Selim Sivad: A Tribute to Miles Davis

World Saxophone Quartet | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 23, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Justin Time Records
• ASIN: B000007OGT
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #262,475 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Rich, Dark, and Thunderous, August 10, 2009

By 

Karl W. Nehring (Ostrander, OH USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Selim Sivad: A Tribute to Miles Davis (Audio CD)

The sound of the World Saxophone Quartet (Hamiet Bluiett, baritone sax and contra-alto clarinet; David Murray, tenor sax and bass clarinet; Oliver lake, alto sax and flute; and John Purcell, saxello and alto flute) is often just a little bit too much for these ears: the harmonies a little overbearing, the arrangements a little too complex; however, there is no doubting their commanding musicianship. On this tribute to the music of Miles Davis, the winds are augmented by Jack DeJohnette on piano and drums plus three players on African drums and percussion--Chief Bey, Okyerema Asante, and Titos Sompa.

As you might expect from such a gathering of forceful musicians, the sound is rich, dark, and at times thunderous in its impact. It is indeed strange, but fascinatingly so, to hear tunes such as "Freddie Freeloader," "Blue in Green," and even "All Blues" played in such a fashion, certainly a far different sound from what Miles got from his players three decades ago. At times, the WSQ does seem to be taking things a bit over the top; still, this is an exciting recording that brings an unexpected but most welcome perspective to the music of Miles Davis.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful !, December 22, 2008

By 

zeak "zeak" (pg cnty md) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Selim Sivad: A Tribute to Miles Davis (Audio CD)

This tribute is a great tribute to the great one.Lots of African and European influences of this cd.But not so much you forget who the original author is.

4.0 out of 5 stars Taking things in a unique direction, September 12, 2008

By 

Anthony Cooper (Louisville, KY United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Selim Sivad: A Tribute to Miles Davis (Audio CD)

If a jazz musician or group assembles an octet, they should have all the players they need to make whatever music they want. The choice of instruments is a big part of the sound. The World Saxophone Quartet adds three African percussionists, as is typical throughout the 90's, and Jack DeJohnette. Four saxophones and four percussionist/drummers is an unusual lineup, and they certainly take a unique look at Miles Davis' music and career. The CD starts lively with "Seven Steps To Heaven". With the saxophones and drums all going full throttle, it gives the song a propulsiveness the original version didn't consider. "Selim" is closer to the original in that they're both spacey and free. This version needs to be turned up loud to catch all of the nuances and appreciate it a little better. "Freddie Freeloader" is a free blues with some vocals by one of the percussionists. "The Road To Nefertiti (Nefertiti)" is another free jazz song with a bit of the original melody at the end of it. "Tutu" replaces the original's brittle sound with a more robust New Orleans swing. "Blue In Green" and "All Blues" wind things up in fine form. They are a little more like a typical W.S.Q. song, with a beat and great group improvisation.

The W.S.Q. puts a creative twist on each of these songs, and they play their hearts out. Jack DeJohnette's drumming gets a little lost in the mix, though he plays some very effective piano in a few places. Though I don't like this as much as David Murray's more conventional Coltrane tribute recorded two years later, this is a very worthwhile look at Miles Davis' music. There's nothing stale or reperatory about it.