Jack Johnson (Original Soundtrack Recording) (soundtrack album) by Miles Davis

From Fischman 04/14/2019 15:25

With this album, Miles said he intended to create the greatest rock band of all time, and it's hard to argue against his success in doing so.

I do really like 'Right Off', so much groove. Yesternow kinda mostly sounds like an uninspired copy of Bitches Brew however, the later half of the track is pretty funky too. All round decent album as usual from Miles.

From jdenny2018 05/17/2018 21:45

Miles Davis at his most rocking. John McLaughlin, Billy Cobham, Herbie Hancock and company fill out the album amazingly.

Excellent, innovative album from Miles and his crew. Still sounds fresh, even after all these years.

A truly adventurous record, and it set the tone for jazz fusion and jazz funk

This is the closest Miles Davis ever got to making a rock'n'roll record. 'Jack Johnson' is the soundtrack for the 1971 documentary of the same name, about the life of Jack Johnson, the first African American world heavyweight boxing champion. His story resonated personally with Miles, who did not only share Johnson's passion for boxing, but also his love of cars, jazz and women.

The idea Miles had in mind for the music here was to emulate 'the effect of a train going at full speed (which he compared to the force of a boxer)', which is particularly evident on the first track, the magnificent 'Right Off', a series of improvisations by stellar jazz musicians like John McLaughlin, Herbie Hancock and Davis himself, where Billy Cobham's drums feature a very train-like feel to them. This, plus the fact that it's mostly one chord throughout the song only adds to the steadiness and intensity Miles wanted to achieve. It almost feels like you're in the ring.

Excellent. Probably the most rocking of all Miles Davis albums. Two brilliant pieces with the band on top form. Exhilarating.

The first track was ultimately perfect for me, while the second track had very little to offer. I recommend it only because of "Right Off."

From ffudnebbuh 05/12/2011 14:53

This was a consistently decent seller for Miles, I think that the album number was PC 30455 or JC
30455?

From Romanelli 05/12/2011 14:01

This album rocks! Miles in fine form as always, and two long tracks that are perfectly done.