Record Reviews

MILES DAVIS ~ SKETCHES OF SPAIN (50TH ANNIVERSARY LEGACY EDITION) COLUMBIA 43949 (Barcode: 886974394921) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1959 Released: 2009 It is extremely hard to believe that this masterpiece is half a century old! Hearing it today reveals therefore that trumpeter Miles DavisFind albums by this artist and arranger / conductor Gil EvansFind albums by this artist were both visionaries, in addition to their supreme musical sensitivity and revolutionary approach to music expansion. Combing Jazz with non-Western Classical music, in this case the magnificent "Concierto de Aranjuez" by Joaquin RodrigoFind albums by this artist (originally a concerto for guitar and orchestra, arranged for trumpet by Evans), was a bold step and one of the first examples of Jazz-World Fusion. Sure enough some American critics and fans hated it from day one, using the "usual" intelligent argument: "This is not Jazz". But Jazz it was, a magnificent new form of Jazz, where the lyrical composition and brilliant (and not less lyrical) interpretation by Miles just fit together like a dream. The muted trumpet played by Miles turns into a magical / mystical mythological flute, luring the listener into the music, completely intoxicated by the sound. I could go on and on about the music, but what´s the point, just grab it and listen. The original LP was extended for this special addition with a whole second CD of bonus material, including studio outtakes and the only live performance of this music with Davis and Evans. Totally essential!

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend