes as "Jeru" and "Venus de Milo," and Modern Jazz Quartet pianist John Lewis. The result is a date that has withstood the tests of time, fashion, and Davis's own extraordinary growth as a performer.

An enhanced set, The Complete Birth of the Cool features previously bootlegged live recordings of the nonet at the Royal Roost in New York in 1948. Although the sound quality is far from perfect, the performances are remarkable, and worth the additional expense for the serious fan. --Fred Goodman

Amazon.com

Birth of the Cool is the first important leader date from Miles Davis, one of jazz's most seminal figures and farsighted practitioners. Having made his reputation in large measure from playing with bop giant Charlie Parker, Davis confounded expectations when he embraced the "cool" arranging style of Gil Evans, an arranger for Claude Thornhill's band. Evans, who was employing unique voicings by adding French horns and tuba to Thornhill's instrumentations, also emphasized a diminished use of vibrato in both reeds and brass, producing a drier, "cool" sound. Two of Evans's arrangements, "Boplicity" and "Moon Dreams," appear on the album. Also involved are baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan, who contributed such outstanding tunes as "Jeru" and "Venus de Milo," and Modern Jazz Quartet pianist John Lewis. The result is a date that has withstood the tests of time, fashion, and Davis's own extraordinary growth as a performer. An enhanced set, The Complete Birth of the Cool, expands the original issue with previously bootlegged live recordings of Davis's nonet at the Royal Roost in New York in 1948. Although the sound quality is far from perfect, the performances are remarkable, and worth the additional expense for the serious fan. --Fred Goodman

Customer Reviews:

Legendary Cool Jazz, One Awesome Debut!.......2007-06-27

The songs on The Birth of the Cool are like the ninja of old. They do what they need to, fast, and leave. But unlike ninja attacks, these songs (which include classics like "Jeru", "Venus de Milo" and "Boplicity") are not painful in the least. The arrangements are tight and the songs are melodic, slightly Hollywood-esque but quite beautiful and well-performed. The songs themselves are also quite brief, as I implied a few sentence back - nothing over five minutes, in fact. The nonet plays together quite well, complementing each other throughout. They all have the mellow sound down - the album kinda sounds alike, but with great songs like "Rogue", "Rocker" and "Israel" on hand, who can complain? Now the only song I don't really like is "Darn That Dream", which falls in my list of Ten Songs We've All Heard Too Many Times Before. As for the rest? Get it. Not before Kind of Blue, 'Round about Midnight or In a Silent Way, but still get it!

birth of the cool school..........2007-06-20

can't go wrong with this Miles Davis recording in your collection. With arrangements by Gerry Mulligan, Gil Evans and John Lewis this is a compilation of 12 sides recorded by the Miles Davis nonet(nine musicians). This legendary recording is a jazz classic. The music moves away from bepop which tended to smaller groups of musicians and the music from this compilation led to the birth of the cool West Coast Sound of jazz though it originated on the East Coast. Beautiful arrangements and lively tunes. Gil Evans would meet with musicians in his apartment on the top of Chinese laundry and help compose the arrangements. The list of musicians on these recordings includes Miles Davis on trumpet, Gerry Mulligan on baritone sax, Lee Konitz alto sax, Max Roach on drums. A must for any jazz collection and jazz beginner. Gil Evans would later team with Miles on Porgy and Bess, Sketches of Spain.

A must have for your collection.......2007-03-27

These recordings are a must have for an understanding of the shear evolution of jazz, but not the best.

Good not Great.......2007-03-14

There a few good songs on the ablum but it isn't great

labor of love.......2007-02-16

Having only recently jumped on the Jazz scene as a 24 year veteran of the drum, i don't know as if i am qualified to write a review for those into this boat, but i must say that as a neophyte, i am and will be for a long time to come, a Davis fan. And this, the birth of the cool is an album that i will treasure as one of my own. very smooth sounds, breathy on the horns and completely listenable, a must have for any burgeoning collection.

