For Ear Sake

Miles Davis - Bitches Brew (1970)

Genres: Fusion, Jazz

Bitches Brew is known as an album that helped shift Jazz music from traditional to modern. An experimental Davis removed tradition from his music, and allowed it to go to another dimension. Backed with a team of young Jazz musicians such as, Chick Corea, Larry Young, John McLaughlin, and Joe Zawinul, Miles Davis was ready to change the pace of Jazz music forever.

"Bitches Brew was Davis's first gold record, selling more than half a million copies. Upon release, it received a mixed response, due to the album's unconventional style and revolutionary sound. Later, Bitches Brew gained recognition as one of jazz's greatest albums and a progenitor of the jazz rock genre, as well as a major influence on rock and funk musicians. Despite his reputation as a "cool", melodic improviser, much of Davis's playing on this album is aggressive and explosive, often playing fast runs and venturing into the upper register of the trumpet." - Wikipedia

Bitches Brew was released around the time Jazz music shadowed the genres Soul, Funk, and Rock. Jazz was no longer looked upon as the number one genre of music to listen to. It was time for an upgrade, and Miles Davis provided that. However, many people did not believe in the direction Davis took. The album is also known to be an album Traditional Jazz fans disliked. Many Jazz fans felt that the music featured on Bitches Brew was too commercial, or wasn't Jazz music at all since it lacked all of the traditional elements Jazz is known for. However, the album was more than innovative, but was inspirational to the point that it birthed a new wave of Jazz music, Jazz Fusion.

It's a no brainer to label Miles Davis as a Jazz god if you were raised on Jazz music. My grandmother, my mother, and my aunt were/are big Jazz fans, and I'd be lying if I said my love for Jazz music wasn't an influential gain from my childhood. Bitches Brew is one of my favorite albums by the great Miles Davis. Not only was the musical material the turning point of Jazz, but the artwork is stunning! I own an original copy, but I wanted a re-released copy for my collection. I stumbled upon this vinyl while digging in a newly found record store a few weeks ago, and I had to get it. This is most definitely a must have album if you're a true Jazz fan.

Bitches Brew is highly recommended to individuals that enjoy Jazz and Jazz Fusion. Finding a copy for purchase is far from a challenge; Discogs has plently of copies (here). I've also included additional pictures of the album and a track that's on the album underneath the pictures. If you like what you see/hear, be sure to grab yourself a copy!

Miles Davis - Sanctuary