"In A Silent Way," what were the odds you'd pick my favorite LP of any type? It fits any mood I'm in. I never get tired of it. It's like highly distilled Miles. Was Tony Williams ever better? Bravo!
I think it has to do with one's age. It is my No. 1 Miles album too and I trace it back to an outstanding review it got in Rolling Stone in 1969. In those days, many of us read RS like the Bible it truly was. I was into rock at the time almost exclusively but that review caused me to buy In a Silent Way -- and I played the hell out of it until it was as much part of my DNA as the Dead's Dark Star from 1969 and the Band's first two albums were/are.
I thought I was the only one!!! that in between of the loose wandering of Miles In The Sky and the tight but hypnotizing In A Silent Way is just so different from anything else ever. Chick Corea was so perfect on it
Yes Miles had many fine albums. My favorite Trane album is Live from Japan, but there are many others like A Love Supreme, Lush Life, Om, My Favorite Things,etc. His recently deceased wife Alice also recorded some great albums I still have on vinyl.
Second Great Quintet is my favorite Miles era hands down. Just one record after the next. Nefertiti, Miles in the Sky, ESP, Sorcerer and Miles Smiles are all stone cold classics, I love Nefertiti in particular
Ascenseur pour l’échafaud is a masterpiece, a beautiful record. I recommend the movie as well, the pictures and the music melt together. It's brilliant art. That soundtrack is amongst my Top 3 of Miles. Soooo coooool.
Agree 100%. What’s interesting is that my top 5 Miles albums don’t show up at all on Mazzy’s top 12 (not in order, but My Funny Valentine, ESP, Miles Smiles, Sorcerer and Nefertiti).
He recorded Steamin, Cookin, Relaxin, and Workin - 4 LPs in two days - to fulfill his contract with Prestige to take a more lucrative contract with Columbia.
Got a weak spot for catching a buzz off hallucinatory (or psychedelic) music, so Agharta, On the Corner, (which got 2 and a half stars from Downbeat) and Jack Johnson are apex for me. These have psycho-active properties that can do a brain melt like the best Can, Mahavishnu, Holdsworth, Hendrix and Mwandishi albums. Just a small facet of Davis, but that's the lens i got for now.
Check out the Gratetful Dead live performances. You might like their music too. Playing for Change has Buddy Guy doing his classic "Skin Deep" and the PFC band is outa sight Sorry I can't spell any more. I'm deaf and 77 years old.
I played Bitches Brew on 4 Track reel to reel on a quad system in an Army office while stationed in Saigon. Combined Intelligence Command Vietman, (CICV). After hours hanging out. A friend had bought one of those tilted Sony Ferrite head decks. Talk about chilling out. I still have that tape.
People talk about Miles’ fusion period being rock-influenced but I think the only thing “rock” about it is electrification and amplification. The music itself is a wild blend of jazz-funk and avant-garde electronics in the vein of Stockhausen. It’s really nothing like anything else, including other jazz fusion bands, with the possible exception of Herbie Hancock’s Sextant period, which was influenced by Miles.
One of the few bands in rock that is even close to this period of Miles is Can's Tago Mago album, which I highly recommend to anyone who likes adventurous music.
BTW; That iconic album cover for “Bitches Brew”, credit Mati Klarwein the great painter and illustrator. As you know, he also did the famous “Abraxas” album cover for Carlos Santana.
The artist has a great website up displaying their works with detailed information, including use by musicians for music packaging. Search for Mati Klarwein Official
In a Silent Way is, in large part, Teo Macero's record. Macero cut and spliced a lot of tape of the musicians doodling around into recognizable "cuts." These edits became the established songs after the fact. Miles never conceived the final arrangement or the mix of the music. Macero did. Credit where credit is due.
Also applied in the Bitches Brew, Live Evil...Te'o was the cut master and the responsible of these collages of sound. The right pill to swallow and digest all that mess... He deserves more credit, hats off!!!
They were hardly doodling around. The Complete In a Silent Way shows that initially a "suite" was envisaged. Teo pared it down and created a very different piece of music.
Oh wow! I'm surprised how much our rankings are alike. I don't have Birth of the Cool yet so I would put Nefertiti in its place. In A Silent Way is probably a top 10 album of all time for me. Have a great week.
great video, and I would actually agree with you on # 1-2-3 ... I tuned in with a "alright, let's see what this guys ranks as the top 3" -- AGREED !!! Your albums are mint !!!! Did you hear the CD - complete 'In a Silent Way" ? -- as compared to the 'Brew' complete CD , silent way CD set is outstanding. I must add I would put 'Agartha' at #4 -- very dynamic and very brave no holds bared Davis barrage.... Well which was his groundbreaking ground shaking style.
Silent Way is certainly a very acceptable choice of number 1. Personally I would have chosen Filles de Kilimanjaro - but it's just a matter of personal taste. Silent Way is absolutely superb, I agree.
Here's my essential Miles Top 12. (in chronological order) Cookin' Relaxin' Workin' Steamin' 'Round About Midnight Milestones 1958 Miles Kind Of Blue E.S.P. Miles Smiles Sorcerer Nefertiti thanx 4 lookin'
Listening to that album feels like you're being chased down by some drug dealers in the back streets of some big American city in the seventies while wearing pants with some wide ass hems.
Norman, thanks for your Miles list. How refreshing to see In A Silent Way in the top spot instead of Kind Of Blue. Here's my top 4 Miles list... 1. Nefertiti 2. In A Silent Way 3. Kind Of Blue 4. Sketches Of Spain
@Kyle Cholewinski Lol yeah, I just didn’t want to put it that way. There is an interview with McLaughlin on YT where he talks about how much Tony was in demand and how he and Miles and others would compete to get Tony in their respective bands. I’m not a drummer but the records Tony plays on are really good.
All great selections. I bought Quiet Nights and Sketches of Spain at the same time in the 90’s. Those two are always linked in my Miles timeline. I enjoy the Gil Evans orchestral records, in addition to the rest of his catalog. Love the channel ⚫️
Intersting list...enjoyed it very much! I must say my list would be very different, but I enjoy your perspective on things. I came into jazz as a kid from a pure jazz/be bop/swing perspective (rather than the rock influenced Bitches Brew stuff many did), so I tend to favor the earlier, "pure jazz" material - such as that on Prestige, Blue Note, etc. Which isn't to say "In A Silent Way" isn't great - it obviously is. But I'd have "Birth of the Cool", Miles Davis volumes 1 and 2 on Blue Note, "Cookin'," and so on ahead of it (if we're talking personal favorites). Was happy to see "Milestones" on this list....love that one.
I was really happy you picked Silent Way as #1. I agree with you 100%. What a beautiful album. Masterpiece!! I would also add Amandla to the list somewhere.
I'm a big fan of the 2nd quintet period-especially Filles de Kilimanjaro and Miles in the Sky. electric Miles is great too, but I'm most partial to those late 60s records
I love those too. Another album equivalent to those that's kind of a comp but released later is "WATER BABIES". To me it's a great proper album of that same era.
Great video. In A Silent Way would be my choice as well. I think the beginnings of that sound are heard on Kilimanjaro. Anyone who enjoys it should follow up with John Abercrombie's Timeless which is in the same vein. The ECM reissue is all analogue and sounds fantastic. Impossible to narrow down to twelve, though I would have to include Nefertiti somewhere.
I have to admit that I was expecting to only find Miles Davis's "jazz rock" albums in your list. So I was very pleasantly surprised to see that you have considered all of his work, and while I personally believe "Kind of Blue" was Miles Davis' best album, I respect your choice of "In a Silent Way," also a great album. At least "Kind of Blue" is your second choice. I'm just very disappointed when reading the many comments that "Kind of Blue" -- considered not just "by a few" as you say, but by very many of the leading and most well-respected jazz critics as not only Miles Davis's best album but, as you've correctly pointed out, the best album in the history of jazz - gets so little mention. I assume this is because most of your viewers listen predominantly to rock music (which is what you mostly rate in your videos) so that they are only aware of Miles Davis's later "jazz-rock" albums. So, if anyone is reading this who is not familiar with your number 2 choice, I would really urge them to give "Kind of Blue" a serious listening. This was a game-changing album with some of the greatest musicians in the history of the genre. It's not rock, and some would even maintain that it's not even jazz, but it's a great album nonetheless. Recommended listening no matter what album by Miles Davis or anyone else is your favorite.
what a nice surprise! Thanks for your list Norman. I love the fusion years but would also add 'Bags Groove' and 'Round About Midnight' and the LP with Milt Jackson 'Quintet/Sextet' !
Awesome vid. I hope you pick some the constant, dedicated side-men and do a favorites list. I've seen Max Roach play live and bought some of his records. I know he was on a lot of the great albums, which are the ones where he stands out?
I'm glad I stumbled upon your channel. Your list of 12 best Miles Davis albums is fantastic. And of course, it's very difficult to rank the output of such an accomplished artist. But I find that his electric output of the 70s and 80s got a little bit shortchanged. I would have included Dark Magus, Agharta and Pangaea on my list, or maybe I would have expanded the list to 15 instead of 12. To me, these three albums are among the best that fusion jazz ever produced. Raw anger and raw beauty side by side. I'm gonna have to watch your other videos...
My favorite on Vinyl and then one I wish they did a one step of would be The Man With the Horn … So much subtlety, composer, yet so much going on, lots of improvisation, space between the instruments, balance and flow, nothing but flow. Love the hints of electric guitar aswell. I’m so surprise this wasn’t in your list, listen to it; When I talk to people, not many have given it a listen, and when they do they fall in love.
Love Davis. I have a cd Columbia box with 20-25 cds of original albums. They really sound good. On Lp I have the one with Miller from 88? Live evil, star people, under arrest, the amazing on the corner!! Wow. One of my favourites. Some 7 inches as well. Love him. Like Dylan. Never get tired of Davis.
I just acquired all the Miles Davis 2013 Mono reissues mastered by Kevin Gray. They are all readily available under $25. They sound great. Upgrade your Milestones to this one. I did a couple of videos about them.
I need to get Someday My Prince Will Come. The first Miles Davis that I bought was one of the Prestege two-fers. On The Corner was the second. Not a fan of the Gil Evans albums. Can't argue with your top two. Enjoyed this. Lets do another film video.
Lovely vid Mazzy.. thanks.. its great to see your passion and enthusiasm especially when you link to your past.. thanks. ABSOLUTELY love Somethin Else!!!. Gorgeous
You chose the correct record as your number one :) But Miles made so many terrific records, making a top 12 is tough... I love many of the live albums as well
Can’t quibble too much with your list. In a Silent Way is my go to late night jazz album. It’s mesmerizing. One under the radar album I would submit for consideration is Miles Smiles. Footprints and Freedom Jazz Dance are faves.
Once you hear What I Say on Live Evil, and the ending of side two, with that cauldron of stew coming in after the voice, well. No one has ever come near this power. It is the gold standard.
I like the list but find it hard to place "Kind Of Blue" in second place. You say "Somethin Else" as the perfect Jazz album. I'd say, and have argued this point many times, that "Kind Of Blue" is the perfect Jazz album. Jazz is a very democratic music, when done right. Its like a conversation and everyone gets to drop their opinion (solo) after the initial subject is discussed. You didn't say anything about Miles egging Coltrane & Cannonball on; heard this story at the barber shop when I was about 8 or 9. Miles went to Trane and whispered in his ear that Cannonball was going to smoke him on the solo. He went to Cannonball and said Trane thinks you're soft and say he going to cut you to pieces in his solo. Never found out if this really happened but its an interesting story.
