There is no doubt that Miles Davis is one of the greatest artists to have walked the face of the earth. He has recorded many albums with Charlie Parker which has led to an extensive career as a leader where he was always at the forefront of music. Miles Davis was always the one to change jazz music to the next sound. In the 1960s and 1970s, Miles had been to so many different places around the world and had been inspired from everywhere. Also this is my favorite time period for him.
In my opinion, these are the 3 best Miles Davis albums of the 60s and 70s.
1. The Wizard
The Sorcerer was recorded in May 1967 and released in December of the same year. This entire album is full of hits and was written primarily by saxophonist Wayne Shorter and pianist Herbie Hancock. Track Magician was written by Herbie and a fast modal swing tune where drummer Tony Williams is pushing that groove hard with his polyrhythms and strong, rhythmic beat. It’s also different in the fact that Miles and Wayne don’t take solo solos, they trade all the time. It’s amazing how they respond to each other and keep the energy moving.
two. miles in the sky
Miles in the Sky was recorded in January and May 1968 and was released in September of the same year. This was a great recording for several reasons. The music is great, it starts to change members in his band, and this was Miles’ introduction to using electric instruments in his band. You hear George Benson doing his thing. My favorite song on the album is black comedy. The melody is so simple, but its feel is so complex in terms of placement. Although all the songs are great, Miles only performed one of them live. That would be Paraphernalia.
3. B!#ches Brew
B!#ches Brew was recorded in August 1969 and released in January 1970. Now I don’t know if this is the first album to do this, but it’s an inventive concept, the album plays like a perfect playlist . The songs crisscross together where you don’t necessarily just know when one song ends and the next begins. This album is all about interaction, and it’s all electric. Even Miles has his trumpet electrified. Use effects like delay and distortion at various points. My favorite song is the dance of the pharaoh. The melody that Miles plays is perfect for playing.