In A Silent Way

Meh. This made me feel like I was on hold with my insurance company

A masterpiece of creativity; not just the act (all albums do that, I suppose) but the feeling, the process, the thrill. Tune in and tag along as Miles & co head to destinations unknown, laying their tracks as they go, their reach just far enough ahead of their grasp that they don't fall off. Not that the journey feels precipitous, heading for the end of an unfinished bridge, oncmoing train, or slathering mouth of a recently landed outer-space monster. And that's because of THE crucial detail: we're following Miles, who's following his nose, which is the nose of a genius. So unless you're a genius (unlikely, no offense) you ain't felt nothin' like this before.

Miles Davis was smack in the middle of a period of profound transformation musically speaking when In A Silent Way Came Out. Inspired by his young drummer, Tony Williams, Davis was steadily abandoning the advanced harmonic underpinnings of jazz and emphasizing rock and R&B grooves in his music, putting him in the vanguard of the first wave of jazz fusion. The main thing he kept from the 2nd great quintet (Shorter, Williams, Davis, Carter, Hancock) was how the tunes themselves were just templates meant to be fleshed out in performance, and that is the case with a vengeance on In A Silent Way. The first tune, Shhh / Peaceful is 18 minutes and 15 seconds of one chord and a groove. It doesn't get any more basic than that. The only reason it works is because of the musicians: Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Joe Zawinul, Tony Williams, Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, and Dave Holland are seven of the greatest musicians to ever pick up an instrument. Each one is a monster player, composer, and band leader in his own right. Even so, there is precious little grandstanding on Shhh / Peaceful. Instead, the musicians weave around one another gracefully, painstakingly building the groove and providing peerless atmospherics that, in hindsight, sound almost proto-ambient. It's a little like slowly turning over the Hope diamond watching an ever changing light show through the facets. The other cut, In A Silent Way, starts with John McLaughlin stating the bucolic folk like melody over an open tuning on guitar. Originally, McLaughlin used Zawinul's jazzy chord changes, but Miles kept goading McLaughlin to go simpler, simpler. Finally, almost as a joke, McLaughlin went with an open E major chord and the rest is history. About ten minutes in, the R&B groove of It's About That Time kicks in. The band swings like crazy before ending the album with a reprise of the main theme. It's hard to overstate how successful Davis is here. On his first attempt at a communally based, performance driven, open ended rock and R&B influenced music, he comes up with a stone classic, only equaled and arguably surpassed by Bitches Brew a year later.

This was chill, but not too chill. Jazz fusion wasn't as bad as I expected, and the brass instruments really shone through without having an irritating timbre. Also, the cat really liked it. Curled up like the roundest little cinnamon roll.

This was just 40 minutes of kinda nothing? I have to give it at least 2 because it wasn't outright bad and I could hear there was talent behind it... but 40min of what sounded like an improv jazz interlude was a bit much. 2/5.

This is probably one of the most ignorant things I could ever say but I genuinely reckon that if I knew how to technically play a trumpet then I could do what Miles does here. Inane.

Excellent album. Excellent moods. Seamless movement from expression to expression and every instrument contributing in a way that makes them each stand out on their own and yet somehow simultaneously get lost in a blend that is something infinitely more than the sum of those parts. Something approximating the music a rat might hear when they trying cheese and grapes together.

I just can’t do this. Improvisational jazz is the oil to my water. The first couple minutes of In A Silent Way is my favorite part of the album.

Man, this 1001 albums thing is getting me to reconsider jazz. Maybe my mood was right today...on another day I might have complained that essentially they're noodling around a couple of themes for 20 minutes, but the word that kept coming to my mind was CAPTIVATING. Both pieces just evoked certain moods and I found myself transfixed throughout my first listen. Time went by faster than I expected - I was actually surprised each piece was over, even though both clock in at almost 20 minutes (can't believe they recorded this thing in a day). Again, maybe I just caught it on exactly the right day at exactly the right time, but it connected with me. Second listen (a little more background this time - I had work to do!) was just as enjoyable and I was again surprised when it was over. Gotta give it a 5 for that captivating feeling. Wow.

2 songs. 38 mins. flex

Look, I've listened to this Album on a rainy day, while sipping some red wine and saying words like furthermore and still didn't enjoy it.

Another jazz album that shows how little I know about jazz. I'd probably give this a 2.5 if I could. Don't know why, but I found it rather annoying at parts. Sorry jazz fans.

I CUM

An enthralling listen. Even if you don't know/care about its legendary status as the first jazz-rock fusion album, you will enjoy the music.

Nope. While I guess I can appreciate the technical ability on display here, it's not, on any level, an enjoyable listening experience. Both tracks (because there are only two) are repetitive, atonal, empty of melody, and utterly lacking in structure. Saved from a one-star review because the musicianship is good. Too bad they didn't put those skills to better use.

When it locks into a groove, this is fine stuff. But there's too much mumbling around for this to be a fun listen. I always thought Miles was overrated and this does nothing to change my mind.

I don’t understand jazz. This sounds like a 40 minute warm up

Ethereal, spare, transcendental. Jazz but not Jazz. Ambient textures, moods over melody. A masterpiece in minimalism that continues to influence. Its ground breaking cut and paste production stitched together by Teo Macero was ahead of its time, much like this album. Bitches Brew would send out musical shockwaves across the world six months later, but all the elements of that record, albeit more restrained, were present here first.

This is a beautiful, dreamy album. It's one of his first forays in jazz fusion and it's a winner. I've listened to it enough times to know that this Aussie gives it five bags of Pods out of five.

I ended up listening to 5 hours of Miles Davis. Smooth music

Miles the Magnificent

Do I have to do this? Yes, I will do this. This is the album that changed my life, and that still surprises me anew every so often. Of the many things I have learnt (thus far) from In A Silent Way, the most influential was the presence of the edit as a live instrument. The raw material was recorded in a three hour session; Miles and Macero did not rearrange it as much as reconceptualize it, conjuring something that clearly belonged to the source but said something different altogether. One gets the sense of working through a maze in the dark: there is a destination, but experimentation, muscle memory and optimism are the only things that can take you to that end point. It is an exaggeration to say that if I had to chose my Desert Island Discs, I'd take eight copies of this one. But I would be quite happy with this alone, should it come to it.

Very Jazz. Really enjoyed it. Great background music whilst I work. Must revisit. It was a soundscape.

If there’s any artist that isn’t built for this challenge, for a “first, quick listen” it’s Miles. Dylan, Prince and Bowie qualify too, and they all have one thing in common: a long and illustrious recording career, but a sense, sometimes a passion, to reject following a creative path expected of them by fans and/or their record label. True artists with a “I don’t give a fuck” personality that is driven to follow their personal muse, even if it meant commercial pain. In all these cases it’s led to some transcendent work, multiple times over the course of their careers. Miles is probably the gold standard of this approach, literally changing the course of Jazz at least half a dozen times over his lifetime, almost to the point I was intimidated about diving deep into his discography…it was almost too overwhelming. Then I saw this Netflix documentary, and it changed everything for me. I “got” Miles, and it really opened a doorway into his music and more. A year in and I’m still discovering SO many special moments in his music, and I haven’t even gotten past his mid-fifties output, he was so prodigious. So the 4-rating is simply that I need more time to dive into this masterpiece from his Electric Era. I’m patient: the joys to be gained from getting to know his art is more than worth it 🍷🍷🍷

Bitches Brew might get more of the accolades, but for me, In A Silent Way is top. …and by the way, should you ever find yourself about to make an absurd claim for the entire world to see, like this one… “I genuinely reckon that if I knew how to technically play a trumpet then I could do what Miles does here” …do yourself a favor, take Miles Davis’ advice and fina way to express that “in a silent way”.

This album sounds like "hold music?" Y'know, I don't very much like to make commentary on other people's reviews. I mean, I don't think anyone's here for that, and I'd rather focus on trying to express my own opinions than spend my time having a one-sided debate or argument with someone else's. Absolutely, honestly, it'd be a waste of review to do that. But, like... The top-rated review of this album is a 2-outta-5 calling it hold music. And enough people, who knows how many, agreed with it to make it the top-rated review. Frankly, I don't know what insurance companies these people are getting stuck on hold with if anything on this album sounds like hold music. Not a single instance that reminded me of Kenny G, anywhere. I mean, most hold music isn't made to be anything more than pleasant-enough background music to keep your ear occupied while you wait six hours. To suggest that this album is as mild and unadventurous as that is an insult — in fact, it seems to land on exactly the opposite of this album's mission. Now, look, I was negative years old in 1969. Heck, **my parents** weren't even born yet, I'm sure. I can't exactly remark on the controversy this album stirred up in the jazz scene, but just knowing that it was controversial... I mean, I can't say I can't hear it. This is some adventurous jazz fusion. I mean, electric piano like this? I can't recall the last time I heard something like that on a jazz album — and it's great. Especially on "In A Silent Way"; that song's downright pretty. And the thing is, these are long songs — this album's two long, and they both approach 20 minutes — but they're never boring songs. Really, they both fit into the two ways I figure makes a perfect jazz album. These songs are a journey-and-a-half hearing where they go next, so, hey, if you're into listening to jazz for its complexities, it's no THE SHAPE OF JAZZ TO COME, but it'll still be right up your alley. By that same token, they're, yes, pleasant to listen to; to get lost in — so if you're into jazz for a good atmosphere, absolutely, you'll love this. I mean, there's no shame in that sort of thing — let's just not add on the extra disqualifier that they're meant to be ignored, because they absolutely aren't. The album's a big ol' 5 from me. Like, put aside any rebuttals I have against randos for their opinions — which, let's be clear, are absolutely valid, no matter what I think. It's just an incredible work. I'm thinking back to every instrumental jazz album I've heard before, from Frank Zappa's to the stuff I've discovered on this list, and I can't think of one I liked better than this. Maybe ELLINGTON AT NEWPORT for "Diminuendo And Crescendo In Blue", but even there I'd call it a pretty close tie. It's just... Oof, way. Immaculate. And not even in a very loud way. Goodness. I mean, seriously, if I called the bank and they served me up either of these songs as hold music... Well, it'd probably sound like ass comin' out of whatever machine they play hold music on, but still, y'know? I'd hardly complain.

In a Silent Way is Miles Davis' most underrated album. Most people point to Kind of Blue or Bitches Brew but for me this is his best album by far. Although it contains only two songs (both made up of two parts each, so actually four) but they are filled to the brim with some of his best playing, ideas and composing. Additionally, he changed his sound into a more Psychedelic Jazz-Fusion style and got new artists into his band to roll out that new sound. One of them is the legendary John McLaughlin but also people like Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Joe Zawinful and Wayne Shorter meaning this thing is an absolute powerhouse. And they created an absolute masterpiece that blends Jazz Fusion with a very atmospheric and often dark sound that still has a lot of diversity and as well as soothing and mellow passages. The album starts with 'Shhh / Peaceful' which takes up the first half with around 18 minutes of playtime and brings in a mix of the established Modal Jazz sound he's been doing for a decade together with the new Fusion ideas as well as a bit of Avant-Garde playing here and there. On top of that it all follows the very Cool Jazz additude that makes his career and playing so poignant in the first place. The track starts with the sound of an Organ around which more and more instruments get together and just play a ton of lovely melodies and ideas around a certain theme. It just flows from one instrument taking mainstage presence into the next with all of them feeling like they work together beautifully. Sometimes a little bit weird or Avant-Garde but this is Jazz of course it'll be a little bit weird here and there and this is really not that strong here which is a good thing because I think that too much Avant-Garde would disembody the atmospheric nature of the track. After certain ideas are established and the guitar takes the the centre together with the electric piano, the song really starts with the psychedelic influences and creates a beautifully hypnotizing effect that pretty much lasts for the entire duration of the song. There are such beautiful moments woven into all of it that it not only makes a perfect night time album but often just a great album to appreciate the calm moments of life. And everytime Miles Davis returns with a beautiful trumpet improv it really filps everything over and shows a new side of the song but in a different light and angle. And the song goes back and forth it returns in a split of a moment back to the theme at the start and again gives same ideas a different light with the same atmosphere but all different and with even more psychedelic sounds until it returns to the start once again and let's Miles himself finish this song by building some intense tension that is released slowly by a more and more quiet playing from everyone. This entire song is simply perfect! The second side starts with the title track 'In a Silent Way / It's About That Time' of which that first part is composed by Joe Zawinful which plays out very calm, nearly Ambient but full of beauty especially with the guitar that transitions into Miles' trumpet. I think that this guitar/trumpet part right here at the start sounds exactly like the album cover art looks like. After this "intro" it suddenly changes its pace very fast and turns into a more energetic and more Avant-Garde playing that with the Jazz-Funk influences feels totally different than the start of the track. After it calms down and settles into a more atmospheric sound which is still more energetic than the title part, it again turns into a calm and hypnotic listen that beautifully transitions between the different instruments and playstyles including a wonderful guitar passage that very much embodies this first wave of Miles' Jazz Fusion adventures. But of course the sax, the pianos, the organ, the rhythm section and Miles Davis all do a wonderful of giving this part incredible life and love that really pays off with the way it's structured and flows from part to part. And although I still love this part, it is definitely the weakest on the album. It then transitions back into the Ambient beauty of the title part with less rhythm, mainly driven by the piano, organ, guitar and the trumpet to finish the track which again, is absolutely beautiful and definitely a perfect song as a whole. favourites: Shhh / Peaceful, In a Silent Way / It's About That Time least favourites: none (If I had to choose a part: It's About That Time) Rating: decent to strong 10 https://rateyourmusic.com/~Emil_ph for more ratings, reviews and takes

...I somehow thought this would be boring. Amazing!!! I feel like I'm listening to Pink Floyd for the first time again. That trumpet is godly. I get why people like Jazz now. SO MUCH SOUL IN THIS. Had me grinning like a maniac.

Going into this album preemptively knowing everything I did about Miles Davis, this album was pretty much exactly what I expected. There was only 1 thing about this that subverted my expectations; I loved it. The idea of listening to two 20 minute long instrumental experimental jazz songs was daunting, but wow it was great. Somehow it manages to remain interesting all the way through and keep my attention without being annoying or repetitive. I also love how immersive this album feels, there are very few albums out there where I can just sit down and listen to them, I almost always have to be doing something, even if it's small. But with this, the music is so immersive that I can literally just sit down and listen to it and not feel the need to distract myself with anything. Which is especially impressive considering that this is also in instrumental album.

5.0 - If “In A Silent Way" sounds like the onset of sweet slumber, "Bitches' Brew" is your feverish nightmare. I hear many similarities between the two records - the echoey trumpet, the interplay between electric organ and guitar, the approach to composition involving the stitching together of recordings from different sessions. Whereas BB rejoices in chaotic explosions and jagged textures, "In A Silent Way" floats in a gentle and hushed dreamscape.

Sometimes my favorite MD album, always reveals new and interesting elements with each new listen. Until yesterday Bitch's Brew was new to me but not new to me because In a Silent Way is an old favorite cloth. Bitches Brew might be more ambitious and more varied but I still prefer In a Silent Way for its more consistent mood and its the beautiful atmosphere it creates in each song. No brainer; 5

I am not well versed in music theory, or any of that kind of smart music. That being said, there are several jazz albums that I really like, and In A Silent Way is one of them. There's something so lively about the music and perfect about this album that fails to come through on a lot of other jazz "classics" in my opinion. While the mix isn't perfect, it makes the songs feel more lived in if that makes any sense at all. I want to liken it to a hole in the wall that you find walking downtown and enter the most beautiful jazz club with the best jazz you've ever heard. The gut reaction is to live in that moment and take it all in, but since its a live jazz improvisation, you want to get a recording of it, so you put your phone down on the table to maybe capture some of the magic of the moment. Words are difficult. I really enjoyed this jazz album, and I hope you do too. Highlights: 1, and 2.

Life is a river, and you can either yield to the currents or kick against it. Miles knows that, and finds that by yielding to the currents you wind up down all manner of tributaries you never expected to go down, and drift past sights you’d never have the time to notice if you’re kicking. And anyway, you all end up at the same place downriver anyway. It’s the journey isn’t it? Suffice to say, I loved it.

Wow, this album is stellar. Two tracks, the musicians all seem so in-tune with each other, but it all feels so relaxed and original. (This list is really getting me into Miles I guess?) 4.5/5

A hypnotic album that sits at the end of one era and the beginning of the next, while remaining its own thing.

Nutty album. Low 5 from me

I can dig it. Some parts are a little too jazz noodling for me but I absolutely loved In a Silent Way. Cool guy.

Jazz init

If peeing your pants is cool, consider me Miles Davis.

Es hermoso, me generó mucha paz. Tiene dos tiempos extraños entre armonioso y alegre.

Short, sweet and beautiful!!!

Stone cold classic, which works both as ambient music and dynamic, emotional, driving exploration.

Obviously, this is a great album. I prefer it to Bitches Brew. One I reach for fairly regularly.

This album is a lot more energic and funky than I thought it would be based off of the title and the album cover. Great energy throughout the songs that keep everything flowing well, you really don't feel the long run times. Very slick album. Mid 5.

In A Silent Way (the track) to me sounds like my ideal day. With you. Slow and calm when we wake up and fall asleep. The beginning and end feel intimate and cozy, and I can close my eyes and see/feel you. Interesting, unexpected, fun evolutions throughout the song. Love this one.

Miles Fucking Davis, ladies and gentlemen. I want to give a 17 minute standing ovation but I’m walking my dog in the freezing cold and the neighbors might call the cops.

I was in a huge dilemma of what to rate this. Honestly I enjoyed my time so well with this and the music is almost a guessing game in spots. It’s so interesting and to MILES DAVIS. This has always been one of the albums that I love most by him (Bitches Brew the follow up has always been a harder listen) This is 2 tracks but it contains a lot within those two tracks. Few minutes it’s nice and chill and others it’s frantic. This is a beautiful piece of art and deserves a 5/5

One of my alltime Favoriten. It‘t the Sound, the Tempo, the musicans. All absolut perfect.

A cracking album, very spacey and psychedelic. There were parts I wanted for be a bit more explosive but in general an exceptional listen 4.75/5

Nice

I am not usually a jazz person, the kind of chaotic improvised nature of it can make me feel pretty uncomfortable actually. But this album was different, and the slow, meandering nature of these two tracks really captured me. I almost felt like I was being led on a walk and told a story. I'm not exactly sure how to put into words how I felt while listening to it, but it kind of felt like a warm hug for my ears. I loved every minute of this album.

Miles Davis' heritage is incalculable.

An absolute masterclass of jazz rock from one of the best to play it. Solid 5 Stars.

I’m at a 5, and I’m glad I get to say a little more than “it’s just good jazz”. It’s good jazz with a little bit of a rock flair to it, and that distinction adds a bit of depth. It’s not an overwhelming rock flair – you’re not gonna get an extreme hybrid with like, a sick guitar solo in here, but the instrumentation of traditional jazz mixed with the electric guitar and synth-driven keyboards is blended together really well, in such a way that neither overpowers the other too much to be a distraction. Shhh / Peaceful does feel like the “lesser” of the two songs here, but it’s like picking between two different slices of pizza – at the end of the day, it’s still pizza. There’s not a wrong pick, one just might feel more flavorful. In this case, “In A Silent Way” is the more flavorful for me. Starting with the almost Eno-esque droning tones, before going into a really fun trumpet & keyboard driven riff held together by a super catchy bassline, then finishing back on the Eno-esque tones with a little more of the middle part involved, just caught my ear more. Ultimately, this album really succeeds through its simplicity; there are ways this could’ve gone wrong, but it never does. It doesn’t go too risky, and I think that’s the correct choice. It plays itself super safe, so it’s not as engaging as Birth of the Cool or Kind of Blue, but the different style of production makes the comparison feel a little weird. I can honestly boil it down to “I just liked it.” If Bitches Brew is indeed this but even better, I cannot wait for that to pop up on the list. As far as this album goes though, it’s a 5.

How did it take over 400 albums for me to get Miles Davis? The man has 4 albums on the list and I had to wait this long for one of them? I can't believe this. You know what else I can't believe (except I totally can)? In A Silent Way is amazing. This was an excellent introduction to one of the greatest jazz artists to ever live. In A Silent Way stands out in the Miles Davis discography for two notable reasons. Reason 1 is that this album is seen as his first foray into jazz fusion, a decision that would cement the later years of his career as being just as important as the early ones with albums like this and its followup Bitches Brew. The other reason is that, as I said earlier, In A Silent Way is REALLY good. It's considered by many to be one of his best albums. Of course, I haven't listened to his other albums, but I can safely say that this is something special. The album is a lot more chill than I thought it would be. It's not entirely chill. There are fun elements in here. The general vibe manages to strike a great balance between the two, which works out quite well. The sound is just amazing. There's only two songs here, but both "Shh / Peaceful" and the title track keep you captivated long enough to really appreciate the artistry here. Honestly, that might be my favorite thing about jazz. The technical artistry at work on the best jazz albums is truly something to behold. The unconventionality of arrangements like these works to create a unique music experience that's pleasant enough to work as background music, but interesting enough to analyze as a work of art. This album is great. I love it. Light 5/5.

Totalt banebrydende og lyder stadig fantastisk.

Ok

Con Miles, todo vuelve a estar en calma y en su sitio. Simplemente es uno de mis ídolos indestructibles y este álbum marca uno de sus pasos de gigante. La batería y el bajo, simplemente son geniales

Es el mejor. Nunca deja de sorprenderme, probablemente de los discos más accesibles de él que he escuchado.

TBH I like this one better than Bitches Brew. Can't explain that. But there it is.

... ... ... ... Jazz. Rock. None of the above. Somewhere in between. Somewhere in between things that are not there. Things that are not there. Take them out. Edit. Splice. Take out. Wrong note. The wrong note is the right note. Insist on the wrong note that is the right note. Stop insisting. Ambient. Electric. Organic. None of the above. Somewhere between electric and organic. Somewhere between is the silence. Wayne Shorter. Joe Zawinul. Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock. John McLaughlin. Dave Holland and Tony Williams. Teo Macero (the genius editor). And Miles. "Shhh" "Peaceful" "Shhh" "In a Silent Way" "It's About That Time" "In a Silent Way" ... Number of albums left to review: 16 (plus the 80-ish extra LPs listed on this app, included because different past versions of the book have mentioned albums that have since been dropped in subsequent editions) Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 423 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 252 Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 313

Miles Davis has so many albums Wikipedia can't even be bothered to count them. Apparently Laughing Stock by Talk Talk based it's structure on this album. I've also seen this described as an early ambient work. So it's no wonder I'm intrigued.

11/4/24. Beautiful album all the way through. Still remember hearing it for the first time and was blown away. Love it.

Legit one of my favorite jazz albums. So compelling to listen to all the way through. The tension on the title track to make you want these big drums to come in for over ten minutes before they finally do is just masterful.

Thoughts before listening: One of the all time greats. Considering I am pretty sure that I once had a Miles Davis poster on my college apartment wall, this is a pretty embarrassing confession, but I think I have only ever listened to Kind of Blue and Bitches Brew. I definitely don't remember ever hearing In a Silent Way. I am excited to listen to this...and to make my younger self just a bit less of a poser. Review: This is right up my alley. Two long tracks of jazz fusion studio jams with all the players getting a chance to shine throughout. And what a list of players! Besides Miles obviously, this album also has Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Joe Zawinul, Dave Holland, and John McLaughlin. I am especially enjoying John McLaughlin's guitar contributions here. I am adding both of these tracks to my playlist, and I am very glad I had an excuse to listen to this today. 5-stars

This is a fantastic palate cleanser. When you need something a little different than what you normally listen to, this fits the bill. This is also great background music while you work, cook or whatever. Highly recommend.

So beautiful

100

I was already familiar with a number of albums by Miles Davis, but I hadn't heard this one before. In someways I'd say I was already a fan of his music even though I haven't heard everything by him, I'm glad to add this one to the list of the ones I have. I've listened to this album multiple times today and there is no doubt about its credentials for being included on the 1001 albums list. anyone with an interest in Miles Davis should give this a listen.

I'm no stranger to Miles Davis, and Jazz in general, but I'm not as well versed in Davis as I'd like to be at the moment. Coltrane is where I've spent most of my jazz journey. In a Silent Way is a wonderful in-between of Davis cool-jazz earlier work and the behemoth that would come after this, Bitches Brew. It's not so avant-garde that it'd turn people away, but not as clean and simple as his most popular work. IASW is a welcoming album that I think anyone could get into. It could set a mood while you make dinner, or more be subject to a more intense listening experience. *Heard before

Miles Davis' *In a Silent Way* (1969) is a landmark album in jazz, widely considered a precursor to the jazz fusion movement. Known for its innovative soundscapes, the album marked a radical shift in Davis' career. With contributions from a stellar lineup of musicians, such as Joe Zawinul, John McLaughlin, and Chick Corea, it embraced electronic instruments and studio editing techniques that were groundbreaking for the time. Although the album is purely instrumental, its structure, production, and themes carry a deep emotional and philosophical resonance, making it a pivotal work in the jazz canon. ### Music *In a Silent Way* represents a watershed moment for jazz music, where Davis transitioned from the traditional modal jazz style of his earlier albums (*Kind of Blue*, *Milestones*) into a new realm of sound exploration. The album is notable for its minimalistic approach, elongated improvisations, and the introduction of electric instruments. The rhythm section — consisting of bass, electric keyboards, and drums — provides a rich, almost ambient background, while Davis' trumpet leads the melodies with sparse, yet poignant notes. The music unfolds over two long tracks: "Shhh/Peaceful" and "In a Silent Way/It’s About That Time," each around 20 minutes long. Both tracks are built around repetitive motifs and grooves, giving them a hypnotic quality. The interplay between Davis' trumpet and John McLaughlin's electric guitar is especially striking, with McLaughlin’s gentle, almost ethereal playing complementing Davis’ sparse but emotive lines. The album is a departure from the high-intensity bebop and hard bop styles that dominated jazz in previous decades. Instead, it embraces a more serene, contemplative sound, one that leaves ample space for the musicians to experiment and for the listener to get lost in the music. Each instrument seems to flow organically, weaving in and out of the overall texture without ever overpowering the other elements. The recording process itself was innovative. Davis’ producer, Teo Macero, played a crucial role in shaping the final product. Instead of simply capturing live performances, Macero spliced together different sections of the recordings, creating a seamless, dream-like flow. This use of editing as a creative tool was relatively new in jazz and would later influence how many albums were produced, not just in jazz but in rock and other genres as well. This approach allowed for a cohesive listening experience that was not strictly linear in nature but rather circular, with themes reappearing throughout. ### Production The production of *In a Silent Way* is arguably as important as the performances themselves. The album’s revolutionary use of studio techniques set it apart from other jazz records of the era. Teo Macero’s production approach was akin to that of a film editor, assembling and reassembling various takes and sections to create a new whole. This method gave the album a cinematic quality, where the flow of the music feels deliberate and intentional, even though it was constructed from numerous improvisations. One of the most notable production choices is the heavy use of reverb and delay. These effects contribute to the album's spacious, almost otherworldly sound, giving the music a sense of depth and dimension. The electric piano, played by Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea, often takes center stage in the mix, providing a shimmering, liquid backdrop against which the other instruments can play. The drums, played by Tony Williams, are subdued in comparison to traditional jazz recordings. Rather than driving the rhythm aggressively, Williams opts for a more subtle approach, often using brushes and soft cymbal work to maintain the meditative atmosphere. The decision to include electric instruments was another bold production choice. Although electric keyboards had been used in jazz before, they had not yet been integrated into the fabric of a jazz ensemble the way they are in *In a Silent Way*. Zawinul’s Fender Rhodes and McLaughlin’s electric guitar provide textures that were previously unheard of in the genre. This move towards electrification was met with some resistance from jazz purists at the time, but it ultimately paved the way for the fusion of jazz with rock and electronic music in the 1970s. Moreover, the album’s minimalism is reflected in the production, where restraint and space are key elements. Each note feels carefully placed, and the sparse arrangements give the music an almost meditative quality. This was a significant departure from the dense, complex arrangements of Davis' earlier work, like *Miles Ahead* or *Sketches of Spain*. ### Themes Although *In a Silent Way* is purely instrumental, it is rich in thematic content. The album’s mood is one of introspection, serenity, and subtle tension. The title itself suggests a quiet, understated approach, and the music reflects that ethos. Davis' trumpet playing is sparse, almost meditative, and the slow, deliberate pace of the music gives the impression of time stretching out. There is an overarching sense of calm throughout the album, but it is punctuated by moments of intensity, particularly in the improvisational sections. The album can be interpreted as a reflection of Davis' own state of mind at the time. In the late 1960s, Davis was increasingly interested in breaking down the boundaries between different genres of music. The social and political upheavals of the time, such as the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War, may have influenced the album's more subdued, contemplative tone. Rather than responding to the chaos of the outside world with equally chaotic music, Davis chose to retreat into a more personal, reflective space. The result is an album that feels timeless, both in its sound and in its emotional resonance. Another theme that emerges from the album is the idea of collaboration and collective improvisation. Each musician is given room to explore their own ideas, yet they all come together to create a unified whole. This sense of shared creativity is one of the hallmarks of jazz, but it is especially pronounced on *In a Silent Way*. The musicians seem to be in perfect sync, despite the album’s free-form structure. There is a deep sense of trust between Davis and his collaborators, allowing for moments of spontaneity and surprise. The album also subtly explores the relationship between technology and art. The use of electric instruments and studio editing techniques blurs the line between live performance and studio production, raising questions about the role of technology in shaping artistic expression. In many ways, *In a Silent Way* was ahead of its time in this regard, anticipating the ways in which technology would come to play a central role in the creation of music in the decades to follow. ### Influence *In a Silent Way* was a groundbreaking album, not only for Miles Davis but for the entire genre of jazz. Its influence can be felt across a wide range of musical styles, from jazz fusion to ambient music to progressive rock. The album is often cited as one of the first examples of jazz fusion, a genre that would come to dominate jazz in the 1970s with albums like Davis’ own *Bitches Brew* and Weather Report’s *Heavy Weather*. Musicians such as Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and John McLaughlin, who played on the album, would go on to become pioneers of the fusion movement themselves, incorporating elements of rock, funk, and electronic music into their own work. The album’s influence extends beyond jazz, however. Rock musicians like Carlos Santana and John Frusciante have cited *In a Silent Way* as a major inspiration, and its ambient, textured soundscapes have been compared to the work of artists like Brian Eno and Aphex Twin. The album’s use of studio editing techniques also foreshadowed the rise of electronic music, where the manipulation of recorded sounds would become a central element of the creative process. Despite its influence, however, *In a Silent Way* was not universally acclaimed at the time of its release. Some jazz critics and purists were skeptical of Davis' move towards electrification and minimalism, viewing it as a departure from the complex, virtuosic playing that had defined jazz up to that point. However, over time, the album has come to be recognized as one of Davis' most important works, and its influence on modern music cannot be overstated. ### Pros and Cons #### Pros: 1. **Innovative Use of Technology:** The album's pioneering use of studio editing techniques and electric instruments set it apart from other jazz records of the time, helping to shape the future of jazz and other genres. 2. **Cohesive, Meditative Sound:** The minimalistic, ambient nature of the music creates a calming, introspective atmosphere that invites repeated listening. The interplay between the musicians is subtle and deeply immersive. 3. **Groundbreaking Genre Fusion:** By blending jazz with rock, electronic music, and ambient textures, *In a Silent Way* laid the foundation for the jazz fusion movement of the 1970s. 4. **Timelessness:** The album’s sound remains fresh and relevant more than 50 years after its release, a testament to its enduring influence on modern music. #### Cons: 1. **Lack of Traditional Jazz Virtuosity:** For listeners accustomed to the more technically demanding, fast-paced styles of bebop or hard bop, the minimalism of *In a Silent Way* may feel too subdued or lacking in energy. 2. **Sparse Composition:** The album’s long, repetitive sections and slow pace might be off-putting to those who prefer more complex arrangements or tighter, more structured compositions. 3. **Not Immediately Accessible:** The album’s experimental nature and reliance on studio editing techniques might alienate jazz purists or those who prefer live, unedited performances. ### Conclusion *In a Silent Way* is a transformative album that marked a turning point not only in Miles Davis' career but in the history of jazz. Its innovative use of electric instruments and studio technology helped pave the way for the jazz fusion movement, while its meditative, minimalistic sound continues to influence musicians across genres. While it may not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer more traditional jazz forms, its importance and impact on modern music are undeniable. With its seamless blend of spontaneity and precision, it remains a powerful listening experience that continues to resonate with new audiences even decades after its release.

Chefs kiss

AMAZING YES 4.5-5/5

Anytime. Anywhere.

Magic. I can't hear all of it on my streaming service but what I can listen to is mesmerising and superb. It's been on my repeat for ages. A wonderful revelation.

++: In a Silent Way/It's About That Time +: Shhh/Peaceful 9,6/10

Fantastic music

Miles Davis is among the best-known performers in jazz, and all of modern musicians. He is also among the most prolific of recording artists, with over 60 studio albums, over 40 live albums, and more than 50 compilations. In a Silent Way is his 41st studio album, and is Davis' first major work of fusion, a transition marked, in part, by his incorporation of electric instruments. In a Silent Way is a jazz band playing rock, showing that Davis was responding, at least in part, to the popular music of the late 60s. While Davis' next album, Bitches Brew, drew far more attention initially, In a Silent Way has gained recognition in hindsight, and regarded as among his best recorded work.

Miles Davis is hit or miss for me, and this album hits very big for me if I’m in the right mood. I was pretty into this album either in college or shortly after college. I think I read about it on some best of listicle kind of like this project. One time back then I listened to this album very loudly by myself during a long drive on the interstate at night. It was a perfect mixture of music and circumstances.

Beautiful, especially the title track. Lovely sounds you can just live in and ruminate on, a nice contrast to the more chaotic songs of Bitches Brew.

Damn. Maybe I was just in the right mood for this one, but I loved it. Fantastic.

Awesome

Some call this musical masturbation. Well, joke's on you because I like masturbation.

cool

I mean come on

Very good

one of the best albums for being a aaaa stealthy

Came in nervously, because of the fusion tag, but really loved it. Listened again a day later and still blown away. Just great feeling to the playing. Damn, I think I'm finally getting jazz a little.

Didn’t hit insanely hard but I know for a fact if I keep listening it will

Definitely more experimental than Kind of Blue, but still easy to listen to even on a first listen. So great to hear so much guitar on the extended improvs on this album. Highly recommended to any fusion fans.

I love the sound of that trumpet, Shorter’s soprano sax is mesmerizing…

Очень крутой альбом, атмосферный, энергичный. Джаз, каким он должен быть

Oh yea. Wayne Shorter and Chick Corea on this album make it tops. this was a very soothing album for me

Everbody talks about Bitches Brew, but I feel like this has had just as much impact in the development of fusion. While Bitches brew is clearly taking as much from free jazz as from rock and soul, this is more of a natural step forward from what Miles had done before. Sometimes the magic truly happens in the small changes, like adding a guitar or experimenting with more keyboard players and amplified keys. Also: Holy smokes, this line-up is wild!

Brilliant stuff

This was really awesome. It was such a journey and really made me feel some things. I don't really know if i need to say anything more than that.

-An absolutely PHENOMENAL album. Definitely one of Miles’ best. I’ve listened to it before but only noticed how amazing John McLaughlin is on the guitar this time around. Never gets boring, great music to slink around an alleyway in the city at night to -Favorite is Shhh / Peaceful

In many ways my favourite Miles album, as it's difficult to actually 'listen' to Kind of Blue. Kind of worn out for me. Minimal enigmatic Miles, extra marks if possible for the transcendent guitar moments at the end of the second track.

Das waren noch Zeiten - und immer noch state of the art!

Best kind of album to zone out to ☺️