Reviews (page 3 of 14)
Surprisingly enjoyed it.
Wonderful
This is the 182nd album I’m rating. I've heard many great things about this album but I've only heard a little bit of the first song. Adding to my Playlist - Nothing. Not Adding to my Playlist - Shhh/Peaceful and In a Silent Way/It's About that Time. All in all I liked 0/2 songs. Honestly these songs were too long, and kinda boring. Miles Davis is a jazz great but not for me. I was wrong.
I had this in my MP3 collection. But never listened to it. WOW! Genius is thrown around, probably too much. But Miles had it...here's an example.
I've been almost dreading this one: how can I even begin to write a review of In A Silent Way that does it justice; I have no idea. There's the circumstances of when I heard it for the first time, in the cool flat of my bohemian collegue who'd put it on, joints were involved, likely, wine, possibly. And how it blew my mind, then. How it opened my ears. But that would be cheesy, even if true. Then there's how it continued to blew my mind, for years. How it's unmistakably the mayhem of fusion jazz, but light, airy and wispy. Simultaneously, with structure and purpose. How it's serious, deep, and for some people apparently difficult music while Davis instructed his fellow musicians to play as if they'd been just introduced to their respective instruments. How intent listening rewards you with all those riffs and licks shimmering in its undulating flow. How timeless it is, while it absolutely is an artwork from when Hendrix played Woodstock. And then, today, while the sensation of having my mind blown has worn off, I always happily return to it like meeting an old friend. I might also pick up something another reviewer has made me realise: this album is the shortest 40 minutes of music ever recorded. Whatever I would say, in that review: "In A Silent Way" is my most important album in all of these 1001. If aliens landed in front of me and demanded a piece of humankind's culture, I'd play them this. One Million Stars.
You’ve got to love miles Davis’s brilliant album.
Put it on for my 40 minute bike ride home. Ended up taking me 60 minutes and I started listening to it again because I was so relaxed I wasn't riding my bike fast.
Listening to this album was like falling in love for the first time. Unpredictable, indescribable, and full of highs and lows.
Friday album so had a full weekend with this one. Listened to it 3 times over the weekend and saw it is great
Love this album!
Incredible, beautiful and serene music. Immediately creates a chilled atmosphere and builds on it, some of the best musicians of the 20th century. Perfect close your eyes and listen album
Despite 2 mega tracks still found myself noticing clear musical divides. Its like a Jam of the most amazing artists of their respective instruments. Top quality. I would say at times its a little repetitive but thankfully mostly in a mediative, trance like way. With it always building or winding towards something and if you really listen there is always a sub note track going on. I still maintain its hard to get the most out of Jazz without being there live but the mood they generated in this was outstanding. Played to the title and tracks to perfection. Loved the odd crackle and mild airy tone on Trumpet Miles gets in there as well. To play a trumpet so clean and mild yet chuckiung in the odd delicate imperfection is amazing. Got better with each listen. Now, if you'll excuse me, I suddenly have an urge to dust off my old trumpet and resurrect my dire blowing skills.
Absolutely vital jazz in transition, Miles always restless and moving to the future. Brilliant playing and atmosphere.
This is the kind of music you have to fully immerse yourself in and let yourself fall into the instruments. It's just so full of emotions. Songs saved: Both Album saved: Yes
Now this is what I'm talking. Smooth and enjoyable. Truly a please to listen to. Peaceful is most likely my fav. Fun album indeed. Reminds me of a 70's cop TV show's episode music.
Sublime
The first track is more of a soundscape than a melody, though it also has movements, and you're either going to go with it or resist it. The title track is easier to settle into and is really beautiful. Not the easiest thing to get into, but reading reviews and appreciation of this album confirms some impressions and gives language for others: psychedelic, fusion, minimalism, negative capability. One guy compared it to Dylan going electric. Like so much of Davis's work, this album deserves to be listened to on vinyl on a hot night with a bottle of wine. It grows on me every time I hear it.
This one is special. It hits all of my buttons. It makes me want to go back and knock my other 5-star albums down a star. After all these years I'm still being hooked by new grooves or hearing a new lick. (By the way, I peeked at what's ahead and since it won't be coming up, let me here suggest "On the Corner" as required listening if you were into this one.)
So dreamy and definitely going straight to my instrumental playlist
Incredible. I wish it was longer. It felt familiar and new at the same time. It felt like running and swimming.
Mesmo não gostando tanto da fase fusion dele, acho que aqui quando ele começa a experimentar com instrumentos elétricos o Miles Davis consegue criar algumas das sonoridades mais criativas da sua carreira
i’m speechless
At first I was inclined to give 2 stars; its just random notes and trumpet improvising. After listening some more, I remembered that I actually quite like disorganized notes. The trumpet playing is interesting - as a modern trumpeter (albeit not a very good one) it doesn't seem revolutionary, but I also wasn't alive in 1969, so... Also, the bit of it being a full length album consisting of 2 tracks is just so good.
Intimate and seductive. This is an album you can escape to in order to unwind and dispel all toxins from the day.
Very chilled for an afternoon off work
Title track intro (first 4 minutes) was a vibe Edit on Jan 20 2026: changing from a 3 to a 5. This really is great WOW
Hva faen
Absolute fucking gold.
Absolutely awesome
bästa jazzen nånsin?
Wow, this was genuinely one of the most magnificent things we have listened to thus far. Ethan shared that this album was the birth of Jazz fusion, which is just why I love this album so much. The electric guitar and electric keyboard did something for me! I fell in love with the drums in the first song; they were pristine in their execution as the trumpet came in and out, the keys adding organ-y interruptions throughout. The star of the show for me, though, was the title track. I loved the piano(?) that welcomed you into the song; it felt like glitter. The guitar was so beautiful, too! My favorite part of the song was the very end portion, where things went quiet and were way more relaxed. The soft trumpet with the glittery keys is out of this world.
A Proto-Ambient Masterpiece 1001 Albums Generator 53 (06/16/2025) Just play it like you don't know how to play guitar. This is the advice that trumpeter, band leader, and jazz legend Miles Davis gave to guitarist John Mclaughlin when Davis was unhappy with his complicated, chord-heavy arrangement that the first part of In A Silent Way was originally based on. Mclaughlin decided to take this to an extreme, stripping the arrangement back to revolving around a single E Major chord, one of the simplest chords on a guitar. To say it was played like a beginner would be disingenuous however; nothing about Mclaughlin's delicate, beautiful playing sounds like something a novice could play. It is also worth noting the guitar itself. This was not an acoustic guitar, which was more traditional for jazz arrangements; instead, Mclaughlin brandished an electric guitar. Meanwhile, Davis had not one, not two, but three of the greatest pianists in jazz history all playing electric keyboards. The trio of Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and Josef Zawinul add constant layers of keyboards, with the most iconic parts being the organ that starts the whole album at the beginning of Shhh / Peaceful and the descending 3-bar chorda line that repeats throughout various points of the title track. The implementation of electric instrumentation into jazz, while not entirely new (even to Davis, whose last two albums had incorporated sparse electric elements), was very controversial. In A Silent Way is not the first jazz fusion album, as Frank Zappa and Larry Coryell had already started playing with the sound. But, both of these artists came onto the music scene with rock backgrounds. For Miles Davis, the jazz master, to incorporate rock elements into his sound was seen by some as a betrayal of his roots. Can I just say, this whole discourse is so strange in retrospect. This is not a rock album. Besides about two minutes in the title track, it's not even close to a rock album. But to contemporary reviewers, the sound of an organ or a guitar plugged into an amp was enough to classify it as "rock-adjacent". These are not the only players on the album, however. Dave Holland is playing an acoustic bass on this album, and the great Tony Williams has remained from the remnants of Miles Davis' Second Great Quintet. Wayne Shorter's saxophone adds an undeniable jazz element as well. And of course, Miles himself is still on the trumpet. I can only imagine that these reviewers' minds exploded when Davis started playing organ on later albums, but for now, he remains on the brass. His compositional skills are on full display, with his modal method of composition combining with a surprisingly ambient timbre throughout the whole thing. The greatest moment on this album is in the title track when, after 13 minutes of building, the drums open up and everyone's energy skyrockets. This is the moment. The other hero of this album is of course Teo Macero. In many ways, this album can be seen as a beta test for what would come on Miles' next album, Bitches Brew, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the production techniques. Similarly to that album, these songs are not only products of the musicians: they are products of the studio. Macero took the recordings on tape and physically put them together to create these 20 minute songs out of individual recordings of Davis and his band. For the most part, these cuts are very good (although not as good as the cuts on Bitches Brew). There is one cut around 9:07 on Shhh / Peaceful that is not very smooth, but besides that, Teo does a great job. In A Silent Way is my favorite album by Miles Davis. I have rated 50 of them, and this is the one that I come back to the most. It is a sublime musical statement and is so ahead of its time. It's an easy 5/5. Favs: Shhh / Peaceful In A Silent Way Least Fav: NONE!
A brilliant jazz album with one of the best line ups of all time. This album is ground zero of jazz fusion and is a precursor of the legendary seventies group Weather Report. Unlike the more lauded Bitches Brew that followed a year later, In a Silent Way seems more accessible and it is a very relaxing album with beautiful laid back grooves and subtle sounds blending together to create a beautiful dreamy textures. The last few minutes of the title track are sublime.
Proof that essential jazz doesn't have to be inaccessible. 5/5 Highlights: Shhh/Peaceful
I was bowled over by this record: playful and inventive, rockish and jazzy, all held together by Miles’ interesting trumpet lines. Awesome.
A very smooth album, this was very easy to enjoy while listening in and out. Shhh / Peaceful is gentle and subtle as kt carries its high hat and bass heartbeat for almost the entire 18 minutes. In a Silent Way feels a little more experimental. It full stops a couple times to pivot into a different direction, but the middle section is pure bliss. A great production, great groove, and great evolution and escalation of the song, especially around minutes 10-15. This feels like an experiment, the first of fusion, and it's really enjoyable. Davis' representation on this list has such a wild diversity, he truly was gifted.
An incredible jazz album. Desperately need this.
boua
Superb jazz masterpiece!
I could listen to Miles Davis play the trumpet for 12 hours
Absolutely sublime, one of the finest jazz fusion albums of all time. Miles and his band lay down rock-solid grooves and absolutely tasty jazz jams all throughout. Excellent nocturnal listen, and one I'll be spinning fairly regularly any time.
Fantastic listen that I was surprised by. I also was genuinely sad whenever each song ended. I think that qualifies as a 5-star album.
This is some jazz that anybody, from the turbonormies to the jazzheads, can enjoy 🔥 Bravo Mr Davis
the last dregs of The Cool quietly petering out over the night horizon, bound to make way for the chaos of the day. every time i listen to him, i am astounded how much Davis packed into each composition and how he got the right performers for the job almost every single time. i mean, this is THE "first" jazz fusion record, or the first one everyone knew. the idea of someone codifying a genre that would come to be the main sound of jazz some cold February night stuns me. i do wish they'd done a bit more with "It's About That Time", but otherwise, this is nigh perfect music.
I am a trumpet player. I play jazz as apart of a bunch of my college assessment tasks. Miles Davis is my favourite trumpet player (i know, basic pick for someone's who's played for 8 years now haha). Somehow i've never heard of this album before, so yeah. Brilliant. As soon as I saw it was a 2 track album I knew I was in for a delight. I love jazz fusion, and I never knew Davis did an Jazz Fusion album, though knowing his stuff from the 90's, why am I not surprised at all. Having Hancock and Corea on piano OOOOOOOOOOOOo just incredible stuff. Sadly don't know the other players on this album :( I need this on vinyl.
great
Only two songs but I'm going to play this at my next dinner party.
i mean, it makes you feel cool, what more can i ask?
"If peeing your pants is cool then consider me Miles Davis"
Heady, beautiful
Strong medicine to change my mood and level my heartbeat. I often put this on while my students work.
