Record Reviews

MILES DAVIS ~ MERCI MILES! – LIVE AT VIENNE WARNER 603497844616 (Barcode: 603497844616) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion Recorded: 1991 Released: 2021 This is an archival album by the legendary American Jazz trumpeter / composer / bandleader Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, recorded with his last sextet featuring saxophonist Kenny GarrettFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Deron JohnsonFind albums by this artist, lead bassist FoleyFind albums by this artist, bassist Richard PatersonFind albums by this artist and drummer Ricky WellmanFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album presents eight tracks, with only one track co-composed by Davis, two tracks composed by Marcus MillerFind albums by this artist, two others by PrinceFind albums by this artist and the remaining three by other composers. The last track features the band only without Davis. The sound quality is somewhat murky and boomy, but excusable. The music was recorded on July 1, 1991 during the last Davis’ European tour and just over two months before his untimely death. A week later (July 8) Davis performed the legendary concert with the orchestra led by Quincy JonesFind albums by this artist, which revisited his recordings with Gil EvansFind albums by this artist, and which was released on record as “Miles & Quincy Live At MontreuxFind albums with this title”, which makes it the one before last live recording by Davis. The music remained unreleased for thirty years! Regardless of the heated discussion if Miles was still playing Jazz at this stage of his career, which IMHO in completely ridiculous, the music was alive and kicking and the individual performances scorching, especially those by Davis himself, who plays relatively lengthy soli herein, in contrast to many other live performances, many of which I was lucky to witness, where he contributed limited solo parts. The team of much younger musicians, a trick of the trade Davis used throughout his entire career, revitalized the music and the energy and vigor present here is undeniably stunning, especially at the crescendo moments. But as usual, the intimate, quiet trumpet solo parts, where the band is only audible in the far background, are the absolute pinnacles as far as I am concerned. Overall, this is another document of the timeless career of Jazz Giant Miles Davis, which captures some of his last moments on stage. Perhaps it does not present anything previously unheard, but it certainly is a faithful reflection of his Art and for Davis’ completists, as well as for those of his fans, who enjoyed his most Funky, Groovy moments, this is an absolute must!

Updated: 21/01/2024Posted: 21/01/2024

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