BITCHES BREW

Emerging from the fog of In a Silent Way, Bitches Brew coalesces Davis' new electric sound. Not yet featuring the heavy funk influence which would dominate the likes of On the Corner, this iteration of Miles' fusion experiments involves a seamless melding of traditional jazz improvisations and more rock-influenced playing in loose, hypnotic frameworks that yield more and more surprises with each listen. Again featuring a grab-bag of future fusion pioneers, the dark, brooding atmosphere would eventually be taken to an extreme by the Mahavishnu Orchestra, although the playing never really gets as fast as that on, say, The Inner Mounting Flame and in fact is usually somewhat laid back (though there are occasional outbreaks of volcanic, frenzied playing, as in Sanctuary just after the four and a half minute mark). In truth, there isn't very much that quite sounds like it, though many imitators would try over the ensuing years. Five stars.