When it comes to Miles Davis, nearly everybody thinks of Kind Of Blue, which is a masterpiece. Bill Evans is on piano, of course, and all the tunes are deservedly considered standards. But there are two other records I like which also show his genius.A Tribute To Jack Johnson is the soundtrack to a film biography of the famous boxer. Here, his band includes John McLaughlin on guitar, Steve Grossman on soprano sax, Billy Cobham on drums, Herbie Hancock on organ, and Michael Henderson on electric bass. This is a fine jazz-rock record, where Davis & Co. solo at will, and they just sizzle.
On Sketches of Spain, Davis teamed again with arranger Gil Evans. In adapting and building around a classical composition, Rodrigo's "Concierto De Aranjuez", Davis showcases his mastery of the flugelhorn as well as the trumpet. Some self-styled jazz purists don't like this record, taking issue with its incredible lyricism. That's too bad, and rather fortunate that Davis and many fans over the years have brushed this opinion aside. It is a lovely record, with an emphasis on flamenco and a relaxed tempo.
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