darkprinceofjazz
Words can not adequately describe how utterly wonderful this music is, Already having the Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel box set released in 1995, Unlike those recordings, These recordings from Miles's second great quintet, feature many tunes made famous by that band, not relying on standards to rework, "Footprints","Riot" "Gingerbread Boy" and "Masqualero" get the extended telepathic treatment. The best way to describe this music is, Elastic! Hancock, Shorter, Carter, Williams and Davis Weave there magic On these extremely well recorded performances. Also unlike the Plugged Nickel music, Miles is in top form technique wise, His playing is self assured, lyrical and Blistering in spots. I have always thought miles sounded a little off center, tone and dexterity wise on the Plugged nickel performances. Only a minor quibble though, he was suffering from many different health issues at the time. You must own this set if you want to know why modern acoustic jazz today sounds the way it does. I downloaded this from iTunes with the digital booklet, 256 Bit Rate, and was rather pleased with the sound and the digital booklet, I had read many reviews, about the less than stellar packaging, I also already had the DVD that accompanies this set that came in the huge Complete Columbia Box. If you don't have the DVD, get the box set, Believe me, It is worth it. In the liner notes, it is mentioned, this is the first of more "bootleg boxes to come, hence the Vol.1, I can not wait.