That's a great list, including "Something Else." So many possibilities to choose from. There's also Relaxin, Workin, and Cookin. Miles Smiles, Filles de Kilimanjaro, My Funny Valentine, 'Round About Midnight. And more. It's too bad that the Columbia Live/Evil release doesn't capture that band's magic. I saw them live several times (I caught the previous Bitches Brew tour as well) during their week at the Jazz Workshop in Boston. Apparently, Miles was begging Columbia on the phone to get one of their recording trucks to Boston to capture the band. Keith Jarrett (no fan of electronic music) said in his bio that that week in Boston was one of the highlights of his career. The band was SOOOOO one it was as if they were channeling timeless music from the stars. I concur. Best live music I've ever heard. Columbia had both of their two trucks tied up already and decided to record the band a week or two later in DC with John McLaughlin joining. So disappointing. As Jarrett said, that was not the Live/Evil band. The magic was gone. Again, I concur. One of the many horrors of that recording is that Macero "corrected" (cleaned up) the fabulously dirty sound Jarrett had concocted on a Fender Rhodes that was malfunctioning (as they often did). The horror, the horror.
Saw Miles live during his Bitches Brew era and then two nights in a row at the Arlington in Santa Barbara. As good as it gets and I was at Woodstock and Watkins Glen for the rock music in 69 and 73. Bela Fleck is also pretty good for acoustic music.
"Something Else" comprend pour moi un des meilleurs solos de Cannonball; Autumn Leaves. Des frissons tout au long, à chaque fois, depuis plus de 50 ans !!!
Really enjoyable as always and great choices. If you don't already have them, the Live at the Plugged Nickel (second quintet) and Complete Live at Montreux (focusing on his later electric period) boxed sets are essential (the sound is better on the Mosaic vinyl set of Plugged Nickel, but it will cost you). So glad you included "On the Corner" - I also really like "Star People".
Thank you Mazzy. I'm a bit late to this video. It's funny, I've been ripping many of my CDs to an SSD and there was a lot of Miles to be converted. I had a friend who bought Bitches Brew at the time and I did not get it. That got fixed a couple of years later. I eventually came around. One of the great disappointments in my life is I bought tickets to see Miles at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle (a great, intimate venue) and we went to the show and Miles was ill and was a no show. This would have been around 1981. So I missed my chance to see him live. So much great music, whether the "cool" jazz early on or the great quintets or the funk or the acid jazz (Agharta, Pangaea)...it's all wonderful listening.
My first Norman Maslov video. Enjoyable, but it left me lonely for ESP, Miles Smiles, Sorcerer, and Nefertiti. His ranking is eclectic? idiosyncratic? ... heavy on funk, sketchy on post-bop (second great quintet) jazz. Hmm....
A day later, and I see well how this engaging video ranking opens up discussion and invites folks to check out and listen to a nice range of Miles. So, if anybody Miles-curious happens to read this, let me sneak in here again and encourage you to give Sorcerer and Nefertiti some of your time. (Enjoy!)
Very nice selection. Top 12 always going to be tough . Appreciate your love for the music and not being hung up on the “perfect audiophile pressing” very happy to see Birth Of The Cool and Sketches Of Spain, both genuine game changers. My top 12 would include ESP, Filles and My Funny Valentine
I agree with Val below in as much as you can't underestimate Teo Macero's contribution with his ears, skill, vision and great editing (there's a whole section that comes back verbatim - cut and paste from earlier in the piece, structurally this is very important). but, having said that, this is not a criticism at all as the end justifies the means and this is a truly great record!
My dad was a jazz trombonist, composer and tenured PHD in music who taught for decades and did alot in education. Anyways, Miles was one of his heroes as a young man and I inherited his album collection. Lots of Miles and Count Basie and many others. Recently i got my dad’s speakers hooked up from storage and bought a new record player. There is a particular Miles album i think you would really enjoy called The Man With The Horn..
Whether I acquire all of these on vinyl or not, I very much appreciate learning how to attack an artist that I am not familiar with. Of course I've known who Miles Davis is for decades, but I'm only recently opening my listening to Jazz. Thank you for helping me understand your path to discover such an artist. BTW...what did you have for lunch? Looked like you were having trouble digesting some Passover Gefilte Fish. Oy!
Great video that I have enjoyed a lot. Miles Davis is certainly this monolith that keeps moving closer and closer to me. But your video probably generated the final necessary nudge to get on with it. Intuitively I feel like I am going to start with "In A Silent Way". It certainly has the biggest concentration of my favourite musicians. Anyway, awesome presentation.
Mazzy, I'm glad you gave "Somethin' Else" the praise it deserves. Out of all the classic Blue Note records "Somethin' Else" might just be the very best (my second favourite would be Sonny Rollins' "Newk's Time"). By the way is there a chance that you could do an album ranking on Sonny Rollins?
By the way! I love a man/woman who’s touching into so many of the artists snd genres i really love and grew up with. Also what i may will come to love in a not too distance future. And you do Mazzy. Thank you so much. I was born in 1966, the first album i ever heard was Rubber Soul, so i’m the Rubbersoulboy. Anyway. I love your channel. I’m from Norway. Far from home, but home.
Ha! I have EXACTLY the same top 3 Miles Davis albums as you......'In a Silent Way' and 'Kind of Blue' shift number one spot for me depending on my mood.....'In a silent way' is for private, personal listening and 'Kind of Blue' is what you put on when 'normal' people are around to make them think....hey...this jazz thing aint bad is it.....