What do you think of when you hear the genre "Jazz Fusion" mentioned? ***** I open my eyes, and I'm either in Dentist's office, or a suburban "jazz"bar. I see framed dorm-room posters of Billie Holiday, for that college freshman who was too cool for the Bob Marley and Pink Floyd posters. I hear music in the distance. It's smooth, but that's not exactly the right word...it's more slimy...or moist. Eww. And, is that a horn? No, it can't be. I swear that's coming from the keyboards. I hear an electric guitar, but they removed everything cool about it, and it's impossibly lame and limp. Where is this music coming from? I turn the corner and...oh god. Oh god no. I see...Kenny G! That's when I wake up. Thank god, it was just a nightmare. ****** Smooth Jazz and the hacky crackers that have perpetrated this musical travesty have piled dogshit over the legacy of musical visionaries like Miles Davis. Jazz Fusion is not a bad word. Forget all the negative connotations you may have about this genre. It's okay, you're safe now. Shhh, Peaceful. Miles Davis went electric in the late 60s. John Coltrane had passed away, and he was listening to Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, and Sly and the Family Stone. He got a new group together that could bring his new direction in jazz to life. Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock on electric piano, Joe Zawinul on organ, Wayne Shorter on sax, John McLaughlin on guitar, Dave Holland on bass, Tony Williams on drums. This is the first of a string of records that Miles Davis recorded with producer Teo Macero. The record is 2 tracks, but these tracks are comprised of multiple jam sessions edited and spliced together masterfully by Macero and Davis. The music blends together so perfectly that it feels like no editing was needed. The music flows by in this ethereal way that's calming yet exciting. Jazz Fusion by definition is Jazz with different genres thrown in the mix. Miles would fuse Jazz with Rock, Funk and Psychedelia on future records. What genre did he fuse to Jazz on this record? I honestly don't know. That's what's so special about it. It's hard to pin down what's going on here, it just sounds good. It's complex but it isn't challenging. You can just lay back, and ease into this sweet dream of a record.
All time classic from Miles' big group experimental phase. Loads of interesting layers and improvisation.
To me, 'In A Silent Way' was always the more accessible and easy-to-grasp precursor to the balls-out and batshit insane 'Bitches Brew'. Both records are a part of Miles' best era (in my opinion), his fusion era, and both do an excellent job of throwing the listener into these very moody and carefully constructed soundscapes. You feel trapped in their respective bodies, like you've been hypnotized or put under some spell when listening to these albums. Overall, 'In A Silent Way' is much shorter than 'Bitches Brew', and the fusions here, primarily in John McLaughlin's gutiar, are less aggressive, and more welcoming and complementary to the rest of the band. That's only helped by the slew of shimmering keys hovering over the opener 'Shhh/Peaceful' and the groovier bass part of the title track, which establishes one of the catchiest and most earwormy motifs from any Miles Davis record, period. Miles' playing, especially during the harder part of the title track, is some of the most dynamic I've heard from him (which is saying a lot), mainly in the way it increases in fury as the bass goes into that impeccable groove and the drums kick in. There is a lot of passion behind each note, but the same can be said about just about any other player here. Even with all that aside, though, I think this album's always been a landmark release in "moody" music. I mean it's often considered to contain one of the first instances of "ambient" music - but I'd argue Miles Davis' ambient magnum opus is 'He Loved Him Madly' off of 'Get Up With It'. As soon as you click play on this thing, it becomes apparent that there is this unsettling edge underlying many of these movements. Maybe it's Miles himself looking borderline petrified on this album cover, maybe it's the way the organ goes slightly off-key as a drone increases in volume for a few seconds near the 5-minute mark of the title-track, maybe it's that same drone hovering over the ambient dips bookending the title track, or maybe it's that haunting organ chord that comes out of nowhere on 'Shhh/Peaceful', completely halting the band's momentum, just for them to continue playing like nothing happened. To me, this album feels like a band trying their best to play as straight as possible, all the while there's something genuinely frightening lurking about. That's always been my read on this whole thing, at least, as ignorant as it may be towards Miles' artistic intent. It's not all "dark", though, the opening ambient portion of the title-track with the trumpet, keys, and guitar is heavenly and so damn far ahead-of-its-time that I refuse to believe it was recorded in '69. This album rules and you know that. 'nough said.
Really great instrumentation with two lively tracks.
Listened while studying, time flied.
I've been critical before of this list choice of jazz. Not here. It's hard to be critical if Miles freakin Davis. 9/10
Two songs but a flawless album
Less silent than I recall. It would be so cool to hear Miles play with the current crop of people making varied ambient music, esp out of the folk scene
This project is making me wish I knew more about jazz. Partly because I've been enjoying the jazz albums a lot more than I thought I would, but also so I can work out why I have close to zero tolerance for extended rock noodling (Deep Purple's live album really tested my patience), but unexpectedly loved In a Silent Way, which has only two tracks but lasts nearly 40 minutes.
My memory of Miles Davis of course begins with Kind of Blue. I certainly hope that is on the list.
Another classic from the king of jazz. I love how introspective and brooding this one is.
It's so peak. 2 20 minute songs that feel like 5 minutes they're so smooth and just really comforting to listen to. Every member of the band is performing at their best here aswell. Without a doubt my favourite Miles album 10/10 Favourite: In a Silent Way Least Favourite: None
One of my favourite jazz albums ever, and definitely my favourite from Davis. It captures so many different vibes, it's cool and laid back, but can change to exciting and adventurous in a minute or so. The origin for jazz fusion is right here and it's proof of Davis being a true artist in his willingness to evolve and expand not only his own styles, but the medium as a whole. It sounds like a better future and one we've yet to reach. 13/04/25
Feels Like a combination of a mid-night car ride in the 80s and a bad soft porn conversation
Great study/work album
10/10
Sometimes I forget how much I love Miles Davis. I think this is one of the best albums by possibly the most important musician of the last century.
Wow
Mysterious, calming, hypnotic, melodic, emotional, and beautiful. Every single musician on this record does exactly what they’re supposed to do (including Wayne Shorter, who becomes one of like, four people to ever make the soprano saxophone sound good). Probably my third favorite Miles record. Simply remarkable. 5/5
SO GOOD
So chill and peaceful
5* What am I, stupid?
I forgot this album existed. I used to listen to it all the time and think it's one of my favourite Miles Davis albums. Sure there are other cools ones like Bitches Brew and the Spain one. And then there's the classic Kind of Blue. But something about this one is much more accessible but also has that cool factor. You can just let it play in the background and it doesn't make you work for anything, or perk your senses if you don't want it to.
This stuff was actually amazing. I mean classic extraordinary Miles Davis right here. Partially inventing and pioneering an entire genre and absolutely cooking while doing so. This man was barely human. The only slight to this record is its format as two 20 minute songs makes it kinda hard to return to and enjoy casually. Amazing music though regardless. And also can we talk about how amazing the album cover is. I was leaning more towards a 4 but I think that album art pushes it to the 5 it truly deserves.
Such a relaxing listen, giving this a 5 even if it's not something I'd have on heavy rotation, definitely needs a particular mood to listen to it, but love the fusion of Jazz/Rock, whole thing feels like it was improvised on the spot, great musicianship
Loved this too. Maybe not as much as 'kind of blue' but if that's a 7 then this is still a 5 for me.
It's about the notes you don't play And the words you don't say
Цей альбом Майлза часто називають jazz fusion і відбувається так через те, що на ньому повно експериментів з електричним звучанням. Проте чи можна це назвати «джазом» в повній мірі? На момент виходу цього альбому, джаз як жанр вже втратив у популярності, в світі панувала «психоделія», а Девіс, ніби як повністю, вичерпав увесь свій минулий потенціал, та вже був неймовірно впливовим джазовим музикантом (чого тільки вартий Kind Of Blue з яким ми ще ознайомимось в рамках цієї серії). Тим не менш, іти «спочивати» він не збирався. Він вирішив ще більше експериментувати із електричним звучанням, та «поглиблюватись» в рок музику. Вершиною цього, трохи пізніше, стане альбом Bitches Brew, що буде значно більш потужним у порівнянні із минулою творчістю Девіса. In A Silent Way, в свою чергу, став тим самим «перехідним» альбомом, що вже істотно відійшов від джазових канонів 50-х, але втім ще і не був рок музикою. Натомість, в цьому «хиткому балансі» і є його привабливість. Саме через своє стримані, чарівні мелодії, що до речі гарно підкреслює назва альбому, його і полюбили безліч молодих фанатів джазової музики. Ну а щодо гри інших музикантів, то тут нема що і казати - це віртуозна та дбайливо сконструйована музика яку можна слухати безліч разів підряд і вона вам ніколи не набридне. Справжній шедевр який був створений в ідеальний для нього час. До прослуховування - обовʼязково.
Love it! Another re-discovery.
Ooh this is a special one. I’ve listened to it casually a bunch in the past and it works very well in the background because the music is soothing and restrained. Giving it a closer listen today was nice. The style is jazz played as laidback, dreamy funk. The bass definitely has a funky vibe at least. The rest of the music has an air of mystery and mysticism. Apparently there are three players on electric piano (and organ) on this album? Wow. That mystical sound is very full and rich, and that’s why. John McLaughlin’s guitar solos are a highlight. He’s an incredibly skilled guitarist, and his playing here is technically impressive but also sort of subtle. Like every other instrument here, his guitar sounds very organic in the mix. Wayne Shorter on sax is also wonderful. I’ve heard him absolutely shred on other albums but he’s less flashy here. Lovely solos, inventive but restrained. Miles seems like the one player who really lets loose a bit. His solos leap out a bit more than the others, which is a cool effect given the calm mood of most of the music. I love how the drums on the first half of the album are basically just open hi-hat. It gives the music a very distinct vibe, somewhere between relaxed and on edge.
I read an article about how listening to improvisational jazz can help reduce anxiety and help mental health . thanks miles!
Probably my second or third favorite Miles Davis album behind A Kind of Blue an possibly On the Corner (the latter is a recent discovery for me, but I love it) 10 ★★★★★
Modal jazz is one of my favourite styles of jazz. Love this!
Love this album! I liked the way all the instruments blended together within the sections of the pieces. I will definitely be listening to more of his work.
Probably the best jazz has or will ever sound. This is the way Jazz merges with psychedelic. This is the farthest that jazz could go before Jimi Hendrix existed and expanded the world of what was possible. Hearing this in the 60s painted the future. Dylan went Electric, Davis went Electric, and the world is about the change.
Perfect jazz fusion, well ahead of its time. When do we get Weather Report?
This is a beautiful little album, although I think I like the second track a little less. That being said, I regret not giving "Kind of Blue" five stars, so this album gets them in its stead (not that it wasn't close on it's own).
mayb my favorite miles at this point, but i need to give him a lot more time as i always kind of neglected him in favor of coltrane lol. but this is a perfect pair of tracks with unbelievable symmetry despite their lack of overt structure...shhhh peaceful winds up spacey tension for a longgg time in a way that kinda foreshadows pharaoh's dance, the ambient stylings treated with those beautifully spicy jazzy chords to create one of the most mysterious pieces of music im personally aware of. the title track then im only now realizing is one of my absolute favorite songs Period, bookended by a "theme" section so gorgeous it feels like the universe is opening its arms to me. in the middle , the harmonic ideas melt into something more straightforwardly beautiful and comforting, before an absolutely amazing cloudy groove slowly tightens the song to prepare for the unbelievably cathartic release back into the closing theme. incredibly rewarding album, immensely moving, its shooting way way up in my personal canon
Adore this album
Masterful playing, interesting throughout, the tracks change and morph while keeping the same theme. Wonderful.
In the calm winter months before the summer of love broke loose, Miles and a crack squad of some incredibly talented musicians got together to reivent cool again. Jazz had a more swung feel in the 50's and 60's and needed some progressive elements to allow it to grow otherwise it would die. A tremendous emphasis on rythmn and the additions of electronic instruments with unique dissonance allows this album to to really stand on its own (for 1969). Without the contributions of Herbie, Miles, Zawinal, and Chick Corea we may never have lived in a time where Jazz was of this caliber and sound. In a Silent way was the mold for progression in jazz, and Bitches Brew one year later broke the mold again. This was one of my first albums into jazz I dabbled with. I fell in love so early with this album. Fan for life. P.s. check out the "Complete In A Silent Way Sessions". Shits twice as long with so many little off shoots and melodies where this masterclass of musicianship and improv just went buck wild.
I couldn't believe it at first but this album is absolutely phenomenal, it has captured me in such a way that it automatically elevates every activity I did while listening to these 2 peculiar tracks that are featured in "In a Silent Way". Truthfully, I really disliked it at first and thought it was entirely disjointed and music for nerds. I'm not a stranger to jazz but are familiar with more classical jazz standards. As the second track was well underway, I couldn't stop vibing with this esoteric but yet groovy tune. Instruments come and go with a subtle finesse and sharing a space among each other. After my second listen, I was entirely sold on this otherworldly music that feels like traveling between planes of existence. An interdimensional traffic jam that suddenly ended in a dark gloomy hallway where you stare back at your figure. There are plenty of details and subtle changes to explore. Each musical idea and phrase that suddenly emerges always feels like a warm embrace that washes over your body. This sounds absolutely pretentious but these 2 tracks shift a lot and you never quite know where you stand until everybody locks in a recognizable groove. It's really sublime but may be a hard recommend for someone who doesn't like this type of free form jazz that may feel bereft of clear structures on a first listen.
For as long as I live, I'll never understand why some people just don't like jazz.
The master Miles - really an all star line up and so cool and vibey to kickstart fusion jazz
The master at work
So much better than the Beatles
Do you want to listen to a song that is just jazz? well in SSSSHHHHHHHH peaceful you can! I rate this song a ⭐⭐⭐⭐. I recommend this. Do you want to listen to some calming music? well in a silent way you can! I rate this song a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! I recommend this song!
I didnt like this album because it has no lyrics I also didnt like this because its boring
Hella relaxing and superbly played, wow!
Ég mun spila þessa plötu aftur. Þetta er algjör stemmari og hæfileg lengd. Þrátt fyrir að elska góðan djass hef ég samt ekki haft neinar sérstakar plötur til að hlusta á. Þessi fer í þá hillu. 4.5 stjörnur en fær fimm af því að ég er svo ánægður að finna þessa plötu.
All time classic.
really cool, really chill side A and a chill and evolving side B. miles' trumpet playing is, of course, top notch, and it is cool to see this stop on his evolution from jazz icon to fusion innovator. the moment side B builds to that funky rock-ish groove is great! neat stuff.
The title of musical genius holds up
perfect album! not much else to say about it. I've listened to it hundreds of times and I'm sure I'll listen to it hundreds more. wouldn't change a single moment of it. one of the most singular, gorgeous records ever made. love the glass breaking sound at 4:26 (and 16:23) on "Shhh/Peaceful".
In A Silent Way by Miles Davis is a fusion of jazz and ambient soundscapes, blending expansive and intimate elements. This near-perfect masterpiece demands full attention, rewarding listeners with its intricate beauty. While it excels in many ways, minor flaws prevent it from achieving absolute perfection. The album's dynamic range is exceptional, seamlessly transitioning from delicate, hushed moments to powerful crescendos. Every shift in volume and intensity feels intentional and masterfully executed, drawing listeners into quiet subtleties one moment and captivating them with the ensemble's sheer power the next. the instrumentation is stunning, with Miles Davis’ restrained yet expressive trumpet carefully balanced, allowing other musicians to shine. John McLaughlin’s guitar adds an ethereal quality, especially on the title track, with his minimalist approach acting as a thread weaving everything together. Teo Macero's production is genius, seamlessly splicing and editing takes to create In A Silent Way's hypnotic, cohesive structure. The album feels like a single, flowing piece of art rather than separate tracks. The immaculate layering ensures each instrument has its space while blending together perfectly. While In A Silent Way offers a meditative, almost hypnotic feel, it’s not a record for casual listening. It demands full attention, and if you're not in the right mood, the long, sprawling compositions might seem meandering. Some might find its minimalist approach too sparse, and the slow pace could be off-putting, particularly for those accustomed to Davis' more fiery early works. However, this minimalist style works in the album's favour, enhancing its introspective nature. In A Silent Way is a groundbreaking album that redefined jazz, with its dynamic range, innovative production, and seamless musician interplay. Timeless and as fresh today as in 1969, it's an almost perfect record. While its minimalist style may not suit every mood or taste, the unmatched atmosphere it creates makes it a deeply immersive experience. A well-deserved 4.9/5.
I listened to this three times in the night this was assigned because i like this and love this
Perfection
Cidade noturna. Colagem. Prestar atenção.
so far i only knew kind of blue and this is so different in comparison, kind of blue is just straight up cool jazz (i think?) and here it’s different, there’s more going on than in classic jazz and i LOVE when people mix genres to make something great and especially THIS great so this is without a doubt a 5 xx
2nd Miles Davis this week! Think I slightly preferred the 2nd half with its Latin/funk, though I also love the spooky organ of “Peaceful”. Listened to it twice today, the second time temporarily interrupted by some loon on the bus spouting racist garbage. In a way, this is Bitches Brew without risk of headache. What I started to glean from the 2nd listen is that it feels more like kosmische, aka Tangerine Dream, than much of the jazz I’ve heard. Whereas with Kind of Blue, where I paid attention more easily to the individual talents of the players (Adderley, Coltrane)- here it’s just letting the collective sound drift by, like dark clouds that don’t ever become a thunderstorm. It’s hard to say what importance an album will have in the long run, but for tonight let’s call this my favourite Miles Davis album HL: Side B January 17, 2025
great listen, had on while cooking, very interesting
Really neat sound, jazzy but not “old”, exploratory and unique. Not perfect but above a 4*
Holy crap! This album's amazing! Very peaceful jazz music that just seeps into my skull whenever I listen to it. Absolutely worth checking out, even if you don't think you're much of a jazz person 10/10
A classic- beautiful not daily listening, cocktail party
Brilliant
nice reflective sound.
Someone in global said "something a rat might here when trying cheese and grapes together" (5) This is not the Ratatouille ost lil bro!!!!! Anyways, spectacular album, both absolute bangers, without a doubt the best jazz I've ever heard, and I'd probably say it's tied with some songs from Brothers in Arms for the best background-type music I've ever heard. Manages to be calming and engaging at the same time, it will enthral you if you give it enough attention, but it will also gently embrace your ears if you focus your mind elsewhere. Beautiful Album. Also a jojo reference so we'll move it up from a 2 to a 5.
Didn’t hate it but only Running up that Hill stood out to me. Waking the Witch is sort of terrifying to hear if you are falling asleep which is what this album made me do.
not much to say about this. It was just an enjoyable listen
Amazing jazz album. Very cool and relaxing 1001 album worthy: Yes - 25/44
El paso previo a Bitches Brew, una sola sesión de tres horas, dos etmas y otro disco para la eternidad en el zurrón. La banda brilla con Wayne Shorter – saxofón soprano, John McLaughlin (que ya había tocado con los Stones, Bowie o Claton) – guitarra eléctrica, Chick Corea – piano eléctrico, Herbie Hancock – piano eléctrico y sobre todo un Joe Zawinul al piano eléctrico, órgano, Dave Holland al bajo y Tony Williams a la batería, imprescindible con su entendimiento del ritmo- Wayne y Joe seguirían juntos en Weather Report.
I just can’t get enough. Been listening to this on a loop several evenings in a row.
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.
What’s not to love? Not as experimental as Bitches Brew, but a nice integration of electronic instruments with classic Miles jazz
Chefs kiss
AMAZING YES 4.5-5/5
I must have overlooked this for the wilder fusion records of Miles Davis. This one has all the electric energy, irresistible tone, and top-notch playing of Bitches Brew and On the Corner, but contained into a more subdued record. Instead of hitting a rolling boil like those other albums, the title track is a menacing simmer here. The A-side is a swirling, hypnotising mass. The B-side finds a groove and follows it through to an understated climax and a final, dream-like resolution. It is maybe the most cerebral Davis record. The personnel, as expected, is an absolute dream team, with Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea particular all-star players. If you can get used to the change of pace compared to his most famous albums, this is stunning. 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 ☺️
My favorite genre! I could listen to Miles all the time. Love the soulfulness. Hadn’t heard either of these songs before. What a treat!
This album is split between two parts/tracks. It takes a more jazz fusion experimental approach for Miles Davis and incorporates more electric instruments than his previous albums. The first track has a very ambient jazz feel with an atmospheric and meditative vibe, while the second track leans more towards the avant-garde and experimental side. Released at the perfect time, this album had a significant influence on the musical landscape and the direction things were evolving towards. It contributed to the early stages of ambient and electronic music and played a role in the development of progressive rock. For example, when I started exploring Soft Machine, some of their music reminded me of the second track on this album. Whether they were directly influenced by this album or it’s just a coincidence, I’m not sure. Regardless, for anyone who enjoys innovative and experimental music, this is definitely an important album to check out.
Miles Davis is always fire. Can't go wrong with his albums, and this one is no different.
Loved it!
Pretty great
Short and steady.
This is what I needed today. Made sure to carve out the time to just listen with headphones and melt away. The sound quality alone makes me want to lower the ratings of a bunch of albums I've already listened to.
Love this album This is the good shit
Not many musicians could make two side-long tracks that capture warmth, tenderness, dynamic energy, and fantastic soloing without dragging on or overstaying their welcome. But Miles Davis is not like many musicians. A great listen for really any occasion
An enthralling listen.
What a great album. McLaughlin told the world that he was one of the great and Miles is Miles. 5 stars
yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa the best Miles Davis album!!!
Deliciouus
Miles Davis, or just simply Miles. So synonymous with jazz and styles of jazz. This is yet one of his pioneering albums. And what a group of players! Wayne Shorter, John McLaughlin, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Joe Zawinul, Dave Holland and Tony Williams. The composition, "In A Silent Way", is magical. My rating? It's Miles Davis. 5 stars.
Only two songs but so beautiful and calm
The fusion bits are kind of lost on me. So any of the moments that start heavily featuring the electronics I'm a bit out on. Everything else is so so damn good, though. Miles Davis is a jazz genius and it really comes through in all of the quiet moments. Favorite Song: In A Silent Way
“Shhh / Peaceful” made me feel like George Clooney walking through a casino I just robbed. Classic, good time, wish it was longer.
Pure magic, an introduction to the master, nothing quite like it.
amazing
The first track was kind of difficult, but I haven’t been listening to much jazz so I blame that on a weaker set of ears right now. The transition into the title track is phenomenal, and the title track is absolutely transcendental.
Beautiful, haunting, perfect.
I really enjoyed this one! Felt like background music for a detective movie.
Miles Davis is a genius!
For this album only being two very lengthy and ever changing tracks, it is really easy to listen to. It definitely feels like a showcase for the treble players over the rhtythm section as I don't hear as many beat switches or insane chord change ups a lot of the time. The central grooves are very dreamy. Particularly the guitar, keys and horn ending is perfect. One of my favorite "album" experiences where you can't just listen to parts of a track or skip around it really needs to be front to back one sitting. No lyrics either showing that instrumenals can say a lot "in a silent way" lolololollolololololool done.
Much more fun and accessible for me than BITCHES BREW to listen. Just wish it also had an album cover that was an iconic painting.
A menthol 100 for the soul.
It’s one of those you really have to sit down with to get all the way in there. It feels like being in a half awake dream where everything seems not quite real and sometimes a little disorienting, but when you make it through to the end you just want to go back and do it all over again.
Calcata
Really great stuff here from Miles. Hearing this and Kind of Blue have really brought me around to Jazz.
Platan sem ég hef oftast hlustað á á vakt í smekkleysu
After reading the reviews I wasn’t sure what to expect going in. When I first listened to it the music was soothing. Not classical but not your “typical” upbeat jazz. Something smooth that soothes the ear. A lot of people complained about the improve but overall it seemed like they had an idea of what they wanted it to sound like, and added bits of improve. Great music.
Excellent experimental/improvisational jazz fusion around a simple concept. Some of the best musicians that will ever sit in a room together take us to places unknown. Toes the line of getting out there without going too far out there. Beautiful textures. Each person uses their own space while leaving plenty of room for others. For the amount happening here, there’s little clashing or feeling overwhelmed. Just an excellent record. Feels like an influence on some later genres like post-rock.
I love everything Miles Davis has done so far and I think this will be the same.
