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Water Babies
Jazz · 1976 · 6 tracks · 1h 3m

Water Babies

A crucial compilation of Miles Davis's 1967-68 outtakes, 'Water Babies' offers a rare glimpse into the pivotal transition from his acoustic Second Great Quintet's post-bop mastery to the nascent sound

November 2, 1976 · DNH Records (2)

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'Water Babies' feels like uncovering a lost chapter in jazz history, a collection of studio sessions that hum with the electricity of change. It's a bridge between two worlds: the intricate, cerebral post-bop of Miles Davis's legendary acoustic quintet and the shimmering, electric textures that would define his groundbreaking fusion era. You'll hear the familiar brilliance of Davis's trumpet, Shorter's lyrical saxophone, and Williams's restless drums, but also the exciting emergence of electric piano from Hancock and Corea, hinting at the future. This album isn't just music; it's a sonic blueprint, a testament to an artist constantly evolving. Own it to experience the raw, unpolished genius of a master at a pivotal crossroads, a record that reveals the daring spirit that kept Miles Davis at the forefront of jazz.

Tracklist · 6 Tracks · 1h 3m
01
Water Babies
5:08
02
Capricorn
8:29
03
Sweet Pea
8:01
04
Two Faced
18:04
05
Dual Mr. Anthony Tillmon Williams Process
13:23
06
Splash
10:05
Moments Worth Listening For
The distinct contrast between the crisp, acoustic post-bop arrangements of the 1967 Nefertiti outtakes on Side 1 and the more expansive, electric-tinged pieces from 1968 on Side 2.
The dynamic interplay between Miles Davis's trumpet and Wayne Shorter's saxophone, particularly during the more intricate melodic passages of the earlier tracks.
The introduction of electric piano by Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea on the 1968 recordings, marking a pivotal sonic shift and adding new harmonic textures.
Tony Williams's consistently innovative and propulsive drumming, which anchors the quintet's adventurous explorations while pushing rhythmic boundaries.
Reviews
The Village VoiceB+
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AllMusic3.5/ 5 stars
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Tom Hull – on the WebB+
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The Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide3/ 5 stars
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Down Beat4/ 5 stars
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