Thanks for sharing, Norman. I'm still on my Personal Jazz Discovery Journey -- for the past forty-one (41) years. I've never taken Heroin, but "Blue In Green" (from Kind of Blue, 1959) sure must feel like "shootin' up": remember the scene in Lady Sings The Blues, with Ross "Boss" (Diana): she shoots up, then you see her floating on the clouds... must be a nice view from Up There.
Great video!!! Love the cover of Sketches in Spain. Spanish colours. I never understood Bitches Brew. I like the artwork but very difficult to listen to. I'd love to love it. Totally agree with your number one! I just like the fact the drummer just hit the high-hat for something like 30 minutes! It's electronic Miles BUT gentle with it! There is a wonderful subtlety!
Fantastic Miles list! Spain didn't get the love that it deserved & im glad it made your list. I personally would have to add Water Babies in my top 10. Thanks for the video 😊
Nice video - thank you! An interesting ranking, I'm wondering there is only one record from the iconic second quartet included (#12- Miles in the Sky). In the Silent Way is pure magic! 😊 Unbelievable what Teo Macero and Miles did with only 27 minutes music. My top 5 in no particular order - In the Silent Way, Kind of Blue, Sorcerer, Agharta, Jack Johnson.
i got to see miles live on his last tour...he was fairly subdued by then....i love your list...can't disagree with any of it....my list may have also included seven steps to heaven, and number one probably would have been birth of the cool....but like you always say...tomorrow could be different....keep the peace my friend...rocky
Vividly recall turning myself onto Miles in like '84 ,puchasing Bitches Brew and Live Evil at a swap meet in Milw. I was 19 thinking man this is what MD is all about? Mindblower. I was schooled few yrs later discovering he had this whole other history ...
The problem with the on the corner album was that it was too avant garde. You couldn't dance to it. I disliked the album when I first bought it. However it has grown on me.
Great video, I’m late but here’s my top 10 ranked: 1) Pangaea (1975) 2) Get Up With It (1974) 3) Agharta (1975) 4) On The Corner (1972) 5) Bitches Brew (1970) 6) Live/Evil (1971) 7) Dark Magus (1977) 8) Big Fun (1974) 9) Jack Johnson (1971) 10) In A Silent Way (1969)
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"In A Silent Way," what were the odds you'd pick my favorite LP of any type? It fits any mood I'm in. I never get tired of it. It's like highly distilled Miles. Was Tony Williams ever better? Bravo!
Quiet Nights is another good one.
When I saw In A Silent Way was your number one I had a big grin followed with head nods.
I was a little surprised, but happily so. Underrated album for sure.
I think it has to do with one's age. It is my No. 1 Miles album too and I trace it back to an outstanding review it got in Rolling Stone in 1969. In those days, many of us read RS like the Bible it truly was. I was into rock at the time almost exclusively but that review caused me to buy In a Silent Way -- and I played the hell out of it until it was as much part of my DNA as the Dead's Dark Star from 1969 and the Band's first two albums were/are.
@@AFaceintheCrowd01 I'm 16, in a silent way is definitely my favorite
Filles de Kilimanjaro is my favorite Miles Davis record. I'm probably the only person on the planet that says that, but it is. Solid number 1...
Great record, number two underneath sorcerer sans nothing like you
I do think it's his most overlooked record. And one of his best.
I agree. Should definitely be on the list. Also probably my personal favorite of his.
Gran álbum y una muy buena elección como favorito
I thought I was the only one!!! that in between of the loose wandering of Miles In The Sky and the tight but hypnotizing In A Silent Way is just so different from anything else ever. Chick Corea was so perfect on it
Miles Smiles, Sorcerer, Nefertiti and ESP all deserve a shout. Agharta and Pangaea are other ones that I really enjoy.
Yes yes yes!
Kind of blue is #1 been playing it for years at least once a week. It never gets old it's weird. Every time I hear it it's like the 1st time.
Yes Miles had many fine albums. My favorite Trane album is Live from Japan, but there are many others like A Love Supreme, Lush Life, Om, My Favorite Things,etc. His recently deceased wife Alice also recorded some great albums I still have on vinyl.
Second Great Quintet is my favorite Miles era hands down. Just one record after the next. Nefertiti, Miles in the Sky, ESP, Sorcerer and Miles Smiles are all stone cold classics, I love Nefertiti in particular
spot on! I'd throw Files De Kilimanjaro on here too.
Ascenseur pour l’échafaud is a masterpiece, a beautiful record. I recommend the movie as well, the pictures and the music melt together. It's brilliant art. That soundtrack is amongst my Top 3 of Miles. Soooo coooool.
You just need the version with the echo. Reverb if you like. The LP. The first CD of it had no reverb. It must have that space.
It reminds me of a Stan Tracey album: Under Milk Wood.
The movie is awesome 😎
Highly recommended. A hidden gem
Just skimmed the comments, surprised no one is talking about Miles Smiles or ESP. Two of the best imo.
Two of my faves too.
thats exactly what i said, miles smiles is unreal..
Agree 100%. What’s interesting is that my top 5 Miles albums don’t show up at all on Mazzy’s top 12 (not in order, but My Funny Valentine, ESP, Miles Smiles, Sorcerer and Nefertiti).
Miles Smiles!
He recorded Steamin, Cookin, Relaxin, and Workin - 4 LPs in two days - to fulfill his contract with Prestige to take a more lucrative contract with Columbia.
My top 5 Miles:
1 On the corner
2 Live Evil
3 Tribute Jack Johnson
4 Milestones
5 Kind Of Blue
Also:
6 Decoy
Got a weak spot for catching a buzz off hallucinatory (or psychedelic) music, so Agharta, On the Corner, (which got 2 and a half stars from Downbeat) and Jack Johnson are apex for me. These have psycho-active properties that can do a brain melt like the best Can, Mahavishnu, Holdsworth, Hendrix and Mwandishi albums. Just a small facet of Davis, but that's the lens i got for now.
I'm with you man !!
Check out the Gratetful Dead live performances. You might like their music too. Playing for Change has Buddy Guy doing his classic "Skin Deep" and the PFC band is outa sight
Sorry I can't spell any more. I'm deaf and 77 years old.
I played Bitches Brew on 4 Track reel to reel on a quad system in an Army office while stationed in Saigon. Combined Intelligence Command Vietman, (CICV). After hours hanging out. A friend had bought one of those tilted Sony Ferrite head decks.
Talk about chilling out. I still have that tape.
People talk about Miles’ fusion period being rock-influenced but I think the only thing “rock” about it is electrification and amplification. The music itself is a wild blend of jazz-funk and avant-garde electronics in the vein of Stockhausen. It’s really nothing like anything else, including other jazz fusion bands, with the possible exception of Herbie Hancock’s Sextant period, which was influenced by Miles.
Excellent comment.
One of the few bands in rock that is even close to this period of Miles is Can's Tago Mago album, which I highly recommend to anyone who likes adventurous music.
I think of Stockhausen as a classical artist, but I could be confusing genres.
BTW; That iconic album cover for “Bitches Brew”, credit Mati Klarwein the great painter and illustrator. As you know, he also did the famous “Abraxas” album cover for Carlos Santana.
Thank you. I always thought that the artwork on those particular two albums were very similar.
The artist has a great website up displaying their works with detailed information, including use by musicians for music packaging. Search for Mati Klarwein Official
Happy to see you put In a Silent Way ahead of Bitch’s Brew. We want Miles!
Thanks for mentioning Somthin’ Else. I downloaded it from my music service (I know, sorry. I can’t afford LPs) I love it! Every track is so beautiful.
Anyway you listen to music works for me. No apologizes necessary.
I knew you would put Somethin' Else here somewhere. I really expected it, especially after you mentioned it in Four Corners. :)
In a Silent Way is, in large part, Teo Macero's record. Macero cut and spliced a lot of tape of the musicians doodling around into recognizable "cuts." These edits became the established songs after the fact. Miles never conceived the final arrangement or the mix of the music. Macero did. Credit where credit is due.
This also applies to Jack Johnson (including the included groove from In A Silent Way).
Also applied in the Bitches Brew, Live Evil...Te'o was the cut master and the responsible of these collages of sound. The right pill to swallow and digest all that mess... He deserves more credit, hats off!!!
They were hardly doodling around. The Complete In a Silent Way shows that initially a "suite" was envisaged. Teo pared it down and created a very different piece of music.
do you think the hi hat was just a loop created by Teo? I really want to believe the drummer played it for nearly half an hour! :)
@@CrueLoaf No, that was the great Tony Williams. Listen to the Complete In a Silent Way sessions.
Oh wow! I'm surprised how much our rankings are alike. I don't have Birth of the Cool yet so I would put Nefertiti in its place. In A Silent Way is probably a top 10 album of all time for me. Have a great week.
Steamin' is part of a quartet of albums. Steamin', Relaxin', Cookin' and Workin' .
Great list. MILES IS THE GOAT! Huge fan of Water Babies, Nefertiti, and Live Evil.
Nice ranking/tribute. My favourite Miles albums change regularly. I love the Man With The Horn album, 🎺
What an amazing artist ! One of my favorite is ESP ,1965
Love from Ireland 🇮🇪
great video, and I would actually agree with you on # 1-2-3 ...
I tuned in with a "alright, let's see what this guys ranks as the top 3" -- AGREED !!!
Your albums are mint !!!!
Did you hear the CD - complete 'In a Silent Way" ? -- as compared to the 'Brew' complete CD , silent way CD set is outstanding.
I must add I would put 'Agartha' at #4 -- very dynamic and very brave no holds bared Davis barrage.... Well which was his groundbreaking ground shaking style.
Silent Way is certainly a very acceptable choice of number 1. Personally I would have chosen Filles de Kilimanjaro - but it's just a matter of personal taste. Silent Way is absolutely superb, I agree.
Actually, having considered this a week further, I have to agree that In A Silent Way is deservedly placed in the number 1 position 👍
He's one of those artists whom you can stick a pin ion his discography and almost inevitably come up with a 'classic'.
Here's my essential Miles Top 12. (in chronological order)
Cookin'
Relaxin'
Workin'
Steamin'
'Round About Midnight
Milestones
1958 Miles
Kind Of Blue
E.S.P.
Miles Smiles
Sorcerer
Nefertiti
thanx 4 lookin'
Another cool list!!
You left out "Live at Fillmore", 1971, double album. It beats "On the Corner" by a country mile.
I agree - I would have only given 2 or 3 positions higher to "Ascenseur pour l'échafaud", a record largely underestimated by many in my opinion
In a Silent Way is my #1.
Dark Magus is a real thrill.
My favorite because it’s complete insanity.
@@shyshift I love Liebman but can't bare Cosey.
Listening to that album feels like you're being chased down by some drug dealers in the back streets of some big American city in the seventies while wearing pants with some wide ass hems.
My choices pretty much exactly, except I'd work My Funny Valentine/Four More in there
Great list. I would add 'Agharta', Miles' 1975 double live LP. It smokes!
i only recently got into that one about five years ago when i found a white label promo !
Norman, thanks for your Miles list. How refreshing to see In A Silent Way in the top spot instead of Kind Of Blue. Here's my top 4 Miles list...
1. Nefertiti
2. In A Silent Way
3. Kind Of Blue
4. Sketches Of Spain
We all have our faves and In a Silent Way is absolutely mine 🤠
Birth Of The Cool was a reaction against bebop. Yes, an exceptionally crucial part of jazz history.
Tony Williams really stands out on in a silent way.