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Don Henley - Decent Career Overview With Two Great New Songs
Best of Don Henley
We've been up and down this highway...
Great collection :-D
Mellow classic rock!!!

Actual Miles: Henley's Greatest Hits
Don Henley
Manufacturer: Geffen Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The End of the Innocence
Eagles : The Very Best of

ASIN: B000000OUU
Release Date: 1995-11-20

Tracks:

Dirty Laundry
The Boys Of Summer
All She Wants To Do Is Dance
Not Enough Love In The World
Sunset Grill
The End Of The Innocence
The Last Worthless Evening
New York Minute
I Will Not Go Quietly
The Heart Of The Matter
The Garden Of Allah
You Don't Know Me At All
Everybody Knows

Amazon.com

Just as Don Henley's work with the Eagles in the 1970s chronicled a culture that was rapidly spinning out of control, his '80s output cataloged and criticized a decade of greed, cruelty, and prurient interest in the misfortune of others. But this is music, not journalism, and despite the overt seriousness of such songs as "Dirty Laundry," "All She Wants to Do Is Dance," "The Boys of Summer," and especially the somber, elegiac "The End of the Innocence," Henley's field reports were tuneful in the extreme. The two new tracks on Actual Miles--"The Garden of Allah" and "You Don't Know Me at All"--didn't quite click, but otherwise this greatest-hits package couldn't be more solid. --Daniel Durchholz

Customer Reviews:

Don Henley - Decent Career Overview With Two Great New Songs.......2007-05-09

I'm not really sure why I picked this up. I already have 9 of the 12 songs on the original studio albums. Only the big hit "Dirty Laundry" and the two new tracks "The Garden Of Allah" and "You Don't Know Me At All" are tracks I did not already own. The two new tracks are both very good, with "The Garden Of Allah" particularly a standout track. Henley plays the devil in modern day Los Angeles. This is great stuff and an example of Henley at his best. "You Don't Know Me At All" is another solid tune. There is also a cover of "Everybody Knows" thrown on to the end of the album, although it does not appear on the back cover. I don't know if this is worth buying for the new songs alone if you already have Henley's 3 studio discs up to this point in his career, but this is a nice compilation if you are just looking for an overview.

Best of Don Henley.......2007-05-07

If you love the Eagles, this is a collection of sounds that remind you why you love them. I have all the Eagles vinyl but transferring to digital is a pain. So I am buying CDs to transfer to multiple digital players so I don't have to fight the damn DRM codings that make life such a pain when you download.

This CD is a great collection of Don Henley's best and reminds us why I love the Eagles sound. Great rock anthems like "All she wants to do is dance" to my personal favorite "Sunset Grill". Also like to listen to "Dirty Laundry" which is even MORE accurate in today's 24/7 news cycle where Anna Nicole Smith is equal news to IRAQ.

Buy and Enjoy!

We've been up and down this highway..........2007-05-05

After the Eagles' first break-up, Don Henley and Glen Frey went right into solo-ville, and it was apparent who the Lennon and McCartney personalities in the band were. Frey exited straight to sappy love songs and high-energy/low-calorie rock, while Henley's first singles were the socially targeted "Johnny Can't Read" and "Dirty Laundry." While Frey had the first hits, it is Henley's solo albums that have stood the test of time.

When his second solo album, "Building the Perfect Beast," was issued, there was an instant classic with "The Boys Of Summer." Written about those for whom life in the fast lane had become a driveway full of SUV's, it contained a bitter melancholy and the striking lyric "I saw a deadhead sticker on a Cadillac." This was the kind of thoughtful rock that The Eagles occasionally slipped onto their albums, but in a more wizened and weathered point of view. "All She Wants to Do Is Dance" continued that social malaise, but the self-depreciating "Not Enough Love In The World" backtracked when it came to relationships.

"I'm not easy to live with,
I know that it's true.
You're no picnic either, baby.
That's one of the things
I love about you."

Axl Rose, who was at his GnR finest even snarled along on "I Will Not Go Quietly." No saccharine here, folks. The followup album, "The End of the Innocence" is a masterpiece and much darker than "Beast." "New York Minute" follows urban violence while "Sunset Grill" chronicles urban decay from the first person. But the kicker was the title song, with the stately Bruce Hornsby piano line supporting a grown man's look back with longing. Not the usual longing, because the collapse comes from such issues as the lawyers who "dwell on small details since Daddy had to fly." It paints one of the most succinct picture of The Reagan Years in a small cluster of artists who tried. (Another favorite of that period, David + David's "Boomtown.") "Innocence" was such an amazing album that Henley took almost 15 years before he issued "Inside Job."

The new songs are OK, no big deal really. There are a few MIA tracks, like "Johnny Can't Read" and Henley's version of "Sit Down You're Rocking The Boat." But that is a small complaint. With music as uniformly good as that on "Actual Miles," this is one late model CD that you will be fine with on your road trips.

Great collection :-D.......2007-04-15

I always liked the Eagles, but I love Don Henley. He has the smoothest of voices and his songs are fantastic. This cd comprises some great hits that we all know and love. The one song I'd like to see here (which obviously couldn't be on it because it was written and released after this was made) is Taking You Home. That's one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. Other than that, there is Dirty Laundry, End Of The Innocence and New York Minute for us to enjoy. I love this cd and I love Don Henly. This is a must for any fan of his.

Mellow classic rock!!!.......2007-03-13

A unique and distinctive voice that carries over from the Eagles style we love.

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Monterey Jazz Festival Live 1963
Miles Davis
Manufacturer: Monterey Jazz Fest
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000RIWAU8
Release Date: 2007-08-21

Tracks:

Waiting for Miles
Autumn Leaves
So What
Stella By Starlight
Walkin'
The Theme

Album Description

LIVE AT THE MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVALS is an outstanding new CD series of NEVER-BEFORE RELEASED performances by jazz icons recorded live at the world-renowned Monterey Jazz Festival; all recorded at the height of each artists' artistic powers.

These are the inaugural releases of Concord Music Group and Monterey Jazz Festival's MJF RECORDS imprint. All selections are previously unreleased and feature never-before-heard releases culled from historic live archives. Profits realized by the Monterey Jazz Festival from this series will be re-invested into its ongoing jazz education programs. Don't miss these spectacular, rare and historic recordings!

Featuring George Coleman, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Tony Williams

Sketches of Spain
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Classijazz? Jazzical?

Spanish love song...

From Madrid w/ Love

Music to listen to at day's end

Gil Evans provides another dimension for the legendary horn player

Sketches of Spain
Miles Davis , and Gil Evans
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Porgy and Bess

ASIN: B000002AH7
Release Date: 1997-09-23

Tracks:

Concierto De Aranjuez (Adagio)
Will O' The Wisp
The Pan Piper
Saeta
Solea
Song Of Our Country
Concierto De Aranjuez (Part One)
Concierto De Aranjuez (Part Two Ending)

Amazon.com essential recording

Miles Davis's impact on jazz is almost incalculable. From his early days as a sideman for Charlie Parker, through his groundbreaking Birth of the Cool sessions, to his stunning small groups of the '50s and '60s, through to his electric renaissance, the trumpeter, bandleader, and composer has left a deep mark on all who came after. He is one of jazz's true giants. Sketches of Spain, though one of Davis's most commercially successful sessions, is also one of his most controversial. Re-teaming with arranger and composer Gil Evans, who played such a pivotal role in Davis's 1949 Birth of the Cool recordings, Davis recorded a series of large group albums beginning in the late '50s, including Porgy and Bess, Miles Ahead, and Quiet Nights. Sketches of Spain, with its emphasis on flamenco, rich orchestrations, and relaxed tempos, is certainly one of Davis's most mellow recordings (he even works out on fluegelhorn), and proved to have broad appeal. To some critics, however, the project was "elevated elevator music." An expanded version of the album, featuring alternative tracks and unreleased material, was issued in 1997 by Columbia Legacy. --Fred Goodman

