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. In a sense, this is mood music, since, like on much of Sorcerer, the individual parts mesh in unpredictable ways, creating evocative, floating soundscapes. This music anticipates the free-fall, impressionistic work of In a Silent Way, yet it remains rooted in hard bop, particularly when the tempo is a bit sprightly, as on "Hand Jive." Yet even when the instrumentalists and soloists are placed in the foreground -- such as Miles' extended opening solo on "Madness" or Hancock's long solo toward the end of the piece -- this never feels like showcases for virtuosity, the way some showboating hard bop can, though each player shines. What's impressive, like on all of this quintet's sessions, is the interplay, how the musicians follow an unpredictable path as a unit, turning in music that is always searching, always provocative, and never boring. Perhaps Nefertiti's charms are a little more subtle than those of its predecessors, but that makes it intriguing. Besides, this album so clearly points the way to fusion, while remaining acoustic, that it may force listeners on either side of the fence into another direction. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
Bob Belden (Liner Notes), Bob Belden (Reissue Producer), Ron Carter (Bass), Miles Davis (Trumpet), Miles Davis (Main Performer), Herbie Hancock (Piano), Herbie Hancock (Piano (Electric)), Wayne Shorter (Sax (Tenor)), Tony Williams (Drums), Michael Berniker (Digital Producer), Michael Cuscuna (Reissue Producer), Tim Geelan (Digital Remastering), Howard Roberts (Producer), Teo Macero (Producer), Ray Moore (Engineer), Fred Plaut (Engineer), Stan Tonkel (Engineer), Mark Wilder (Remixing), Mark Wilder (Mastering), John Ephland (Liner Notes), Seth Rothstein (Project Director), Randall Martin (Reissue Design), Jan Persson (Photography), Rob Schwarz (Mastering)
Representative Albums: "L.I.F.E.: Living in Fear of Extinction
Biography
Nefertiti's lone solo album, 1993's L.I.F.E. (Living in Fear of Extinction), fared better critically than commercially. Despite production from Guru and DJ Pooh, along with guest spots from King Tee, DJ Premier, and MC Lyte, it failed to gather steam. The rapper's Islamic beliefs were instilled through her parents, who were both employed by Nation of Islam founder Elijah Muhammad. Born in Chicago and transplanted to Los Angeles, Nefertiti was also a political activist, assisting Jim Brown's Amer-I-Can program and lecturing frequently within her community. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
The fourth album by Miles Davis' second classic quintet, Nefertiti is best known for the unusual title track, on which the horn section repeats the melody numerous times without individual solos while the rhythm section improvises underneath, reversing the traditional role of a rhythm section.[2] Also featured are the lilting ballad "Fall", Williams's "Hand Jive", a more boppish composition, and the other pieces showcase the group's unique post-bop approach. Both "Nefertiti" and "Riot" entered the Davis quintet's live set. Featuring mostly acoustic arrangements, the music of Nefertiti, while mostly low-key mood music, is rooted in hard bop.[2] While remaining acoustic, the album signaled Miles Davis' transition from bop and modal to jazz fusion.[2]
As a transition for Davis, the impressionistic chords of the songs hint at the conception of his next albums, Miles in the Sky and the critically acclaimed In a Silent Way, his first two fusion albums.[2] Following Nefertiti's release, Davis would begin to experiment with electric instruments, marking the beginning of his electric period.[5]
Track listing
All songs written by Wayne Shorter, except where noted.[2]
