Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Predating Herbie Hancock's landmark electro experiment 'Rockit' by two years, this 1981 album from the legendary Miles Davis may reference his his 1952 10" LP Young Man With A Horn in its title, but there's nothing traditional or retro about its sound. Having been tempted out of a six year hiatus by his nephew Vince Wilburn, Miles incoporated brand new synth and programming technology into his sound and elements of funk, soul and fusion jazz into the finished article, which features both tracks with Wilburn's band and others featuring saxophone player Bill Evans, bassist Marcus Miller and drummer Al Foster. It's not your average Miles album by a long chalk, but quite a fascinating insight into how the legend refeused to rest on his creative laurels all the same.

Review: 1977's Quiet Nights is one of legendary American jazz figure Mile Davis' lesser known albums. It's not Bitches Brew or Kind of Blue, but it is a delightfully easy to listen work, with references taken from Brazilian folk on 'Prenda Minha' which actually gets renamed 'Song #2' here, or Spanish classical on 'Adelita' which was written by the pioneering Francisco Tarrega and is here called 'Song #1' .There are also some woozy ballads and standout big band jam 'Summer Night.' This reissue comes on heavyweight vinyl and is a great reminder of the range of the influential jazz legend.

Review: Star People by the legendary Miles Davis stands as a distinctive piece in his extensive discography, marking both beginnings and endings in his career. Notably, it introduces electric guitarist John Scofield, who was recommended by saxophonist Bill Evans, and features bassist Marcus Miller on several tracks. The album also signifies the final collaboration between Davis and longtime producer Teo Macero, as well as his last work with the renowned Gil Evans. This album showcases Davis's innovative spirit, particularly on the 18-minute title track, where he plays trumpet and Oberheim synthesiser simultaneously, creating an expansive blues composition without overdubs. The rhythm section, featuring guitarist Mike Stern, drummer Al Foster and percussionist Mino Cinelu, complements Davis's explorations with a dynamic groove. Star People also features live recordings like 'Come Get It' and 'Speak,' highlighting the energy of Davis's performances while pushing the boundaries of the LP format. The album's front cover, adorned with Miles's own artwork, and liner notes by jazz critic Leonard Feather, add depth to this unique release, and for fans of Davis's work from this era, Star People is a compelling listen with the innovative appeal of his late-career experiments.

Review: In a discography that is jam packed with high quality albums, Miles Davis's Sorcerer is one of the standouts. Now newly reissued by Music on Vinyl, it transports listeners into the heart of 1967's avant-garde jazz landscape when it was originally released as part of Davis's Second Great Quintet era. The music showcases the maestro's pioneering fusion of modal jazz and free improvisation from the enigmatic title track to the haunting Prince of Darkness. Davis and his ensemble craft a sonic tapestry that mesmerises with every note here and Wayne Shorter's evocative saxophone, Herbie Hancock's masterful piano, and Tony Williams's dynamic drumming all help make that so.