Previously Undocumented Classic Miles 70's Concert
directions | Space Time Foam | 12/25/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"With many of the previous official releases of Miles's 1973-5 line up such as:
Agharta or Pangaeathe specific concert documented wasn't a concert of note (although each performance was a completely different experience) or is need of remastering (with the first two mentioned, the Japanese remasters are clearly the ones to get)or as with:Dark Magus: Live At Carnegie Hall [2-CD SET] was cut and pasted to fit to lp length. As well of course there are some grey area releases whose sound fidelity is not up to standards. What should be noted is that by 1973 Miles' bands had taken on the quality of intense jams, clear elements of abstraction and Hendrix (and multiple other influences) that made the performances completely different from other standard fusion bands of the time. One can hear the clear progression in:
The Complete On the Corner Sessions
but the live experience is even more crucial. It should be noted that this is from a television performance (as are many of the more listenable concerts of the time, the dvd should clearly be reissued as well) and the jams are still within what would be classified as jazz as they are still completely focused. Well reccomended."
Cosmic Funk
Mr. Richard D. Coreno | Berea, Ohio USA | 06/26/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"By the time Miles and his fusion road show toured Europe from October 24 to November 21, 1973, rock licks and funk riffs was the heavy brew that fascinated fans and baffled everyone else, as this revolutionary vision continues to do so with new fans and newer critics.
The six tracks - clocking in at 62:48 - is the complete November 3 concert and features the most famous line-up from this period: Dave Liebman (tenor and soprano sax, flute), Reggie Lucas (guitar), Pete Cosey (guitar, percussion), Michael Henderson (bass), Al Foster (drums), Mtume (percussion). It is clearly stated in the liner notes that the recording is from a "private amateur" source, hence the mix can be rough in spots, but - considering its age - ranges in quality from good to very good.
Before Mtume seizes the spotlight in the closing number - the iconic Calypso Frelimo - he propels the rhythm throughout, as Foster and Henderson provide the spaces for Lucas and Cosey to explore the outer limits, with Liebman playing loud and proud as if on the fast track while inside a massive vehicle with 10-wheel drive.
The numbers actually flow together into one solid piece of music, with Miles blowing dense solos and short bursts of direction. Recovering from an auto accident, he was still riding a huge wave of creative energy, but was about 20 months away from having his life engulfed by fatigue and demons, which found him taking a self-imposed exile for six long years.
But there are no storm clouds here...only thunderous joy from a tight band that delivered something very special at each gig.
"
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1