For the jazz fan of any level or jazz musician of whatever style, it cannot be ignored that Miles Davis has had some sort of say within your listening or playing repertoire. The man, whether loved or loathed, has had more of a lasting influence on popular culture’s concept of jazz and its sublimates than any other individual. Davis has had a rare staying power within popular music and his name is mentioned in probably any conversation you have with your buddies about the 10 or 12 jazz musicians you’re actually somewhat familiar with. Not that it’s a bad thing, but it says something. The man’s merit can be questioned and re-questioned, but the fact of the matter is that he was in the right place at the right time, and his music spoke a singular language that is rarely spoken correctly by any musician within his or her lifetime. The language he spoke was ever-present on 1970’s Bitches Brew, what some would consider an album released in his twilight that recreated himself and popular jazz forever.
So the fine capitalists over at Legacy have decided to make their buck by celebrating the 40th anniversary of the recording by releasing a box set of Bitches Brew that features not only the original recordings on double 180-gram vinyl, but also 3 CDs of edits and outtakes, along with a live concert. But wait, what’s more? Also included is DVD footage of a concert from 1969 and a 52-page booklet that has some photos and shit that you can brag to your buddies at the office about. Regardless of the overwhelming packaging that Legacy has decided to dupe you into on this one, the original album remains intact and has made a statement in the musical voice of America. If you feel like you’ll get something out of three hours of outtakes that Davis himself chose not to release, be my guest.
• Miles Davis: http://www.milesdavis.com
• Legacy: http://www.legacyrecordings.com