@Kyle Cholewinski Lol yeah, I just didn’t want to put it that way. There is an interview with McLaughlin on YT where he talks about how much Tony was in demand and how he and Miles and others would compete to get Tony in their respective bands. I’m not a drummer but the records Tony plays on are really good.
All great selections. I bought Quiet Nights and Sketches of Spain at the same time in the 90’s. Those two are always linked in my Miles timeline. I enjoy the Gil Evans orchestral records, in addition to the rest of his catalog. Love the channel ⚫️
Yes! Thank you. In a Silent Way is such a great album! Some good picks. Thanks also for including Jack Johnson. Very nice!
In a Silent Way I still find after all this time when I listen to it something new & interesting..Masterpiece
Intersting list...enjoyed it very much! I must say my list would be very different, but I enjoy your perspective on things. I came into jazz as a kid from a pure jazz/be bop/swing perspective (rather than the rock influenced Bitches Brew stuff many did), so I tend to favor the earlier, "pure jazz" material - such as that on Prestige, Blue Note, etc. Which isn't to say "In A Silent Way" isn't great - it obviously is. But I'd have "Birth of the Cool", Miles Davis volumes 1 and 2 on Blue Note, "Cookin'," and so on ahead of it (if we're talking personal favorites). Was happy to see "Milestones" on this list....love that one.
Good picks, great show! My 3, Round About Midnight, In a Silent way and Kind of Blue..
I was really happy you picked Silent Way as #1. I agree with you 100%. What a beautiful album. Masterpiece!! I would also add Amandla to the list somewhere.
I'm a big fan of the 2nd quintet period-especially Filles de Kilimanjaro and Miles in the Sky. electric Miles is great too, but I'm most partial to those late 60s records
Filles de Kilimanjaro is one of his most overlooked records it seems to me.
I love those too. Another album equivalent to those that's kind of a comp but released later is "WATER BABIES". To me it's a great proper album of that same era.
Great video. In A Silent Way would be my choice as well. I think the beginnings of that sound are heard on Kilimanjaro. Anyone who enjoys it should follow up with John Abercrombie's Timeless which is in the same vein. The ECM reissue is all analogue and sounds fantastic.
Impossible to narrow down to twelve, though I would have to include Nefertiti somewhere.
Nefertiti is his true masterpiece imo...
I have to admit that I was expecting to only find Miles Davis's "jazz rock" albums in your list. So I was very pleasantly surprised to see that you have considered all of his work, and while I personally believe "Kind of Blue" was Miles Davis' best album, I respect your choice of "In a Silent Way," also a great album. At least "Kind of Blue" is your second choice. I'm just very disappointed when reading the many comments that "Kind of Blue" -- considered not just "by a few" as you say, but by very many of the leading and most well-respected jazz critics as not only Miles Davis's best album but, as you've correctly pointed out, the best album in the history of jazz - gets so little mention. I assume this is because most of your viewers listen predominantly to rock music (which is what you mostly rate in your videos) so that they are only aware of Miles Davis's later "jazz-rock" albums. So, if anyone is reading this who is not familiar with your number 2 choice, I would really urge them to give "Kind of Blue" a serious listening. This was a game-changing album with some of the greatest musicians in the history of the genre. It's not rock, and some would even maintain that it's not even jazz, but it's a great album nonetheless. Recommended listening no matter what album by Miles Davis or anyone else is your favorite.
I’m with you ! This is how I would rate Miles Davis’ Albums- In a Silent way is amazing
You nailed this Top 5! And yes, IN A SILENT WAY is also my favorite, with KIND OF BLUE in second place.
what a nice surprise! Thanks for your list Norman. I love the fusion years but would also add 'Bags Groove' and 'Round About Midnight' and the LP with Milt Jackson 'Quintet/Sextet' !
Awesome vid. I hope you pick some the constant, dedicated side-men and do a favorites list. I've seen Max Roach play live and bought some of his records. I know he was on a lot of the great albums, which are the ones where he stands out?
I'm new to jazz and I've watched a lot of your videos and have followed your recommendations. I have been BLOWN AWAY! Thank you so much!
Loved seeing Jack Johnson on this list. It's my personal favorite of his, and it often gets overlooked
Jack Johnson a legendary album. Jeff Beck has ranked it in his top 10 albums of all time. I would concur with that.
@@tonypeake467 It's definitely in mine.
hey anthro, my name is danthro- are you a thro?
Kind of blue is my favourite 🇬🇧🇬🇧
Cool one, NM. I’d slip ‘Porgy & Bess’ and ‘Round About Midnight’ in my top Miles list, as well.
Maybe you would discount it as it’s partially live, but I’d find a place for Live Evil in my top choices.
Live Evil is still the benchmark for me. Especially the concentration without the guitar.
i love In A Silent Way. Nefertitti os my fav with Miles In the Sky right in there.
I'm glad I stumbled upon your channel. Your list of 12 best Miles Davis albums is fantastic. And of course, it's very difficult to rank the output of such an accomplished artist. But I find that his electric output of the 70s and 80s got a little bit shortchanged. I would have included Dark Magus, Agharta and Pangaea on my list, or maybe I would have expanded the list to 15 instead of 12. To me, these three albums are among the best that fusion jazz ever produced. Raw anger and raw beauty side by side.
I'm gonna have to watch your other videos...
My favorite on Vinyl and then one I wish they did a one step of would be The Man With the Horn … So much subtlety, composer, yet so much going on, lots of improvisation, space between the instruments, balance and flow, nothing but flow. Love the hints of electric guitar aswell. I’m so surprise this wasn’t in your list, listen to it; When I talk to people, not many have given it a listen, and when they do they fall in love.
Love Davis. I have a cd Columbia box with 20-25 cds of original albums. They really sound good. On Lp I have the one with Miller from 88? Live evil, star people, under arrest, the amazing on the corner!! Wow. One of my favourites. Some 7 inches as well. Love him. Like Dylan. Never get tired of Davis.
I just acquired all the Miles Davis 2013 Mono reissues mastered by Kevin Gray. They are all readily available under $25. They sound great. Upgrade your Milestones to this one. I did a couple of videos about them.
Thanks I’ll check them out ✌🏽
I bought On The Corner when it came out and loved it.
I need to get Someday My Prince Will Come. The first Miles Davis that I bought was one of the Prestege two-fers. On The Corner was the second. Not a fan of the Gil Evans albums. Can't argue with your top two. Enjoyed this. Lets do another film video.
Lovely vid Mazzy.. thanks.. its great to see your passion and enthusiasm especially when you link to your past.. thanks. ABSOLUTELY love Somethin Else!!!. Gorgeous
I listen to Miles Ahead and a couple tracks off Water Babies the most.
But that’s right now🙂
Miles Davis might be the artist in any genre with the most legitimately great albums.
You chose the correct record as your number one :) But Miles made so many terrific records, making a top 12 is tough... I love many of the live albums as well
Can’t quibble too much with your list. In a Silent Way is my go to late night jazz album. It’s mesmerizing. One under the radar album I would submit for consideration is Miles Smiles. Footprints and Freedom Jazz Dance are faves.
Once you hear What I Say on Live Evil, and the ending of side two, with that cauldron of stew coming in after the voice, well. No one has ever come near this power. It is the gold standard.
I like the list but find it hard to place "Kind Of Blue" in second place. You say "Somethin Else" as the perfect Jazz album. I'd say, and have argued this point many times, that "Kind Of Blue" is the perfect Jazz album. Jazz is a very democratic music, when done right. Its like a conversation and everyone gets to drop their opinion (solo) after the initial subject is discussed. You didn't say anything about Miles egging Coltrane & Cannonball on; heard this story at the barber shop when I was about 8 or 9. Miles went to Trane and whispered in his ear that Cannonball was going to smoke him on the solo. He went to Cannonball and said Trane thinks you're soft and say he going to cut you to pieces in his solo. Never found out if this really happened but its an interesting story.
That's a great list, including "Something Else." So many possibilities to choose from. There's also Relaxin, Workin, and Cookin. Miles Smiles, Filles de Kilimanjaro, My Funny Valentine, 'Round About Midnight. And more.
It's too bad that the Columbia Live/Evil release doesn't capture that band's magic. I saw them live several times (I caught the previous Bitches Brew tour as well) during their week at the Jazz Workshop in Boston. Apparently, Miles was begging Columbia on the phone to get one of their recording trucks to Boston to capture the band. Keith Jarrett (no fan of electronic music) said in his bio that that week in Boston was one of the highlights of his career. The band was SOOOOO one it was as if they were channeling timeless music from the stars. I concur. Best live music I've ever heard. Columbia had both of their two trucks tied up already and decided to record the band a week or two later in DC with John McLaughlin joining. So disappointing. As Jarrett said, that was not the Live/Evil band. The magic was gone. Again, I concur. One of the many horrors of that recording is that Macero "corrected" (cleaned up) the fabulously dirty sound Jarrett had concocted on a Fender Rhodes that was malfunctioning (as they often did). The horror, the horror.
Saw Miles live during his Bitches Brew era and then two nights in a row at the Arlington in Santa Barbara. As good as it gets
and I was at Woodstock and Watkins Glen for the rock music in 69 and 73.
Bela Fleck is also pretty good for acoustic music.
"Something Else" comprend pour moi un des meilleurs solos de Cannonball; Autumn Leaves. Des frissons tout au long, à chaque fois, depuis plus de 50 ans !!!
Really enjoyable as always and great choices. If you don't already have them, the Live at the Plugged Nickel (second quintet) and Complete Live at Montreux (focusing on his later electric period) boxed sets are essential (the sound is better on the Mosaic vinyl set of Plugged Nickel, but it will cost you). So glad you included "On the Corner" - I also really like "Star People".
Great photos too! I love it when you include these.
Thank you Mazzy. I'm a bit late to this video. It's funny, I've been ripping many of my CDs to an SSD and there was a lot of Miles to be converted. I had a friend who bought Bitches Brew at the time and I did not get it. That got fixed a couple of years later. I eventually came around. One of the great disappointments in my life is I bought tickets to see Miles at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle (a great, intimate venue) and we went to the show and Miles was ill and was a no show. This would have been around 1981. So I missed my chance to see him live. So much great music, whether the "cool" jazz early on or the great quintets or the funk or the acid jazz (Agharta, Pangaea)...it's all wonderful listening.
Sorry you missed him but we have these fabulous albums 🎶
My first Norman Maslov video. Enjoyable, but it left me lonely for ESP, Miles Smiles, Sorcerer, and Nefertiti. His ranking is eclectic? idiosyncratic? ... heavy on funk, sketchy on post-bop (second great quintet) jazz. Hmm....
A day later, and I see well how this engaging video ranking opens up discussion and invites folks to check out and listen to a nice range of Miles. So, if anybody Miles-curious happens to read this, let me sneak in here again and encourage you to give Sorcerer and Nefertiti some of your time. (Enjoy!)
Very nice selection. Top 12 always going to be tough . Appreciate your love for the music and not being hung up on the “perfect audiophile pressing” very happy to see Birth Of The Cool and Sketches Of Spain, both genuine game changers. My top 12 would include ESP, Filles and My Funny Valentine
The drumming on In a Silent Way is insanely good
Kind of light on the 2nd Quintet, Nefertiti, Sorcerer, and such
Nice! In A Silent Way is a masterpiece and on some days is my #1. I also love Miles Smiles, Milestones, and Jack Johnson
Rating Miles's albums?
