Customer Reviews

Avignon- Last Concert

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Though there are no liner notes to the 1988 concert in Avignon, France, the recording probably was not re-mixed for release. And that's what makes the two CDs outstanding; a little rough at times, but you hear what was performed by Miles and his group in truly a live format.

There are times when the keyboards (Robert Irving III & Adam Holzman), bass (Darryl Jones), percussion (Ricky Weltman & Rudy Bird) or guitar (Foley) overwhelm the mix, but it takes nothing away from the playing of Miles or Kenny Garrett (alto sax, flute).

A Miles solo introduces Tutu, and the sonic boom of the keyboards then gets the band smoking through a heavy rock rhythm, sparked by Foley's guitar. The quirky Movie Star is a prelude to the band stretching out on Splatch. What is a concert standard, Time After Time, leads into some of Miles best trumpet work - Wayne's Tune - with the first CD ending with a Marcus Miller composition, Full Nelson.

The second CD finds Miles and the band in full rock motion. A surprise - after Intruders and New Blues - is the hot rendition of One Phone Call/Street Scenes, which I have felt was a nod Miles gave to the energy of the punk rock movement.

Another regular live number - Perfect Way - gives way to a pair of Prince compositions, The Senate/Me And You. Though the collaboration never came close to reaching its full artistic potential, Miles had shown great interest in working with Prince on a number of future projects. These live numbers only demonstrate the possibilities that could have been reached in later years.

Miles is feeling good, as his playful banter with the band members keeps the stage vibes loose and light. Avignon: The Last Concert (it was the final performance of Miles in Avignon) is a gem that was released in 2004 and shows yet again why a Miles concert was special for the fans and musicians.

While rumours had circulated that Miles' excesses were catching up to him, you rarely heard evidence of that especially in the last two concert tours of his life, of which this is heralded as the very last. In fact, on offer here is Miles in peak form as both musician and leader and his colleagues are up to their very best in negotiating the turns, the improvisations and the explorations that were very, very much alive. I caught Miles on each of his last 3 swings through Philly and there was always the concern amidst the rumours that this tour would be the last. Each time at the show's conclusion, you'd swear that that just wasn't possible, he was way too on.
Certainly the show directed by Quincy Jones presented an exhausted Miles, but however he managed it, he turned around at Avignon and delivered a performance for the ages. I'm not sure what has happened with his estate, but the last period, particularly the last touring period of his life has been radically underrepresented, apart from Norman Granz' Montreux box. Thus, if you harbour an avocation for all things Miles, this concert in particular is absolutely essential. I'm making my way through some of the other boots with great enthusiasm.

I saw his last show in the MN and I wish someone would release the CD. It was at Prince's club n Minneapolis. This CD was a great CD. I suggest if you like Miles get this one