Human Nature Live - Miles Davis

Advantages: Virtuoso trumpet at its best
Disadvantages: Only the re-released version has the sound quality it deserves

...The first time I heard this CD was with my Grandparents as a young child, I didn't understand and didn't appreciate the beauty of the music, I remember my granddad tapping his toes and sipping his whiskey, humming gently along with the trumpet solos, this fond memory was abruptly brought forward whilst browsing in a local alternative record shop. I spotted "A Kind Blue" and instantly withdrew my wallet and the CD was mine. As readers you will probably like to know about the music is like! Well simply it is divine, some find Miles Davis's music too intense and muddled, but it takes either an uninterested listener to ignore this or a fascinated listener to understand and appreciate it, I hope that the buyer will lean towards the latter of these two opposites.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Ideal example of Miles' style at the time - funky and fun.
Disadvantages: Not for everyone (but definitely worth a shot)

...Miles Davis was one of the most influencial musicians of the last century, constantly innovating as a jazz sideman, soloist and bandleader. The trumpeter was at the forefront of bebop, 'cool' jazz, rock fusion, and funk. "Jack Johnson" falls in the middle of Miles' fusion period, with such albums as the famous "Bitches Brew" and "In a Silent Way". Track Listing 1. Right Off (26:52), 2. Yesternow (25:34) History This music was written by Miles as a soundtrack to the documentary "A Tribute to Jack Johnson". Johnson was a black boxer, heavyweight champion in 1908. He was a black symbol - Miles, always acutely aware of racial prejudices, felt a connection with Johnson. Unusually, Miles wrote liner notes himself for the album, showing his strength of feeling - he says how Johnson was sophisticated, into wine, cigars... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Polished performances and good music
Disadvantages: Double CD not necessary, liner notes below par

...Black Beauty, recorded at California's Fillmore West in 1970, represents the power of a Davis concert at a time when he was revolutionising jazz-fusion with recordings like Bitches Brew and In A Silent Way. A stellar lineup joins the trumpeter for this gig, including Chick Corea and Steve Grossman. My favourite tracks on the album are both non-Davis. Joe Zawinul, a regular Miles sideman, is represented by "Directions", the opening track. It sets a lively standard which is upheld throughout the mostly fast and frantic album. Wayne Shorter's Masqualero is also a highlight, with great solos by Davis and Grossman. My biggest criticism of the album is that Columbia have released it as a double CD, when the whole album, being under 80 minutes, could have been put on one disc. This creates frustrating disc-swapping and a higher price. Also... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful