Just when you thought that there was no more Miles Davis music to uncover, the band formerly known as “Miles Electric Band” and now titled M.E.B puts out an album that brings to light not only uncovered musings from Miles, but fresh and new material as well.
The album is co-produced by two musicians associated with The Dark Prince, drummers Lenny White (who was on the groundbreaking Bitches Brew sessions) and Davis nephew Vince Wilburn Jr (known for his work on Man with the Horn, Aura,Human Nature and You’re Under Arrest).The album has a mix and match feel to it, with a different setup of musicians for each of the five songs.
Miles’ clear toned muted horn is wonderful on the accessible soul groove of “Hail To The Real Chief”, along with the funky bass line of Marcus Miller, guitar of John Scofield and both White/synth and Wilburn/dr sitting in along with a horn section. Davis spoken voice and trumpet are heard along with the rap of Blu (John Barnes KKK) and Nas,and Ron Carter’s bass with both produces hitting the drums on “Bitches Are Back”. Some soul synth and Donald Harrison’s alto sax team with Vernon Reids’ guitar on the strutting “Ove My Shoulder” while the late Wallace Roney was in poetic Miles form with Carter on the sleek “Mellow Kisses” and Jeremy Pelt is poetic as Rashae Reeves gets bohemian on the title tune with Stanleyh Clarke supplying a nifty tenor bass.
As with all things Miles, the music is looking forwards, even from the grave and beyond.