Great fusion find!
Ian Martin | Auckland New Zealand | 11/29/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I hesitated purchasing this album as the idea of guitarists doing justice to Miles didn't quite gel. As a lover of all things guitar I am not sure if I'd appreciate a Trumpet tribute to Joe Pass? All said and done, some of the reviews seemed quite favourable of the musicians who had participated and so I took the gamble especially seeing that Vinnie was the drummer.
What a great find! I love this album not as a tribute album nor as an album of Miles' compositions but because this band cooks! Vinnie, Alphonso Johnson, Larry Goldings and Dave Liebman hold this project together. I'd go see this band on tour. Although very contemporary feel, there was still that 60's organic vibe - possibly the tone of Liebman's sax with Johnson's unique warm bass sound? Well done, Mr Richman, punchy arrangements and production.
I love the quality of this album's recording. Even in some of the busiest pieces there was great separation of sound; you could easily hear the kickdrum, organ comping, sax, rhythm guitar, bass plus dominant solo guitar ripping over the tune. I now rate this as one of my favourite albums of Vinnie's drumming - I might even prefer this to Karizma 'Document'!
I agree with what reviewer Stewart says about the soloists; that Herring is scorching hot and Stern perhaps the best interpreter. Even the 'weaker' Johnson number I enjoyed - but then I have weakness for anything by Eric Johnson.
Passing comment - don't hesitate if you are partial to great drumming - from frenetic to the subtle shading of rim-shot heaven, no doubt that this is one of Vinnie's best recordings!"
Fusion For Miles is a nice effort.
Wendell Stewart III | Windham, NH | 09/28/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is a worthwhile purchase. Jimmy Herring plays some smokin' guitar on "Black Satin" - which is a nice rendition but lacks some of the funk of the origional. Mike Stern does a great interpretation of "So What", and brings back memories or his great guitar work back in Miles band in the early 80's. "It's About That Time" is the one tune on this CD that reminds me most of Miles, and is very nicely done.
It's great to hear Dave Liebman who does some nice work, and I haven't heard Alphonso Johnson since his days with Weather Report. I don't mean to belittle Eric Johnson, but Mike Stern's stamp is on "Jean Pierre", and the version on this CD doesn't quite cut it. I wish they could have enlisted Pete Cosey (who is "The Man") and even have him team up with the funky rhythm guitar of Reggie Lucas."
Interesting but non-essential
The Delite Rancher | Phoenix, Arizona | 11/08/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
""Fusion for Miles: A Guitar Tribute" falls short. Sure this project has plenty of talented guitar players. The guest musicians are enough to make any guitar listener salivate with the likes of Jimmy Herring, Pat Martino, Warren Haynes, Steve Kimock and even the great Bill Frisell. On paper, this project is a sure bet. In actuality, the effort has a generic, commercial sound. Much of this sounds like stock rock. This isn't necessarily surprising since Tone Center has become one of those machines that primarily turn out mass produced tributes. What specifically went wrong? One of the issues is that the core band fails to reach critical mass. As Alphonso Johnson's electric bass work gave "Jazz is Dead" a blasé sound, his playing doesn't do this outfit any favors. Aside from the primary musicians, the bland production is another problem with "Fusion for Miles." How is it possible to take so many cutting edge, uniquely sounding guitar players and make them all sound so similar? Lacking the sonic charm of the originals, this album has a sterile, contemporary feel. While the first three reviews for this product are enthusiastic, the same concerns that I've raised here are echoed in the customer reviews for other Tone Center tributes. The savvy consumer would do well to read the three star reviews for these like-minded discs: "A Guitar Supreme: Giant Steps in Fusion Guitar," "The Royal Dan: A Tribute" and "Freeway Jam: To Beck and Back." Despite issues, this album has strengths. While the guest musicians are an asset, so are the song choices. The selections are straight from Miles Davis' funky and psychedelic canon. The quality ingredients in this brew make the final drink that much more disappointing. I had such high hopes that I would fall in love with this project. I closely follow the careers of many of the guest musicians; I love this period of Miles Davis and my ears are always open for his tributes. "Fusion for Miles" looks great on paper, but it should be considered non-essential."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1