Rather silly as each belongs wholly to its own time and space...
Ronojoy Sen Yes, I know what you mean.
Peace to all.
the recent Somethin' Else release has been spectacularly remastered by Kevin Gray - an absolute steal at the price
I agree with Val below in as much as you can't underestimate Teo Macero's contribution with his ears, skill, vision and great editing (there's a whole section that comes back verbatim - cut and paste from earlier in the piece, structurally this is very important). but, having said that, this is not a criticism at all as the end justifies the means and this is a truly great record!
Screwin’ with The Miles Davis Quintet is my favorite.
My dad was a jazz trombonist, composer and tenured PHD in music who taught for decades and did alot in education. Anyways, Miles was one of his heroes as a young man and I inherited his album collection. Lots of Miles and Count Basie and many others. Recently i got my dad’s speakers hooked up from storage and bought a new record player. There is a particular Miles album i think you would really enjoy called The Man With The Horn..
Sweet pictures man! Great video.
Whether I acquire all of these on vinyl or not, I very much appreciate learning how to attack an artist that I am not familiar with. Of course I've known who Miles Davis is for decades, but I'm only recently opening my listening to Jazz. Thank you for helping me understand your path to discover such an artist. BTW...what did you have for lunch? Looked like you were having trouble digesting some Passover Gefilte Fish. Oy!
Ha. This was recording in the morning 🌟
Great video that I have enjoyed a lot. Miles Davis is certainly this monolith that keeps moving closer and closer to me. But your video probably generated the final necessary nudge to get on with it. Intuitively I feel like I am going to start with "In A Silent Way". It certainly has the biggest concentration of my favourite musicians. Anyway, awesome presentation.
Mazzy, I'm glad you gave "Somethin' Else" the praise it deserves. Out of all the classic Blue Note records "Somethin' Else" might just be the very best (my second favourite would be Sonny Rollins' "Newk's Time"). By the way is there a chance that you could do an album ranking on Sonny Rollins?
I don’t think I’m the one to rank Rollins. Like him but collections doesn’t go deep. ✌🏽
or Thelonius, Mingus, Art Blakey, BB King so many great blues and jazz artists from the past overlooked by Caucasians (and I'm a Caucasian too)
By the way! I love a man/woman who’s touching into so many of the artists snd genres i really love and grew up with. Also what i may will come to love in a not too distance future. And you do Mazzy. Thank you so much. I was born in 1966, the first album i ever heard was Rubber Soul, so i’m the Rubbersoulboy. Anyway. I love your channel. I’m from Norway. Far from home, but home.
Thanks for this and shinning the light on all the differences in styles. Totally agree with your assessment of "Something Else".
I was raised on Seven Steps To Heaven because it was the only Miles album my parents bought.
Not a fan of Nefertiti?
Ha! I have EXACTLY the same top 3 Miles Davis albums as you......'In a Silent Way' and 'Kind of Blue' shift number one spot for me depending on my mood.....'In a silent way' is for private, personal listening and 'Kind of Blue' is what you put on when 'normal' people are around to make them think....hey...this jazz thing aint bad is it.....
Thanks for sharing, Norman. I'm still on my Personal Jazz Discovery Journey -- for the past forty-one (41) years. I've never taken Heroin, but "Blue In Green" (from Kind of Blue, 1959) sure must feel like "shootin' up": remember the scene in Lady Sings The Blues, with Ross "Boss" (Diana): she shoots up, then you see her floating on the clouds... must be a nice view from Up There.
Great video!!! Love the cover of Sketches in Spain. Spanish colours. I never understood Bitches Brew. I like the artwork but very difficult to listen to. I'd love to love it. Totally agree with your number one! I just like the fact the drummer just hit the high-hat for something like 30 minutes! It's electronic Miles BUT gentle with it! There is a wonderful subtlety!
Fantastic Miles list! Spain didn't get the love that it deserved & im glad it made your list. I personally would have to add Water Babies in my top 10. Thanks for the video 😊
Nice video - thank you! An interesting ranking, I'm wondering there is only one record from the iconic second quartet included (#12- Miles in the Sky). In the Silent Way is pure magic! 😊 Unbelievable what Teo Macero and Miles did with only 27 minutes music.
My top 5 in no particular order - In the Silent Way, Kind of Blue, Sorcerer, Agharta, Jack Johnson.
i got to see miles live on his last tour...he was fairly subdued by then....i love your list...can't disagree with any of it....my list may have also included seven steps to heaven, and number one probably would have been birth of the cool....but like you always say...tomorrow could be different....keep the peace my friend...rocky
Lovely. Waiting for a Tone Poet’s top
Vividly recall turning myself onto Miles in like '84 ,puchasing Bitches Brew and Live Evil at a swap meet in Milw. I was 19 thinking man this is what MD is all about? Mindblower. I was schooled few yrs later discovering he had this whole other history ...
The problem with the on the corner album was that it was too avant garde. You couldn't dance to it. I disliked the album when I first bought it. However it has grown on me.
This is pretty much a perfect list. 12 of Davis's best, and probably, for me, the 12 you'd probably mention to a novice Miles fan? Great video 😁👍
It was actually a quadrilogy: Steamin', Relaxin', Workin', and Cookin'.
I still need Your Help !!!!! With a Johnny Winters Album .
You should make another video and rank the best albums by era. It’s unfair to compare a bebop record to fusion.
Great video, I’m late but here’s my top 10 ranked:
1) Pangaea (1975)
2) Get Up With It (1974)
3) Agharta (1975)
4) On The Corner (1972)
5) Bitches Brew (1970)
6) Live/Evil (1971)
7) Dark Magus (1977)
8) Big Fun (1974)
9) Jack Johnson (1971)
10) In A Silent Way (1969)