Search - Various Artists :: 4 Generations of Miles: Live Tribute

Of the four musicians presented here, saxophonist George Coleman is the least represented on record with the great Miles Davis. But he's swinging here like he wants to play catch-up on this straight-ahead set recorded in a studio with an audience. The concept is as sound as the music, but don't expect any fusion-like explosions from guitarist Mike Stern, who joined Miles in the early '80s. The guitarist doesn't sacrifice the essence of his "dirty" sound; it's just that he's much more in the tradition than he ever was during his tenure with Miles. Stern and bassist Ron Carter do reach back into Miles's In a Silent Way prefusion era on a haunting version of "Blue in Green," circling and darting around the slow meter while Coleman rains down a Coltrane-like sheet of sound. Jimmy Cobb, one of the trumpeter's more subtle drummers, continuously makes sure his voice is heard throughout this nine-song set without ever getting in the way, just as he did with Miles in the late '50s and early '60s. This is really Coleman's record though, with Stern delivering some excellent solos, particularly on Carter's "81." This obviously heartfelt tribute finds the quartet completely on their game, and with Coleman's tasteful, underrated saxophone style leading the way. --Mark Ruffin