Customer Reviews:

Classijazz? Jazzical? .......2007-07-02

Hey! This ain't jazz! This is Spanish-tinged classical! With a fanfare that seems fitting to introduce matadors (not a criticism, not a compliment) on "Saeta"! Yeah, that's right. Miles' eclecticism kicks in again, I suppose. It's a bit overrated, and it's controversial even by Miles' standards. I like it though. Other than "Concerto de Aranjeuz". That song, or work, or whatever fails to move me. Now, "Will o' the Wisp", aye, that be a different cup of tea. It really is moving, emotional, haunting, and so forth; so is "The Pan Piper", with an eerie flute melody. "Saeta" starts off like those two, but ends up doing the pompous fanfare thingy, but hey, at least it does it well. And the closing "Solea" is pretty good too! It sounds almost like the Hollywood version of traditional Spanish music, the kind you'd expect to hear when the charming Spanish swordfighter is having a duel in a ballroom, but again, it gets quite intense during its climax around nine minutes in. I like intense. This is easily the best Miles/Evans album. Just to warn you, though, it's quite rigid; as usual, Miles is put on a pedestal above the other guys. I mostly prefer him in a small-group setting. I do, however, recommend Sketches of Spain in spite of that.

Spanish love song..........2007-06-20

Miles Davis working with arranger and composer Gil Evans put together an album that ranked 356 on Rolling Stones Top 500 albums of all time. It is probaly one of his most accessible albums and the tight compositions take you to the Spanish bullfight and quiet burning passion of a long, hot Spanish summer day. Not the the hardblowing, improvisational jazz that everyone associates with Miles but the arrangements and tight composition makes for a very relaxing, enjoyable listen.

From Madrid w/ Love.......2007-05-13

I'm listening to Miles here in Madrid. We've just done the tapas crawl after seeing a bullfight. No kidding. Now, the ipod is playing Sketces....and I've got to tell you that Miles and Gil Evans got it right. In fact, everything they collaborated on was so fantastic. And Miles is Miles. Here, a little more sophisticated than in his "Kind of Blue" phase but, still Miles. The one and only.

Music to listen to at day's end.......2007-02-01

This is a nice disc to listen to after a long day doing just about anything. It is just that soul-reaching and calming. I feel like this CD is a slice of jazz wrapped in a blanket of Mediterranean sunshine. No vocals are needed thanks to the melodic tunes of Miles' horn.

Gil Evans provides another dimension for the legendary horn player.......2006-12-23

While it doesn't have much to do with the music in this review, in 1995 I obtained Tears For Fears' "Raoul and the Kings of Spain" . This was one of the best albums of the 1990s, namely because of the Spanish musical influence that was infused into a mainstream music sound. One of the songs on "Raoul and the Kings of Spain" was an album called "Sketches of Pain". "Sketches of Pain" was an outstanding song because of the use of classical Spanish guitar and percussion. Part of the reason for the title of that Tears For Fears song was a play on the famous Miles Davis album, "Sketches of Spain", which was Davis' album that had music with a Spanish influence. While Miles Davis is basically a household name, I cannot say that I was familiar with a lot of his music. When I realized there was a connection in how Tears For Fears' "Sketches of Pain" related to Davis' Spanish Themed album, I became more curious about checking out this recording. Without doing much research, I assumed this album would be a jazz album with a classical Spanish influence. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a more classical music sound that would have the Spanish theme infused.

"Sketches of Spain" is a collaboration between Miles Davis and Gil Evans. Davis and Evans had begun a partnership in 1957 that saw Davis contribute his trademark horns (Trumpet and Flugelhorn) while Evans focused on the arrangements and conducting of the music. Prior to "Sketches of Spain" there were two efforts. The first was 1957's "Miles Ahead" that saw Davis and Evans engage in a big band/jazz feel. The second was 1958's "Porgy and Bess" which was an arrangement of songs from George Gershwin's opera, "Porgy and Bess". "Porgy and Bess" also saw the combination of Davis ane Evans move toward something that had more of a classical feel to it. I'm sure this provided a lot of the impetus for the duo to do something more in the classical space.

