Nefertiti

Miles Davis’ second great quintet are at the height of their compositional powers on their fourth studio album, bringing a new level of sophistication to the playing throughout. Everything was clicking melodically, rhythmically, and harmonically. The material came individually from saxophonist Wayne Shorter, pianist Herbie Hancock, and drummer Tony Williams, but with each band member and the leader reshaping their parts as they saw fit. Of course, both Hancock and Shorter in particular were writing a steady stream of classics during this era, but the brilliant group performance of the title track is a master class led by Tony Williams as he and the band riff off the melody, ostinato style. This band typically took the first finished take. Yet Williams’ “Hand Jive” took three tries—all three are included here, with the brilliant second take being too hot for initial release. Shorter’s “Sweet Pea” is another gem, and Hancock’s “Riot” illustrates the explosive power this band was capable of. Changes were ahead for the quickly evolving quintet—this 1968 effort would turn out to be Davis’ last acoustic-only album.

Nefertiti, the fourth album by Miles Davis' second classic quintet, continues the forward motion of Sorcerer, as the group settles into a low-key, exploratory groove, offering music with recognizable themes -- but themes that were deliberately dissonant, slightly unsettling even as they burrowed their way into the consciousness.