Inspired by Harlepolis thread on Reggie Lucas and James Mtume


Musicians:

Miles Davis- Trumpet, Organ

Sonny Fortune- Soprano and Alto Saxophone, Flute

Michael Henderson- Fender Bass

Pete Cosey-Guitar, Synth, Percussion

Al Foster- Drums

Reggie Lucas-Guitar

Mtume- Congas, Percussion, Water Drums and Rhythm Box

A smoking smoking live session from the ever changing Miles Davis and his supergroup. This album Agharta was recorded right before Miles announced his "retirement". This is one of my favorite Miles'recordings. There is not a boring moment on this 2-CD live set. By this time, Miles wasn't doing very well health wise. He had a bad hip problem and he also was suffering from bleeding ulcers. Even though the trumpet doesn't get much time on this live set, this recording is still a testament to Miles' dedication to his art. This is a musical democracy in action as Miles simply just sit back and let his innovated supergroup take control. There is something unusual yet funky going on constantly on this set. Even though the songs are long it's not boring. And improvisation is definitely the order of THIS DAY(Feb 1, 1975 live in Tokyo).

Pete Cosey is simply amazing with his Hendrix-ism guitar solos. He's cooking with gas throughout the whole recording. Reggie Lucas also has some special moments. And Sonny Fortune displays some stunning sax solos as well on this recording. This is one of those moments in jazz where you are so glad that it was documented for the world to hear. A few of these musicians went on to have solo careers. Michael Henderson became a pretty successful R&B act in the late 70's and early 80's and James Mtume had a huge hit with Juicy Fruit in 1983.Reggie Lucas became a huge prodcuer in the 80's producing hits for artists like Stephanie Mills and going on to produce Madonna's first album titled Madonna. Miles had done it again. Once again someone out of his group goes on to become a leader and successful in their own right. If you don't have this recording, get it. You'll be delighted. Another treasure from Miles.
[This message was edited Mon Sep 1 5:54:24 PDT 2003 by BRO915]

I don't know anything about Miles Davis. Is this a good CD as an introduction?

Yeah I read in couple of Mtume's bios that he used to be a former drummer 4 Miles



Speaking of Michael Henderson(who I still think he's a bad ass vocalist-Check his heartfelt duet with the lovely Phyllis Hyman on "We Should Be Lovers) I suggest you to check his Jam sessions with Marvin Gaye.

I heard that Marvin loved jamming the most with Herbie Hancock & Mr. Henderson. You could check his stuff with Marvin in the limited edition of "Lets Get It On".

As 4 "Agharta"? It must be down in my basement(don't hound me tho ) I might give it a listen 2night

mike464 said:

Well...I don't know about that...but I will give you some recordings that are great introductions to "The Picasso Of Jazz"...


I'll lay down some stuff for you from the 40's, 50's 60's, 70's and 80's...They are as follows..

Birth Of The Cool
Kind Of Blue
In A Silent Way
A Tribute To Jack Johnson
Live Around The World...This was released in 1996 from Warner Bros. However, it is a documentation of various selections from his late 80's concert tours. Miles late 80's bands included super musicians like bassist Foley{WHO IS STRAIGHT SHOWING OUT ON THIS DISC}, Kenny Garrett and Adam Holzman. The live rendition of "Tutu" is 10 times as tight as the studio record version. And the last song on this live set is said to be Miles' very last live performance it is called "Hannibal" and it is pretty good.

This is a basic introduction. Start here and build from there...Miles was one of the greatest and most important musicians/artists of the 20th century...and has many works in his catalog to prove it...Let him/her who hath ears...HEAR.
[This message was edited Mon Sep 1 11:35:03 PDT 2003 by BRO915]

Agharta is definitely the worst possible introduction to Miles I can possibly think of.

That said, I like the album, even though it is fairly depressing and recorded but 100% stone musicians...

Harlepolis said:

"I'm not trying to say...that I'm not happy in the daytime...but the going gets better for me...in the night time"...


I used to love that song back in the day from Michael Henderson...I like how he keeps reenforcing that line within the chorus until the song fades out...