BIG FUN

After the success of "Bitches Brew" Miles spent a lot of time in the studio trying different things and this album is evidence of that. Of the four side long tracks 2 of them ("Great Expectations" and "Lonely Fire") were recorded around the same time, some 3 months after "Bitches Brew". "Ife" was recorded after the "On The Corner" sessions and has that vibe to it while "Go Ahead John" is connected to "A Tribute To Jack Johnson". So we get different lineups for these tracks from different time periods, all over 20 minutes in length. There's some excellent words in the liner notes by none other than Bennie Maupin.

"Go Ahead John" seems to trip along for the most part with DeJohnette impressing me the most early in the song. "Lonely Fire" is sparse to say the least. Some Indian instruments in this one as well as "Great Expectations" which was recorded around the same time(10 days apart in November of 1969). I was glad to see Zawinul and Corea on electric piano on "Lonely Fire", as well as Cobham and DeJohnette on drums. "Great Expectations" is by far the best track with Corea and Hancock on electric piano, Cobham on drums, Brooks and Carter on bass, McLaughlin on guitar and Davis, Grossman and Maupin on horns. Percussion is important and Moreira takes care of that. Great track ! "Ife" is such a good tune as well with all these sounds coming and going, and Henderson on bass really adds to the rhythm of this song which is it's strength.

The first disc is easily 4.5 stars while the second disc i'd rate at an even 4 stars. One of Miles best studio recordings right here.