Jack Johnson Sessions Disc 1 & 2

by Miles Davis

This is one of my favourite Miles Davis albums, it has so many layers to it and centres around a boxing meatphor.

This particular version is the 5-disc recordings and out takes version and is dense and beautiful! I'll be talking about the 1^st 2 discs in this post because there are 5 and they're about an hour long each

Recommendations: Put this record on when you've a quiet moment to spare with a good glass of whisky/Scotch (Glenfiddich Royal Oak or Johnnie Walker Double black, for example). A dimly lit room with just a lamp and a good book would also help- if you smoke, it's the kind of album that merits a tobacco pipe.

Note: This was done stream of conscience on facebook, whilst chatting with my bro and a few friends, I think I'll stick to this style of commentary because it adds to the journey. I have edited the mistakes I made for the most part, but I'm sure I made more.

 Disc 1- the Willie Nelson takes, showing that a true lead guitarist doesn't actually lead, he adds extravagance to the already solid base laid down by the rhythm section!

McLoughlin's guitar acts as the younger snappier opponent to the rhythm's firm stanced Jack Johnson- their solid rhythm provides the whole core of the track as McLoughlin & drummer Jack De Johnette trade snaps & blows...the guitar executing more flurry. ..

Then Davis chimes in over this & in minimalistic interjection reminds you this is his baby! He is judges, referee & corner man

Johnny Brattan takes- now Davies is wooing his audience again, reminding them that yes, at it's core they have a jazz album in their hands & there is some sexy interplay but still they've unwittingly signed up for more

Dave Holland leads the romance here & woos McLoughlin into playing along with the rhythm- but like any good freelancer he vibes off the bass & counterpoints

Davis' trumpet is more prevalent as he leads the frays & acts as the icing on top of the middle jam that Shamrock injects with McLoughlin's cream.

The 2nd takes use of distortion is particularly noteworthy for it's blending of what should be clashing sounds- kinda like a Hester Blumenthal recipe

Disc 1's last track is Archie Moore & it screams open with a Blues Lament where McLoughlin leads with a declaration of woe, backed again by Holland's powerful rhythm

DeJohnette beats out a minimalist snare heavy blues beat, knowing that he's not shining here, it's McLoughlin through & through as In 4 minutes he crafts what took Clapton 40 years!

 I'm on disc 2 - the baffling wonderfulness of Go Ahead John is unreal!!

The power behind Davis' trumpet is mystifying & pierces through to you as it's backed by Holland's bass (I can't spout enough gushing sentiments about this rhythm section)

Countering, competing & call-responsing with Davis trumpet is McLoughlin's guitar. Weaving a battle narrative of jazz ecstasy that leaves you craving for the spectacular pay-off but at the same time hoping it never ends

OK, Go ahead John alternate take 2, wherein John reminds us that he is intimately acquainted with the blues!

Even Holland's bass steps back here, all the leg work is McLoughlin as the rhythm section just keeps the beat marching!

But McLoughlin is clever, & almost devoid of ego on this track so he circles, comes back to the rhythm to feed off their groove then flies off with it.

Davis grabs the trademark wails of the blues & lets it out in defined low register notes, giving fuel to McLoughlin's power & intermittently takes point on this track's long march

 & we're onto Duran -instantly the mood changes!

Holland unchains the funky bass beast & plucks out the kinda booty shakin' rhythm that gets your foot thumping, this is his turn on point & all else grooves around him accompanied by Shamrock on an echoplex effect & 70's rhythm guitar.

Davies climbs the rock face of sound to deliver punches & well timed brass while McLoughlin shows he can stay behind the scenes & sculpt the scenery with under stated arpeggio.

This track is a boxing match with breaks & tempo changes, falling & rising at Holland's queue.

At the end of take 4, Davis remarks 'that's some raunchy shit y'all' & you can't help but agree

The last track on Disc 2 is 'Sugar Ray' and it's the afterglow to 'Duran'

De Johnette and Holland lead the fray by bringing the funk while Davis and McLoughlin exchange syncopated rhythms, picking you up and carrying over the ecstasy and delight of Duran.

You are now lying in a sweat of 'Sugar Ray' feeling that amazing feeling post coitus as you roll over, look at the beautiful woman whose company you just enjoyed and smile, laugh-feel delight!

Think of the after sex scene in 500 days of Summer where JGL's character walks to work dancing to Hall and Oates' 'You make my dreams come true' and you've got the feeling of Sugar Ray!

I would listen to all of disc 2 lying down, because by the end you'll be swept off your feet!