Fusion For Miles
A Guitar Tribute
(Tone Center)

Dave Liebman also appears on this umpteenth tribute to Miles Davis, which serves as much as a backgrounder for Flashpoint as it does a feature for the guitarists on each track.

The band – Liebman, Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, Alphonso Johnson on bass, Larry Goldings on organ, Jeff Richman on guitar, and various guest lead guitarists – certainly create their own vibe and groove on these classic Miles tunes. However, none of them match the raw intensity of the originals. The ones that at least capture the imagination more than the others are “Serpent’s Tooth,” “Nefertiti” and “Eighty One,” by virtue of the fact that Miles never himself reimagined them with any of his own electric ensembles. “Splatch” could also get a special mention for the rhythm section’s successful journey away from the tune’s ‘80s heritage.

Bottom line: electric Miles fans will find plenty to enjoy, while electric Miles detractors still won’t be won over. And again, what’s with the cover art?? - Michael Fortes