"Sketches of Pain" has its roots around Spanish Classical music. The original 1960 release consisted of five tracks - two are covers of existing Spanish Classical works and the other three were original compositions by Evans. The Spanish works that are covered are Joaquin Rodrigo's 16+ minute masterpiece "Concierto de Aranjuez" and Manuel de Falla's "Will o' the Wisp". Those familiar with Spanish classical music will know the names of Rodrigo and de Falla. This collection was re-released in 2000 and consists of three additional tracks including another original composition by Evans as well as a full alternative take and alternative ending of "Concierto de Aranjuez".

The cover songs, "Concierto de Aranjuez" and "Will o' the Wisp" are going to have less of a reliance on Davis' horns. While Davis' horns can be clearly held throughout the near 20 minutes of music that make up these songs, there is going to be a heavy reliance by the other musicians that contribute to these tracks. When you get into the four original tracks that were composed by Gil Evans, you will hear a big difference. The music is going to focus heavier on the trumpet and flugelhorn of Miles Davis. As you listen to the original tracks, it is amazing how Evans was able to integrate the sound to give the entire "Sketches of Spain" album a very homogenous feel - i.e. the sound of Spanish classical music. In particular the track, "Solea" proves to be as strong as the work by the legendary Rodrigo and de Falla. Listen for the Spanish military-flair in the song that is the result of some terrific percussion work.

Another thing that really stood out was that even though this collection has very much as Spanish Classical music feel. However there are many segments that could have easily been used as soundtrack info for a feel such as a James Bond movie. While it wouldn't be the hard-rocking sound of Paul McCartney's "Live and Let Die", I could see parts of these tracks in James Bond films. A prime example of this comes from the classical "Concierto de Aranjuez" piece itself. You can also hear the "soundtrack" sound from some of Evans' original work such as "Song of Our Country".

One thing that's worth noting is that while this is a Miles Davis album, much of the credit does need to go to Gil Evans. Davis does a superb job at playing the horns, but as mentioned above, it is Evans who finds a way to give this album the homogenous sound. It is also Evans that finds another avenue for Davis to deliver his sound. "Porgy and Bess" opened the doors for something besides his trademark jazz sound. "Sketches of Spain" helped take Davis to another dimension. The music shows outstanding musicianship. My only minor beef with this collection is that it really isn't going to make you "get up and dance". It almost has a calm and somewhat somber quality to it.

This collection includes an outstanding collection of liner notes that will provide additional insight into the band. This includes the original liner notes that appeared on the back of the album cover that were written by Nat Hernoff who was a co-editor of "The Jazz Review". Phil Schaap provides an additional write-up (on the re-release) that discusses "The Making of Sketches of Spain". The liner notes also include production and musician credits. Overall, this is not going to be the place to hear classic Miles Davis jazz, however it is going to be a place to hear some outstanding Spanish-infused classical music. This is going to provide some high quality music and if you have an appreciation for music, this is going to be something worth investing in.

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Nothing Special
Inspired
A WONDERFUL, SIZZLING MILES DAVIS TRIBUTE BY RON CARTER AND THREE TALENTED FRIENDS.

