Search - Miles Davis :: Live in Poland 1983

Great edition to the late miles discography

M. Bauer | Colorado | 12/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you enjoy "We Want Miles", "Live Around The World", or the Montreux box set, this 2 CD set is strongly recommended.



All of the first disc and third of the second disc is from a 1983 concert in Poland. The second disc is filled out with a 1981 performance in NYC with a similar set list to "We Want Miles".



In both cases the sound is excellent and the performances are sharp. The the crowds in both of these early 80s performances are obviously excited to have Miles back in action and in fine form.



I've always believed 80s Miles was best when it was live (several of the studio albums of this period seem sterile to me). Throughout his long career, Miles knew how to assemble exceptional bands.



If you like 80s Miles, don't miss this one.



"

An Incredible Piece of Recorded History

Mr. Richard D. Coreno | Berea, Ohio USA | 06/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With two hours and twenty-five minutes worth of concert performances - from 1981 and 1983 - this is truly a wonderful gem for collectors of Miles Davis material.



Professionally presented by Gambit Records, there is nearly two hours of music from an October 13, 1983, show at Congress Hall in Warsaw Poland, and about 30 minutes taken from a July 1981 gig in New York. There is minimal information about the source of the recordings, but they sound as if taken directly from the soundboard with no post-show production, since there are a few very minor "rough" spots that in no way hinder the listening experience.



The Warsaw show features several guitar solos from John Scofield that are technical masterpieces, with Miles directing his septet through short bursts on the trumpet. Miles has some fun with the audience on Jean Pierre, as several abrupt - but false - endings, paced by percussionist Mino Cinelu, has the crowd's raucous applause give way to silence and then back to cheering.



With Bill Evans (soprano and tenor sax, flute), Robert Irving III (keyboards), Darryl Jones (bass) and Al Foster (drums), Davis arguably had his strongest performing lineup, which is propelled here by a very appreciative audience. A DVD of the show is also available.



The highlight of the trio of songs from New York is the 15:44 of My Man's Gone Now, which is subtly electrifying. With the addition of Ursula (two minutes) and Aida (12:14), Davis is heard in the opening stages of his comeback with his sextet that has Mike Stern (guitar), Marcus Miller (bass), Evans, Jones, Foster and Cinelu.



A 12-page booklet includes some tidbits on the Warsaw show, photographs and an Ian Carr interview with Miles. The layout could have been pulled from a vault for the Verve Music Group.



This 2-CD set is a special slice of fusion history that stands the test of time (only being released in 2008). Davis is rejuvenated and enthusiastic, with musicians that fully appreciate the vibe from the jazz icon.



"

The Complete Warsaw Concert

Stephen Reddy | Brisbane | 01/12/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Complete Warsaw concert by Miles' superb 1983 septet with saxophonist Bill Evans and guitarist John Scofield. As a bonus, this double disc set also includes three live tracks by the 1981 Davis sextet, Included an amazing 15.44 min version of "My Man's Gone Now"



Miles Davis (trumpet)

Bill Evans (sax,flute)

John Scofield (guitar)

Ronert Irving III (keyboards)

Daryl Jones (bbass)

Al foster (drums)

Mino Cinelu (percussion)





TRACK LISITNGS



Disc: 1

1. Announcement

2. Speak

3. Star People

4. What It Is

5. It Gets Better

6. Hopscotch

7. That's Right

8. Code M.D.



Disc: 2

1. Star On Cicely

2. Jean Pierre

3. Unknown

4. Speak

5. Speak

6. Ursula

7. My Man's Gone Now

8. Aida"