Miles Davis - Bitches Brew (1970), 7/10

One of the most important releases in jazz and such a gift to the movement and its evolution. Miles' intentional progression into fusion by incorporating the rock sound of the era was brave and surprisingly successful for such a leap in tone. There's so much to digest, even just within the opener the album takes on the character of a narrative, experiential recording experience rather than a traditional album, something many great jazz albums have in common, and while yes, this is fusion, it is also jazz. A genre "generally marked by intricate, propulsive rhythms, polyphonic ensemble playing, improvisatory, virtuosic solos, melodic freedom, and a harmonic idiom" is clearly encompassed by such a recording, even more so than many others labeled as jazz. While it contains so much depth, there's also plenty to grab on to for any new listener, which deepens the listening experience for non-enthusiasts and supplements as pure enjoyment even on repeated listens. All labeling aside, it is certainly not strictly fusion or just a straight forward jazz record, and easily transcends anything you could expect on first listen, considering Miles' previous work and even jazz albums prior to its release in early 1970. There are some fantastic musicians in the mix here including Chick Corea, John McLaughlin and some extraordinary studio work as always from Teo Macero. There are so many specific grandiose and simply rapturous moments to point to in this over ninety minute affair that it's better left for the listener to experience personally when it's all said and done, discovery is a significant part of the pleasure in such an album. My favorite Miles album to listen to when I really want to dive head first into a widely varied yet remarkably consistent musical exercise with a simultaneous breadth of sound and depth of meaning. While I believe there are many more substantially moving jazz records, even from Miles, Bitches Brew is among his best and most important.