Search - Miles Davis :: Tribute to Jack Johnson

Tribute to Jack Johnson
Miles Davis
Tribute to Jack Johnson
Genres: Jazz, Pop, R&B
 
  •  Track Listings (2) - Disc #1

Miles Davis was a gifted composer of film soundtracks, and this is arguably his best. Certainly it's his most listenable film piece. A boxer himself, Davis had a feel for movement in the ring, and this recording overflows ...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Miles Davis
Title: Tribute to Jack Johnson
Members Wishing: 3
Total Copies: 0
Label: Sony
Original Release Date: 1/1/1992
Re-Release Date: 2/25/1992
Genres: Jazz, Pop, R&B
Styles: Jazz Fusion, Tributes, Funk
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 074644703627

Synopsis

Amazon.com essential recording
Miles Davis was a gifted composer of film soundtracks, and this is arguably his best. Certainly it's his most listenable film piece. A boxer himself, Davis had a feel for movement in the ring, and this recording overflows with the admiration he had for the grace, style, and confidence of fighters like Sugar Ray Robinson. Jack Johnson was, for a long time, Miles's favorite of his own recordings, and you can see why from the first note: guitarist John McLaughlin steps out and strides across a shuffling groove that is closer to barroom R&B than it is to rock; Davis weighs in with that clipped but plaintive sound which promises you that no matter what kind of music he takes on next, he will always be Miles. And then when--midway through the first of two long jams--Herbie Hancock muscles his way into the mix on organ, of all things, you realize that they could go on like this forever. A joyful, liberating record. --John Szwed

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CD Reviews

Overrated
Books & Music | New York, NY | 02/26/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)

"Don't be misled by all these 5 star reviews--- half of this album is boring.



The reason to buy Jack Johnson is for the first track, "Right Off." Miles always bragged that he could have the best rock band in the world, and "Right Off" proves it. John McLaughlin absolutely rips on the guitar here, and Miles chips in an uncharacteristically aggressive solo that is very memorable. If you like Sly and The Family Stone and James Brown, most of "Right Off" will be right up your ally. However, as with much of Miles' work from this period, he doesn't know when to let a good thing quit, and the song goes on for too long, getting pretty repetitive by the end.



The second track, "Yesternow," is repetitiveness defined. It is a slow, boring number that goes nowhere and takes about a half-hour to get there. Those who aren't looking to be put to sleep usually cut off "Jack Johnson" after the first side.



In all, this is a worthwhile album to get for the first song, the first 10 minutes of which is probably one of the greatest rock jams ever. But if you're just getting into Miles' fusion period, I'd start off with "Bitches Brew" instead."
Davis And Other Greats..Excellent Stuff... But...Newer CD I
L. Shirley | fountain valley, ca United States | 06/26/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This review refers to "A Tribute To Jack Johnson"/Miles Davis



Originally released in 1971, this album really cooks.The two tracks on this album, were written by Miles Davis, and are from a documentary of boxer Jack Johnson's bio. The sound is incredible.First of all, you will really feel the emotions of the fighter in the ring. Davis' trumpeting, although a rock-jazz style, is definitive of his immense talent. Extraordinary solos that will have you immersed in every note. And what's more check out some of the talent he brings with him. Herbie Hancock on Organ(amazing), John McLaughlin on Guitar(soooo good), Steve Grossman on Soprano Sax, Billy Cobham on Drums and Michael Henderson on Electric Bass. Whoa..Whole lotta greatness there! They are all superb, and their combined talents make this album a real treat and treasure for fans.



An amazing production job,the recordings were produced over a 16 week period in 1970. The 2 tracks are "Right Off" and "Yesternow", for a total of about 53 minutes of heaven. This CD from1992 (with a red border) is an older edition.There is a much newer edition of the remastered original recording that came out in 2005: A Tribute to Jack Johnson It costs a little more, but it is an excellent quality, with every note and sound coming through the speakers beautifully. It also includes a nice 15 page booklet with facts on Davis, the musicians, the recording sessions, and a history of jazz in brief(and also a few pix).



Recommended for Jazz fans, and Rock fans leaning towards the jazzy side. Incredible stuff! Wonderful Tribute...Enjoy.....Laurie"
Pioneering 70s fusion
littlewing | Mumbai India | 03/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a jazz rock masterpiece - the playing, the creativity, the feel are all tops here.



The true stars here are Mclaughlin's snappy guitar work, Miles himself and the incendiary drumming of a then young Billy Cobham.



This and later on Agharta/Pangaea are the closest approximation to what might have been if Miles and Jimi Hendrix had collaborated. Out of this world."