With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Miles Davis' Bitches Brew Turns 40
()
Don Cheadle, Jeremy Sole, Henry Rollins, Maggie Lepique, Bennie Maupin, Vince Wilburn, Jr., and Erin Davis discuss Bitches Brew on its 40th anniversary at the GRAMMY Museum. Photo: Earl Gibson.
When Bitches Brew came out in 1970, the critics were split and many fans were turned off to hear Miles Davis turn toward a definitively more electric sound. But it became Davis' first gold record -- probably because so many people just had to hear it for themselves.
Bitches not only marked a major turning point in Miles Davis' sound but also laid the foundation for the jazz-rock "fusion" sound to come while featuring grooves and sequences that would inspire the hip-hop generation. It's 40th anniversary is an ideal time to honor the record and Sony and the Davis family have done just that, capped by last week's panel at the GRAMMY Museum and Sony Legacy's release of a deluxe edition featuring a bonus DVD of the group performing in Copenhagen a couple months after the recording sessions (see a clip from it below).
Support for LAist comes from
The 40th Anniversary of Bitches Brew has been celebrated in many ways including last month's remix performance featuring J-Rocc at Sunset Junction and Dogfish Head Brewery even released its own special edition Bitches Brew.
But the program at the GRAMMY Museum was special thanks to a panel which included Davis' son Erin, nephew and 'Vince Wilburn, Jr., Bennie Maupin, who played bass clarinet on Bitches, and drop-ins from actor Don Cheadle and Davis' first wife Frances. Cheadle is planning on starring in and directing a Miles Davis movie.
The best anecdotes came from Bennie Maupin, who along with Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, Jack DeJohnette, John McLaughlin, Joe Zawinul and Dave Holland played a central role in the 3-day recording session as the summer of 1969 came to a close. Nobody really knew what was supposed to happen. "We discovered the power of non-verbal communication," said Maupin. It wasn't a marathon three days, Maupin explained, Miles was all business, the sessions would start at 10 and end at 2 and then he'd practice his boxing. "What I remember about it was that I don't really remember anything."
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist