Vinyl Of The Week

The Soundwaves Vinyl Of The Week is We Want Miles by Miles Davis. I received this album as a birthday gift this year, and oh man, it’s pure magic! 

 

This live double album from 1981 captures Miles who had recently come out of a five-year hiatus from recording and performing with an electrifying mix of jazz, funk, and rock. The vinyl’s warmth makes every trumpet blast, every funky bass line from Marcus Miller boom, and every drum hit from Al Foster pop like you’re right there in the crowd. Most of it was recorded live at the Kix Club in Boston and in Tokyo. 

 

Miles gave so much space to let the other members of the band shine. Just listen to the first track “Jean Pierre”. It sounds more like a rock concert than a jazz show. The bass is so sultry, then Mike Stern rips this extended improvised guitar solo that reminded me of a rock anthem. Miles just sits in the back for most of the track just sprinkling a little bit of his magic—think elegant brush strokes of a master painter.

 

Many people hail the albums Kind Of Blue and Bitches Brew as his crowning achievements, but what we have here is Miles reinventing himself. The vinyl format elevates the sound to another level. It’s crisp—the emotion in tracks like “My Man’s Gone Now” hits hard, and the crowd’s energy keeps you in the moment. 

 

We Want Miles is a fearless celebration of Miles’ genius, blending his classic cool with a futuristic edge. If you love jazz or just crave music that pushes boundaries, grab this record, drop the needle, and let it take you on a wild, unforgettable ride!