Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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70 of 80 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Change...a blessing or a curse? (I would say the former), August 12, 2001
If you are considering purchasing this album and are not familiar with this period of Davis' career, be prepared for a unique listening experience. Note from the other reviews that b-BREW isn't universally loved...but its supporters now considerably outnumber the detractors. Nonetheless, newcomers are taking a chance, just as Davis and his sidemen did when they went into the studio to record b-BREW in 1969. If you do purchase this, allow 3-5 listens for it to sink in...few people really get it on their first exposure. Whatever you think it will sound like beforehand...it likely wont sound anything like that!There are a number of misconceptions about this album. For one, Miles was not selling out his musical talent (he was expanding his audience via performing at pop venues and modifying his albums cover art; he did everything to make more money EXCEPT sacrificing the integrity of his music). Second, he wasn't tripping on substances (this era was actually the most drug-free, mentally strong, and physically healthy Davis was in his lifetime). Thirdly, Miles didn't retreat from spotlighting his sidemen and himself (there are plenty of distinctive solo improvisations that float above and within the loose ensemble playing). Fourth, this is not a rock or pop or a jazz/rock album (despite the electronic instrumentation, the music maintains a controlled abstraction that is more in line with that era's modern jazz than with most pop groups. Davis' means to this open end included many influences...rock & funk among them). Fifth, b-BREW was not widely rejected by music buyers (I believe it is Davis 2nd all-time best-selling album behind KIND OF BLUE). Davis was actually in one of the most inspired and productive phases of his entire career, going into the studio often to work on musical concepts that in this case was not that abrupt a shift from his recording projects of the last several years. The bottom line, if Davis wanted to contrive a hit, he'd have been better off going into the studio with Blood Sweat & Tears or Chicago...and had Quincy Jones produce. Contrary to what some have asserted, this album didn't lead jazz down a blind alley, it just built a new turnpike in and around existing paths. Its okay not to like it...but if its okay to love it and consider it one of the centurys foremost aesthetic milestones, count me in! I can't imagine wanting any intrinsically-rewarding result from a music project that isn't delivered on this album.
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49 of 57 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This IS Jazz!, October 27, 1999
By A Customer
Jazz is a remarkable musical style because of its innovation and adaptability. The man who personifies this the most is Miles Davis, for the groundbreaking Bitches Brew is, in every sense, fantastic!! I listened to the album for the first time last night and got blown away! Davis's masterful trumpet playing and Wayne Shorter's soprano sax, coupled with occasional clarinet from Bernie Maupin, give the album a wonderful horn section, Chick Corea and Joe Zawinul lend their keyboard talents, John McLaughlin plays an unparalelled guitar, and the rest of the band is superb! I think Disc 1 is slightly stronger then Disc 2, but the album is great when put togther. Pharoah's Dance and Bitches Brew are incredible experiments from an incredible band, Spanish Key and Miles Runs the Voodoo Down are joyous improvisations, John McLaughlin is a unique duet, and Sanctuary gives it a peaceful finish. But the most amazing part off this album is the attitude. These men must have known that the only way to make this LP good was to pour their heart into the music. The result was a milestone in both jazz and rock, a record that brings emotion to all who listen to it, and it all came from one man's head. Thank you, Miles.
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17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Miles Davis VS Rock, December 28, 2001
If you're wondering were to begin with the 'electric' period of Miles Davis, his jazz - rock fusion period, don't look any further. You just found it! Fans of fifties Miles and 'Kind of Blue' fans, a sign of warning - you'll be in for a surprise! And what a surprise it is! Listen to it with head - phones, that way you'll get the full satisfaction. Mind - blowing and timeless, for the jazz and none - jazz listener alike. I don't listen to jazz (well not a lot) so when I first heard it I was astonished. I had never heard anything like that before. Although the tracks are very long (up to 27 minutes for 'Bitches Brew'), all 94 minutes on the album will pass really quickly.Don't expect to hear something mellow, this is dark, sometimes scary music for those late nights. The first time you listen to it you may not even like it, so it requires an open mind. There are hard rock rhythms with the fiery trumpet by Miles, the sax by Shorter, the 'screaming' guitar work by John McLaughlin, the driving beats of the drums by Jack DeJohnette, the piano by Zawinul...Wow! Song highlights include 'Bitches Brew', 'John McLaughlin' and 'Miles Runs The Voodoo Down'. This is the album that started a revolution, that started the fusion sound of the seventies that many other groups will follow , and for that it will always be considered as one the most important jazz albums ever.
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