Track Listing

1. BLACK SATIN
2. SPLATCH
3. JEAN PIERRE
4. SO WHAT
5. NEFERTITI
6. EIGHTY ONE
7. SERPENTS TOOTH
8. IT'S ABOUT THAT TIME
9. BACK SEAT BETTY
10. SPANISH KEY

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #97558 in Music
• Brand: Fusion
• Released on: 2005-08-02
• Number of discs: 2
• Dimensions: .16 pounds

Album Description
Fusion for Miles features some of the greatest names in progressive jazz/ fusion guitar, each paying tribute to master musician and jazz legend Miles Davis, a pioneer of modern jazz and fusion. A gifted composer and powerful band leader, Miles left this world with a legacy of phenomenal compositions, a universal reputation for introducing the world to many important jazz artists who first apprenticed under him, and a vast number of people who were touched by and learned from his stylized harmonic genius. Those musicians, whose music he influenced, were not just trumpet players but nearly all students of jazz and among them are the incredible guitarists who have come together to lift up their guitars as their voices in this unique tribute. FEATURING GUEST GUITARISTS: Eric Johnson, Bill Frisell, Pat Martino, Warren Haynes, Jimmy Herring, Mike Stern, Bill Connors, Steve Kimmock, Bireli Lagrene and Jeff Richman.

Customer Reviews

Great fusion find!
I hesitated purchasing this album as the idea of guitarists doing justice to Miles didn't quite gel. As a lover of all things guitar I am not sure if I'd appreciate a Trumpet tribute to Joe Pass? All said and done, some of the reviews seemed quite favourable of the musicians who had participated and so I took the gamble especially seeing that Vinnie was the drummer.

What a great find! I love this album not as a tribute album nor as an album of Miles' compositions but because this band cooks! Vinnie, Alphonso Johnson, Larry Goldings and Dave Liebman hold this project together. I'd go see this band on tour. Although very contemporary feel, there was still that 60's organic vibe - possibly the tone of Liebman's sax with Johnson's unique warm bass sound? Well done, Mr Richman, punchy arrangements and production.

I love the quality of this album's recording. Even in some of the busiest pieces there was great separation of sound; you could easily hear the kickdrum, organ comping, sax, rhythm guitar, bass plus dominant solo guitar ripping over the tune. I now rate this as one of my favourite albums of Vinnie's drumming - I might even prefer this to Karizma 'Document'!

I agree with what reviewer Stewart says about the soloists; that Herring is scorching hot and Stern perhaps the best interpreter. Even the 'weaker' Johnson number I enjoyed - but then I have weakness for anything by Eric Johnson.

Passing comment - don't hesitate if you are partial to great drumming - from frenetic to the subtle shading of rim-shot heaven, no doubt that this is one of Vinnie's best recordings!

Fusion For Miles is a nice effort.
This CD is a worthwhile purchase. Jimmy Herring plays some smokin' guitar on "Black Satin" - which is a nice rendition but lacks some of the funk of the origional. Mike Stern does a great interpretation of "So What", and brings back memories or his great guitar work back in Miles band in the early 80's. "It's About That Time" is the one tune on this CD that reminds me most of Miles, and is very nicely done.

It's great to hear Dave Liebman who does some nice work, and I haven't heard Alphonso Johnson since his days with Weather Report. I don't mean to belittle Eric Johnson, but Mike Stern's stamp is on "Jean Pierre", and the version on this CD doesn't quite cut it. I wish they could have enlisted Pete Cosey (who is "The Man") and even have him team up with the funky rhythm guitar of Reggie Lucas.

Vinnie Colaiuta to the rescue!
I just listened to this for the 1st time. The different guitarists are a nice touch, but what really makes this work is the back-up band, and especially the drummer, Vinnie Coliauta. His list of credits i.e. Zappa, Holdsworth, Sting, Megadeth (yes!, the last Megadeth recording had Mr. Colaiuta on drums), and of course his own band, etc.; nice resume. Yes, I'm a drummer, so this really sounded good. Generally, I don't care for "tribute" recordings, especially with different players on each track, but this one works well.