I could listen to this on repeat
A different side of Miles, but one no less brilliant
Miles' first fusion album. He'd figure out the formula over the years and perfect it but a classic in its own right.
Loved it! Masterful. Just what I needed this morning. 5
I drove a few friends to Birmingham last night. I then managed to lock my keys in the car. I ended up having to get a lift from a friend who was there back to my flat to pick up my spare key, then get a lift back to Birmingham and then I drove back. This all led to me driving back from Birmingham to Shrewsbury between 4:30 and 5:30 listening to this album. I’ve got to say it was the perfect conditions, it was dark, the roads were clear, I was a bit delirious. When the drums came in in In a Silent Way it just got me going. If you can find a less stressful way to enjoy this album I’d recommend it but I had a fun adventure
insane lineup
Extremely my shit. Mesmerizing bass and organs and some trance inducing drumming set a deep groove as a platform for the guitar, electric piano, and especially MD's trumpet to go off. It settles into some quite contemplative dawn moods with a shimmering vibrato sound and sunrise soloing, then heats back up for some spikey intense jamming. Music dorks in the 60s were really afraid of electricity and it was very stupid.
Instrumentation is crazy, 38m just flew by.
This was quite the explorational listen for me. I had no clue what I was getting into. The cover art drew me into an unexpected 40 or so minutes of some of the greatest musicianship I've heard. Although this album felt impossibly cohesive, I felt like it was missing a peak. Maybe I'll find that peak with a third listen? For that reason though, this album had great replay value, as I kept listening to hear the nuances I've yet to pick up on.
First listen Saved 2/2 Top track: Shh / Peaceful
Loved this. I could listen to Miles Davis all day.
A Classic. Pre-Electric Miles
Davis kicking off his fusion period with heavy hitters like Shorter, Hancock, McLaughlin, and Zawinul. What else is there to say.
Don't even need to listen to this to know it's amazing, although I will be listening to it later today on the train.
Love this recording. Any Miles fan would too!
Excellence!
Really nice jazzy music. It and its follow up playlist left me chilling all day
I love Kind of Blue and was expecting something along those lines. I was surprised yet delighted to hear this! What a cool departure.
A beautiful and mournful album that is a precursor to his more electric experiments in the immediate years to come.
Fantastic. Wow.
praise miles. Instrumentation just makes me wanna dive into it, and ambience here seems like nothing else that ever existed
Solid album. I enjoyed it a lot. Outstanding musicianship on this record.
Fantastic. Very beautiful
Great album. It's interesting to read about the critical reaction at the time and the negative reaction to the electronics and structure, since to me this album feels much more like one of Miles' earlier albums like Kind of Blue or Birth of the Cool. I'd understand that reaction on Bitches Brew for example. Maybe I feel that way just based on the mood and not any actual theory? This is an easy listen, but with plenty of variety to stay interesting.
In a sense, Miles Davis did the unthinkable with 'In a Silent Way'. He took a genre that was already defined by experimentation and freedom and he dared to change the rules even further. The reactions were very mixed. Was he taking the liberation of jazz to its next step? Or risking new confinement by bringing the genre closer to rock and roll? His use of electric guitars, extensive editing, and other studio tricks further alienated purists but excited many others. The result is something that doesn't quite sound like rock or jazz at all. It sounds like possibilities and at many points feels like a preview of what Brian Eno would later coin as 'ambient music'. I'm no expert in Davis's music, but this album has always been my favorite.
So wonderful!
A beautiful piece indicative of The Cool’s magic.
Very long but captivating tracks
Transcendent
Two tracks, 38 minute album, that’s a good sign. Very cool recording, always interesting to listen to.
Als een duveltje uit een doosje is 'ie daar weer zeg. Ik stem op het vorige album en de schrik slaat me om het hart als ome Miles me na het vernieuwen van de pagina opeens aankijkt als Bob van Twin Peaks in die scene dat 'ie achter het van bed van Laura zit in aflevering 1. Toen schrok ik harder dan nu, maar dit roept dat gevoel wel weer een beetje op. Ze zeggen wel eens 'Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened', maar tot nu toe heb ik bij Miles letterlijk precies het tegenovergestelde ervaren, als letterlijk figuurlijk zou zijn. Miles is me tot nu toe altijd teveel geweest, te chaotisch, te abstract en te langdradig, een uitputtingsslag waar ik niet als winnaar uit de bus kwam. Dit album pakt het gelukkig anders aan. Dit is geen super zenuwachtige kakofonie waar niemand iets van begrijpt. Dit is meer een soort geïmproviseerde wachtmuziek, maar dan wel lekkere wachtmuziek. Dromerig en licht hypnotiserend. Ome Miles houdt regelmatig z'n trompet gewoon strak langs z'n lichaam in plaats van aan de mond en dat komt wat mij betreft het luistergenot flink ten goede. Wanneer hij wel meespeelt gedraagt hij zich voorbeeldig. Dit kan ik heel goed hebben. Gelukkig. Het is wel een beetje alsof ik zeg dat een Boon Oude Geuze niet zo zuur is: Als je nog nooit een geuze hebt gehad snap je na de eerste slok waarschijnlijk niet hoe ik zoiets met droge ogen kan beweren. De 2e helft, side B van de plaat, vind ik zelfs heerlijk en ga ik vaker aanzetten. Qua productie is de versie op Spotify overigens ook een genot voor je oren. Ik neig naar een 5. Ik zet hem gewoon nog een keer aan en ga er eens goed over nadenken.
This album took me a few listens to get into it, but I think I prefer it to Bitches Brew or anything else in Miles Davis’s jazz fusion era. Throughout his career, Davis managed to put together some of the best jazz musicians at the top of their game. This album features Wayne Shorter on sax, John McLaughlin on guitar, Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock on keys, Tony Williams on drums, Dave Holland on bass, and Joe Zawinul on organ, with production by the incomparable Teo Macero. This is also one of the only albums where I prefer the “ultra-deluxe” version: The Complete In a Silent Way Sessions. At 3 ½ hours long, it contains some tracks from Filles de Kilimanjaro, rehearsals for the songs which ended up on In a Silent Way, and a number of outtakes and otherwise unreleased tracks which are all up to the same standard of quality as the two tracks that made the final version of In a Silent Way. This is definitely not something I believe of Davis’s other “The Complete [album] Sessions” box sets. This 40 minute version is definitely the better way to listen to it, but if you like it, check out Filles de Kilimanjaro next, and if you like that just as much, maybe check out The Complete In a Silent Way Sessions.
Awesome 5 stars
Miles Davis’s “Kind Of Blue” was one of the first Jazz albums I acquired, back in the late 70’s. That, and “Bitches Brew” are long time standards in my collection. But I’d never heard this one. Wikipedia says this is “Davis's first fusion recording, following a stylistic shift toward the genre in his previous records and live performances.” And it is not a subtle shift. Starting with electric piano, then electric guitar. It features two songs, one per album side. But the horn is certainly the same. This has the “fusion” sound for sure, the keyboards dominate. The long somewhat rambling songs. But it all works, all the pieces come together into a really nice sum. This (like the best Jazz records) is going to take several listens to really digest. But I’ll make the effort, and can tell my appreciation will grow. There’s a real good chance this’ll get added to my collection. 5/5
The beginning of Davis's "sellout" period, marked by a powerful reimagination of not only jazz, but the very nature of music and art. Davis, it turns out, played the wah treated horn that collapsed genre walls. The gatekeepers would howl, and succeed, to forcing jazz into the heritage industry ghetto. Davis just kept playing. We are richer for it
What can I say, I already knew Miles Davis but I actually never took the time to listen to one of his full albums. I'm glad I did.
Love the laid back and atmospheric sound of this album. The interweaving keyboard parts create a soft bed for Miles’ beautiful trumpet solos.
Офигенная музыка на вечер (слушаю в середине дня (что ты мне сделаешь)). Вайбы полной трубы, лёгкие переливы флейты, нежные клавишные, осторожная гитара, мягонькие трубы. Под эту музыку надо стоять, смотреть на ночной город и улыбаться, наслаждаясь вечерней сигаретой. Приятно. О, пошёл второй трек и парень улыбаясь идёт по городу, вокруг всё оживлённо и немножко безумно, но это только дополняет радостную картину. Всё хорошо. не, альбом бомба. Просто описывает за 20 минут день, который каждый хотел бы получить. Вызывает эмоции и эти эмоции такие тёплые.
Sometimes I put this on and I lie on the floor and let it wash over me in waves and in those moments, everything is right and good in the world
I have a feeling I'm going to overrate the jazz selections because I don't listen to jazz that often, but come on. How could I not give a 5 to something that grooves as hard as this at the beginning and comes down with as lovely of an ambient section at the end at this?
Absolutely lovely to sit and zone out to...
This is a game changer. What an album. The drummer on this album needs an award.
A wonderful album! The music circulates and soars. Never boring, though on the first listening, a lot of repetition. Definitely one of my favourites by Miles.
Solid. Play the record and get into a zone. Bill Laswell thought so too and remixed into Panthalassa.
Two songs, 38 minutes. Very nice.
Such a fabulous and ambient album. It is emotional even in its repetitiveness. I like to put it on in the background and never get tired of it.
Transcendent
I'm really glad we have done this one the week after Birth Of The Cool. This really showcases how much of a creative tear Miles was on at this period of his career - this is so different from what he was doing on Cool, and is the sound of a true artist doing whatever the fuck he wanted, a journey that reached it's peak a year later with Bitches Brew. truly a once in a lifetime musician, and this record is an absolute joy.
Instrumentals- 5/5 Vibes- 5/5 Overall- 5/5 This album was two songs, no lyrics, just jazz. Absolutely amazing, I loved it.
If Miles Davis is cool, you can consider him Miles Davis.
sheer brilliance. innovation.
Wasn't sure I "got" it in the front half, which was disappointing having loved other Miles records. Definitely started to sink in, and the entire second half was instant genius. Brilliant jazz record.
Nice
I would say that I was not a Miles fan before listening to this album. This has been on repeat most of the weekend. great album
I love Miles Davis.
This is the first Miles Davis record I've ever listened to and it just blew me away. How did I not know this existed? Jazz, electric, experimental without just being a mess of noise. "In A Silent Way (reprise)" is now one of my favorite songs ever.
Miles is the greatest and played with the greatest. 5/5
Mile davis will always be king of improvisational jazz
Short but sweet!
Having only ever listened to Kind of Blue, this was a genuinely wonderful find.
Hypnotic ssounds
Love it. Perfect mood
Well.....I love Miles Davis and I did not know this album existed before, so it is good to know that.
Incredible. Corea and Hancock are absolutely superb, their electric piano playing completely elevates this album
Fantastic album, Miles Davis is the GOAT.
Jazz in its purest form. Long jams, movements, and transitions. Music that you can feel and carry with you. This is timeless!
Great album. Miles Davis is a Jazz Icon. Love the album. Putting on of his albums on and comparing to other Jazz you can see why he stands out. Can listen to it all day.
So beautiful. The title piece is particularly stunning.
It's easy to see the influence this album has. The way the themes wander and join together is great.
In think I like that this veers out of the realm of jazz a bit. It drives more than it roams and I like that. Props to his band. What a collection of badasses. 4.5
Innovative like Bitches Brew but more accessible. Has a sort of ambient vibe. Rolling Stone: this album "seemed near heretical by jazz standards". I may like this more than Kind of Blue. Miles is goat. 4.8
New favorite.
Miles Davis at his understated best.
two songs. five stars. thats it, thats the notes.
Love John McLaughlin and Chick Correa on this. The comfort and feel Miles has on this is outstanding. He trumpet bursts out of the darkness while the guitar and synths color in the background. I prefer this to B*tches Brew.
If you like cool jazz, jazz fusion, nobody does it better than Miles Davis. Perfect early evening listening music.
I was immediately drawn in by the ethereal feel. This is an album I’ll come back go for reading and working to.
Mick Jenkins says “… got some Miles Davis in him, talkin all that jazz” and I’d heard it enough to remember but didn’t actually appreciate the reference until now. 2 tracks for a 38min album, what a legend. 5/5
I love the feeling this gave me!
Great album. Always enjoyed Miles Davis but never listened to this one.
Classic jazz style