Dear Miles
Ron Carter
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000QFAF9U
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

Gone
Seven Steps To Heaven
My Funny Valentine
Bags' Groove
Someday My Prince Will Come
Cut And Paste
Stella By Starlight
As Time Goes By
Bye Bye Blackbird
595

Amazon.com

Bassist Ron Carter provided the anchor for Miles Davis's band from 1963 to 1969, becoming an indispensable part of one of the trumpeter's greatest bands. While there's plenty of reflection on Davis's music and personality here, the emphasis is squarely on Carter's own long-standing quartet, featuring pianist Stephen Scott, drummer Payton Crossley and percussionist Roger Squitero. As you'd expect from that line-up the emphasis is often on rhythm, with Carter's warm-toned, resonant bass pulsing at the heart of the music. Davis's fleet "Seven Steps to Heaven" inspires racing invention from Scott and some vibrantly explosive percussion from Squitero, while "My Funny Valentine" has Scott playing with the kind of spare lyricism that was a Davis hallmark, Carter supplying a beautiful chordal accompaniment. There's even a bell-like elegance to the subtle blues-feel of "Bag's Groove." While much of the material alludes directly to Davis's inspiration, the quartet's also reflects one of Davis's own stylistic sources, pianist Ahmad Jamal's trio. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews:

Nothing Special.......2007-07-19

I don't know...maybe i'm listening to too much Thelonious Monk (an incredible genius) so this CD by Ron Carter seems, by contrast, very middle of the road, like "ordinary everyday" jazz you might hear at a cocktail lounge. It's very well produced and very well played, but I hear no genius in the music, like I do when I listen to Monk.

Inspired.......2007-06-25

The promotional materials accompanying "Dear Miles" quote Ron Carter as saying "I would have been offended 10 years ago if someone had asked me to do a Mile tribute album." Why Carter would suddenly be defensive about a Miles tribute at any point in his career is strange. He's been interpreting Miles materials continually as accompanist and bandleader since leaving Miles' greatest quintet around 1968.

It's not the project that's strange--Ron Carter was a seminal contributor to Miles' creations during Miles' most fertile period, so accusing him of plagiarism would be ludicrous--what's strange here is the choice of material. These are not Miles' heavy hitters. For the most part, they're not tunes associated exclusively with Miles at all. In fact, the track list would prompt many music lovers to put the CD back on the shelf. This is a badly shop-worn setlist. Who wants to hear another "My Funny Valentine"? What's been done with it since Chet Baker that compelled a second listen? "Someday My Prince Will Come" and "Stella by Starlight"? It sounds like an "as-seen-on-TV" compilation.

But from the first cut, it's apparent that something remarkable is happening on "Dear Miles". "Gone," one of Gil Evans' finest big band arrangements from "Porgy and Bess," is transmuted in its translation to the quartet format to become something wonderful indeed. "My Funny Valentine" gets an overhaul that rediscovers something at the heart of the tune that is beautiful in its simplicity. And then there's "Bag's Groove," a tune that Carter has beautifully reinterpreted before (notably in a duet with Jim Hall), but never to greater effect on this CD. Even "As Time Goes By" becomes something new and vibrant here.

This is Carter's best work since 1999's Latin-inspired "Orfeu," and his greatest traditional small ensemble work since Miles.

A WONDERFUL, SIZZLING MILES DAVIS TRIBUTE BY RON CARTER AND THREE TALENTED FRIENDS........2007-06-20

Five ENJOYABLE Stars!! Composer, arranger, educator, perennial jazz poll- and Grammy-winner Ron Carter, unquestionably one of the greatest bassists in jazz history, has conjured up a great tribute to Miles Davis, who brought him front and center in the jazz world. Historically, Mr Carter arrived in the quintet after the "Kind of Blue" era, playing from 1963 to 1968 teaming up with Herbie Hancock and Tony Williams to form one of jazz' most stellar rhythm sections, playing many of these very songs. This CD is a wonderful set of Miles associated-songs which are fresh while often maintaining much of the atmosphere of the originals. Mr Carter is joined by the stupendously inventive Stephen Scott on piano, superlative drummer Payton Crossley and master percussionist Roger Squitero. Wonderfully recorded, you can often hear the reverberations of Mr Carter's strings suspending the notes in the air longer than we normally hear.

The 'Pieces De Resistance', the best of the best, begin with a song I listened to six consecutive times before moving on: the 5-minute "Stella by Starlight" which begins with a bridge fragment and is a robust, wonderfully-constructed, touching extended bass solo by the 'bassist-extraordinare' with some tasteful piano, percussion and great brush support. And look for Ron's amazing 'mystery note' near the end, in a performance that mirrors the Miles Davis tempo and atmosphere but stands on it's own; ditto for the tempo shifting "My Funny Valentine". "Gone" has some superlative drumming, stout Carter 'walking', great Scott pianism, and great overall interplay. "Seven Steps To Heaven" starts out in a familiar vein but launches into it's own trajectory from there with Scott absolutely on fire and with some muscular bongo playing by 'conguero' Squitero. The waltz "Some Day My Prince Will Come" starts out where we would expect and Scott turns it funky and bluesy in a great performance that almost sounds 'Brubeck-ian' near the end. There are two Ron Carter compositions: the blazing fast "Cut and Paste" with Crossley showing his 'accent' and solo mastery and Carter giving a bass-walking seminar, and the bluesy, almost "So What"-ish "595" which is a showcase for Ron's writing and arranging plus Squitero's background percussive virtuosity. Don't let the song times dissuade you, each satisfying song gets a thorough examination and exposition. Now 70, a fleet-fingered, highly-inventive Ron Carter is as potent a bassist and as vital a composer and group leader as ever, inspiring those around him as evidenced by this disc. My Highest Recommendation. Five WONDERFUL Stars!!

(Note: this review is based on an iTunes digital download.)

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helpfull
Bitches Brew
Censors Going Wild...
Not sure I like it!
jazz classic.

Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

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A Love Supreme
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ASIN: B00000J7SS
Release Date: 1999-06-08

Tracks:

Pharaoh's Dance
Bitches Brew

Tracks:

Spanish Key
John McLaughlin
Miles Runs The Voodoo Down
Sanctuary
Feio

Amazon.com essential recording

The revolution was recorded: in 1969 Bitches Brew sent a shiver through a country already quaking. It was a recording whose very sound, production methods, album-cover art, and two-LP length all signaled that jazz could never be the same. Over three days anger, confusion, and exhilaration had reigned in the studio, and the sonic themes, scraps, grooves, and sheer will and emotion that resulted were percolated and edited into an astonishingly organic work. This Miles Davis wasn't merely presenting a simple hybrid like jazz-rock, but a new way of thinking about improvisation and the studio. And with this two-CD reissue (actually, this set is a reissue of the original set plus one track, perfect for the fan who's not so overwhelmed as to need the four-CD Complete Bitches Brew box), the murk of the original recording is lifted. The instruments newly defined and brightened, the dark energy of the original comes through as if it were all fresh. Joe Zawinul and Bennie Maupin's roles in the mix have been especially clarified. With a bonus track of "Feio"--a Wayne Shorter composition recorded five months later that serves both as a warm-down for Bitches Brew and a promise of Weather Report to come--this is crucial listening. --John F. Szwed

Customer Reviews:

helpfull.......2007-06-08

When you hear this then you can understand form where the progresive rock at that time( yes, genesis, pink floyd, ELP, etc..)got the influences.

Bitches Brew.......2007-05-30

Miles Davis-Bitches Brew ****

Long held as one of if not the greatest jazz album of all time. This was released in a time of revolution, the civil rights movement was basicaly still in height and change was happening everywhere. Jimi Hendrix redifined guitar and a group of white boys from England named cream were making black music better then some of the blacks were making it at the time. Jazz was changing around the genius that is Miles Davis and had been for a while and he was ignoring it. That was until he sat down and realized how stubborn he was being and caught up. He had long since given up on Coltrane as many did only to later realize his later work was far superior to that of his early material, as did many others in the world.

Some will tell you that this album is outragious and nothing special and even tell you that it is Miles worst album, others will hail this as utter genius and concider this his all time best rivaling the amazing Kind Of Blue, or even Coltranes phenomonal A Love Supreme. Well nither the former or the latter are correct. While this is one of the most important and very best albums in all of jazz and all of music really this is far from Davis' best and far from rivaling the two for-mentiond albums.

