If anyone asks me what my favorite Miles Davis album is, I will respond Get Up With It. Even though this focused listen (albeit in the car) resulted in a -1, it still falls in the exemplary range. Because what's good is astoundingly good. I'd like to start this discussion with Disc / Record #2 as it's more familiar in terms of Davis' other albums from this period. Essentially you get the deep jazz funk that Davis was offering up live during this era. Especially Dark Magus, Pangaea, and Agharta reflects what these studio versions relay. Wah wah guitar, bursts of trumpet, layered organ, bass, drums, hand percussion, sax, and flute all playing the murkiest of fuzzy funk. It's an hour of trance jamming, though I'm not fond of the short 4 minute 'Red China Blues'.
What's special about Get Up With It is the first disc / record. 'He Loved Him Madly' is quite simply one of the most beautiful and calm chill out pieces ever recorded. I remember the first time I heard it in the mid 90s (from a friend's cassette dub). I was exhausted after playing a 5 game tennis match. I just sat there in the chair mesmerized - and at total peace. In hearing this album recently in traffic I came to the conclusion that all radio stations should make it mandatory to play music such as this during 5 o'clock rush hour. Someone cuts you off? Noooo problem. I've got 'He Loved Him Madly' playing. Nothing's going to bother me. Same goes for subways, or any other hectic place. And that's not even my favorite track. That would be the next one 'Maiysha' which is the most accessible track here ironically enough. Sounding all the world like a 60s easy listening song funneled through Davis' funk filter, it's a potent combination. And the final track on this disc is 'Rated X' which is the exact opposite. Here Davis pulls out his inner Krautrock with his static-y organ and motorik drums. It's noisy, but one could imagine Can or someone similar playing something like this. More funky of course, but the vibes are similar.
Overall, a fantastic work. A bit too long in places and really could have used some trimming on Disc 2. But I'm sure the philosophy was to pack it all in there and let you filter what you wish. Fair enough.
Ownership: CD: 2000 Columbia Legacy. Outstanding reissue including full liner notes from session member David Liebman and a few photos. Looks like I picked this up near the time of release and was the first copy for me to own. I consider this my primary.
LP: 1974 Columbia. 2xLP gatefold. Bought this last year (2021) at a local record store for a good price. Superfluous really, but it's cool to own on vinyl. Probably will stick around for a long time too.
11/17/22 (new entry)
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