A TRIBUTE TO JACK JOHNSON

It is hard for me to put into words what this album did, for what I believed Jazz was, I was so blown away by this music 12 years ago the first time I heard it. I was only familiar with Miles Davis as an aging Jazz artist who was Mixing it up with Hip Hop Artists and showing up at anti apartheid benefits concerts in the late 80's, I found a copy of this session in a used cd bin, The cover was intriguing. Quite simply this album opened the door to the rest of his catalog, and pointed me into the direction of Progressive Music.

This really comes off as straight ahead rock, with a sprinkling of jazz, then the moody second half almost reminds me of early Tangerine Dream. But The trumpet Is the story here, muscular and full of brashness, I have a hard time Finding Davis in Better Technical Form anywhere else in his discography. The funky in the pocket Bass by Michael Henderson sets the rock foundation. Herbie Hancock slithers around on keyboards, and John Mclaughlin plays some very bluesy rock runs. Though a studio performance, It has always felt like a live album, I suppose due to the loose atmosphere and Hancock just coming of the street to play the Hammond B-3 leads to this. it's essentially a jam session. This album will always hold a special place in my heart. this is in my opinion the most fully realized rock jazz album Davis did, as apposed to most of his music being more jazz than rock. Only Dark Magus comes close.