What Miles did here was as previously stated give in to his own inhabitions and embrace what he had for so long wrote off as nothing moro then a mere joke. Miles went from classic form jazz right head first into electric and free from like it was nothing. And for someone of his stature it was nothing. In this genre of jazz this album fails in comparison to other albums of its kind, so then why is it so important and revolutionary then? Well it saved Miles career and showed his willingness and flexability to grow as a artist and musician.

The first disc of Bitches Brew containing 'Pharaohs Dance' and the title track 'Bitches Brew' are very simular in song structure, changes, mood, and even in tone. Being as this album was pieced together from several free form jazz jams it is possible that some of these are from the same jam. The first disc fails in direction and in excitment. The jams here are way to long for not having focus and can lose a new listener easily.

The second disc containing 'Spanish Key' 'John McLaughlin' 'Miles Runs The Voodoo Down' 'Sanctuary' and now 'Feio' s much stronger and much more focused. Aside from that disc two is much more interesting and is why this essential for all listeners. It is phenomonal with no other word possible for explaination. It must be heard to be fully appreciated. The playing by Miles and the rest on the album is stronger on this disc and is just all around better.

So is this an essential album for jazz and for Miles Davis, yes, but is this as revolutionary as has been made to seem, certainly not, but that is not to take away from the sheer greatness of this album. You may be wondering why if this album is "sheer greatness" it would only recieve four stars from me well because as great as it is the legend that is Miles Davis could have done much better and did do much better. Essentail!

Censors Going Wild..........2007-04-26

I had heard of this recording for a long time but I obtained it only recently. I rescued my copy from destruction. The local library (under pressure from the politicians) is purging their collection of music that contain what they call the "B" word.

I know that there is currently dispute about the use of "the B word" in song lyrics. But there are ABSOLUTELY NO LYRICS in or on this album so I hardly see how the prohibition has any relevance. I do not see how anyone who is not mentally ill could be offended in any way.

I pointed out that there were still albums on the shelf by white artists that contained the word. They said the problem with B******s Brew was the combination of the word with what they called a "partially nude black woman" on the cover, which was a violation of their new policy. I do see this on the cover, so I must not have the same type of imagination.

There are plenty of albums with partially clad women still on the shelves, so obviously the policy violation happens because of the color of the woman's skin. I offered to redo the cover art in photoshop to lighten the lady's skin, so they could continue to make this interesting music available to the public. They did not think that was even slightly funny.

Word is that the record company is in the process of re-issuing this with additional tracks under the title "Miles' Brew". I suggest they keep the title, and replace the cover with beautiful collie dog, puppies, and a beer.

Finally, what about the music? I think it is very interesting, but far from the best thing that Miles has done. It is an important album in the history of jazz, and I hope it can remain available in it's original form, with the beautiful cover art intact.

Not sure I like it!.......2007-03-08

I read the reviews before buying this and now see why some people were so harsh in thier reviews. Sounds better after a few glasses of wine. Too different for my taste. If you are a jazz purist this may not be to your liking. Davis tries something different and I am not sure it worked.

jazz classic........2007-02-11

okay, all you yayhoos out there; want some great late night listening? something to relax and edify? well, put away all your new age cds, shuck old yanni in the trash bin, and pick up miles davis's bitches brew. no law says laid-back music can't be powerful and soulful. so here it is: just such music. miles trumpet displays a calm, beautiful and mysterious tone throughout this masterpiece. unconventional jazz to be sure, but accessible to anyone's ears. the great john mclaughlin adds fantastic touches of guitar to the recording, and other master musicians on board are: wayne shorter, chick corea, dave holland, and jack dejohnette. after you get this album and find out how much you love it (which you certainly will if there is a modicum of sanity about you), be sure to pick up "in a silent way," too. another classic miles album with a very similar vibe to bitches brew. happy listening.