Miles Davis - The Complete Bitches Brew Sessions (1970)

When Miles Davis released Bitches Brew in April 1970, he set the music world on its ear. No one had heard anything quite like this before. The music went far beyond all the limits of jazz and rock, and created a new genre--fusion. The six tracks that made it to the original double album (which in itself was a rarity for a jazz artist) were recorded over three days in August 1969, and then assembled from various takes in the studio. The rest of the material included here features largely the same musicians, but in different sessions over the next 6 months.

In addition to the six original selections, The Complete Bitches Brew Sessions also features nine unreleased tracks, alternate takes, and tracks from previously released LPs. Of the unreleased tracks, "Corrado," "Recollection," and the alternate version of "The Little Blue Frog" are highlights. Not all of the new material stands up to repeated listens, however. Unless you're a fan of repetitive Indian music, stay clear of record three. These tracks never seem to get off the ground. Aside from that, you won't be disappointed in the extra tunes. And like the rest of the box, it sounds great.

Personnel

Bass - Dave Holland (tracks: 1-1 to 2-2, 3-1 to 3-4) , Ron Carter (tracks: 2-3 to 2-6)
Bass [Electric] - Dave Holland (tracks: 3-5 to 4-5) , Harvey Brooks (tracks: 1-1 to 1-3, 2-1, 2-3 to 3-4)
Clarinet [Bass] - Bennie Maupin (tracks: 1-1 to 2-1, 2-3 to 4-2)
Congas - Don Alias (tracks: 1-1 to 1-4, 2-2) , Jumma Santos (tracks: 2-1)
Cuica, Berimbau - Airto Moreira (tracks: 2-3 to 4-5)
Drums - Billy Cobham (tracks: 2-3 to 2-6, 3-3 to 4-2) , Don Alias (tracks: 2-1) , Jack DeJohnetteLenny White (tracks: 1-1 to 1-4)
Electric Piano - Chick Corea , Herbie Hancock (tracks: 2-3 to 3-4) , Joe Zawinul (tracks: 1-1 to 2-2, 3-5 to 4-5) , Larry Young (tracks: 1-1, 1-3)
Engineer - Frank Laico (tracks: 2-3 to 2-6) , Stan Tonkel (tracks: 1-1 to 2-2, 3-1 to 4-5)
Executive Producer - Michael Cuscuna
Guitar - John McLaughlin
Mixed By, Remastered By - Mark Wilder , Rob Schwarz
Organ, Celesta - Larry Young (tracks: 3-1 to 3-4)
Producer - Teo Macero
Reissue Producer - Bob Belden
Saxophone [Soprano] - Steve Grossman (tracks: 2-3 to 3-4) , Wayne Shorter (tracks: 1-1 to 2-2, 3-5 to 4-5)
Shaker - Jumma Santos (tracks: 1-1 to 1-4, 2-2)
Sitar - Khalil Balakrishna (tracks: 2-3 to 3-6)
Tambura, Tabla - Bihari Sharma (tracks: 2-3 to 3-4)
Triangle - Billy Cobham (tracks: 2-3 to 3-2, 4-3, 4-4)
Trumpet - Miles Davis


Ripped @ 320

Disc one part 1 and part 2

1. "Pharaoh's Dance" (Zawinul) – 20:06
2. "Bitches Brew" (Miles Davis) – 26:58
3. "Spanish Key" (Davis) – 17:34
4. "John McLaughlin" (Davis) – 4:22

Disc two part 1 and part 2

1. "Miles Runs the Voodoo Down" (Davis) – 14:01
2. "Sanctuary" (Shorter) – 10:56
3. "Great Expectations" (Davis - Zawinul) – 13:45
4. "Orange Lady" (Zawinul) – 13:50
5. "Yaphet" (Davis) – 9:39
6. "Corrado" (Davis) – 13:11

Disc three part 1 and part 2

1. "Trevere" (Davis) – 5:55
2. "The Big Green Serpent" (Davis) – 3:35
3. "The Little Blue Frog" (alternate take) (Davis) – 12:13
4. "The Little Blue Frog" (Davis) – 9:09
5. "Lonely Fire" (Davis) – 21:09
6. "Guinnevere" (David Crosby) – 21:07

Disc four

1. "Feio" (Shorter) – 11:49
2. "Double Image" (Zawinul) – 8:25
3. "Recollections" (Zawinul) – 18:54
4. "Take It or Leave It" (Zawinul) – 2:13
5. "Double Image" (Zawinul) – 5:52