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Apr 25, 2011 Miles Davis By Laura Studarus

Recorded at the 1969 Newport Jazz Festival, Bitches Brew Live finds Miles Davis in fine form—full of the jazz-fuelled piss and vinegar that would go on to inspire generations. Now the epitome of unimpeachable cool, it’s difficult to conceptualize how revolutionary this performance (and the studio album of the same name released the following year) really was.

With accompanying musicians (Keith Jarrett, Airto Moreira, Jack DeJohnette, Dave Holland, and Chick Corea) often adding accents that sound not unlike a fun-house mirror version of the genre, Davis—and his devil may care, rapid-fire improvisations—stand front and center. With the funk turned up to 11, navigating the ebb and flow of the album may be a bit tricky for the first time jazz-fan (as it probably was for audiences at the fest trying to figure out what the hell was going on). But the detailed liner notes by Michael Azerrad beautifully aid further newbie explorations. A unique reissue from a one-of a kind artist. Your move Brubeck. (www.milesdavis.com)

Author rating: 9/10