Review: Rhino's new premium vinyl series promises the pinnacle of sound and packaging for classic albums. Mastered by Kevin Gray and pressed by Optimal on 180-gram vinyl, these limited-edition releases feature high-quality covers and "tip-on" jackets. The series aims to deliver consistent sonic excellence, setting a new standard for reissues. Miles Davis' Tutu (1986): Often dismissed as 'pop-fusion', Tutu defied expectations and remains relevant. Produced by Marcus Miller, it features a tapestry of electronics, including bass guitar, bass clarinet, electric violin, percussion, and synths. The album reflects the 80s with its bright tonalities and a crisp sound akin to the Fairlight era. Davis' brooding brass blends with Miller's harmonically rich backdrops, reminiscent of black popular music of the time. The result is a work of engrossingly fraught atmospheres, proving Davis' enduring relevance and ability to captivate without sounding dated.
Review: Originally out on the timeless Columbia label in 1965, Miles Davis' ESP album is considered by many of his fans to be one of the man's most underrated works. Most people cite Miles Ahead, 'Round About Midnight, or Kind Of Blue as his definitive LPs, but Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab have come through utterly correct in reissuing this sublime piece of music. This was in Davis' hard-bop era, and this is clear from the opening "ESP" track itself, a fast-paced, frenetic ride across the man's own sax wizardry, and a bustling, energetic percussion roll. Other favourites on here include the pensive sway of the gorgeous "Little One", the quirky ups and downs of "Agitation", and the deep, emotive 8-minute wonder that is "Mood". Unmissable.
Review: Milestones is the full-pun-intended landmark 1958 album by the legendary jazz trumpeter Miles Davis, which marked his transition from hard bop to modal jazz. Featuring classics like 'Milestones', 'Straight, No Chaser' and 'Two Bass Hit', it was notable as one of Davis' earliest experimentations in public with modal scale patterns that was available commercially. Marking a great milestone since its original release in mono, it now comes pressed on numbered 180 gram SuperVinyl - which is a new ultra-quiet vinyl formulation which enhances the sound quality and durability of original recordings - as well as with a deluxe gatefold jacket and a booklet with rare photos and liner notes.
Review: Miles Davis and Marcus Miller's third and final fusion session, Amandla brought the partnership's triptych to a delightful close in 1989 with some of the most upbeat and funkiest compositions and jam sessions of the set. With Miles's trumpeteering and Marcus's iconic slap-bass going toe-to-toe on each track, the pair mischievously play chicken with each other as both hop and skip between the spotlight. The same can also be said for the devilish arrangement as we flicker from game show funk ("Jilli") to epitaph soliloquies ("Mr Pastorius") all within a tangible 80s production context. This has aged remarkably well.
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