A TRIBUTE TO JACK JOHNSON

Originally recorded as a Soundtrack for the documentary Jack Johnson which was not well received. Done over 2 sessions in April and November in 1970. Yesternow one of the only 2 tracks on the album was first. Produced by Teo Macero as usual and released on Columbia

The Band is John McLaughlin on Guitar, Herbie Hancock on Keyboards, Steve Grossman on Soprano Sax. Billy Cobham on Drums and Michael Henderson on Fender Bass. A bit of cut and paste was used for this album from the 2 Sessions by Teo Macero and other musicians were involved but not mentioned on the album.

Right Off which commences the album is one great Jazz/Rock composition that takes off from beginning to end with one section at the end of Miles solo which is the first of the tune when he changes to a mute on the trumpet. Sure the major part of his solo has a bit of repetition ( notes repeated) but that is what gives this tune that feel. Great solo off Herbie Hancock on Keyboard and John McLaughlin gives basically the undercurrent to the whole thing with those chords blasting through. By far the best of the tracks on the album.

Yesternow is okay but a bit to much meandering for me it does improve towards the end but not a lot. There are excerpts used from In a Silent Way in the composition. Both of the tracks are over 25 minutes long.

This album to me an essential part of my Miles collection but Yesternow drags it down a little.