#87 Miles Davis, 'Bitches Brew' (1970)

Previously #95

An album that flipped Jazz on its head, ‘Bitches Brew’ is one trippy journey. I had come to know Miles Davis from the album, ‘Kind Of Blue.’ This is not that record, nor does it even resemble the artist that created it. With the growing popularity of Jimi Hendrix and Sly and the Family Stone, Davis wanted to reach their audiences with their music. He would employ the services of John McLaughlin to play guitar and incorporated electric pianos into the sound. Davis also used the studio as an instrument, much like The Beatles did on ‘Sgt. Pepper’s…’ There was tape loops, tape delays, reverb etc., which all contributed to the psychedelic sound of these songs.

‘Bitches Brew’ is a double LP, with four sides. The first two sides feature just one song each, whereas the last two sides have two songs apiece. Davis set the band up like a pseudo-orchestra; arranged in a semi-circle with Davis and tenor saxophone player, Wayne Shorter in the middle, giving instructions, albeit minimal – some chords, a melody, tempo. On release, it was hated by the Jazz purists, but it would go on to influence artists like Steely Dan, Radiohead, Pink Floyd and so many others. It’s nuts and it’s an exhausting listen, but in the best way – like going for a long, rewarding run. To date, it’s sold over a million copies.

#rs500albums