Miles Davis – Live-Evil 2LP

Miles Davis – Live-Evil 2LP

Classic 1971 Album • Double Vinyl • 2LP • Jazz Fusion • Electric Jazz • Columbia Records

Available at Bennies Fifties and the online Fifties Store

Live-Evil is one of the most adventurous and influential albums by legendary American jazz trumpeter Miles Davis. Originally released on November 17, 1971, through Columbia Records, this double album stands among the defining recordings of his groundbreaking electric period.

On Live-Evil, Miles Davis pushes the boundaries between jazz, funk, rock, psychedelic music and experimental improvisation. Combining powerful live performances with carefully constructed studio recordings, the album captures an artist constantly searching for new musical possibilities.

Much of the music was recorded during performances at the famous Cellar Door club in Washington D.C. in December 1970. These sessions featured an extraordinary group of musicians, including Keith Jarrett, John McLaughlin, Michael Henderson, Gary Bartz and Jack DeJohnette.

The resulting sound is intense, unpredictable and deeply rhythmic. Electric keyboards, driving bass grooves, expressive saxophones and Miles Davis's unmistakable trumpet playing create a hypnotic musical experience that helped redefine modern jazz.

Opening track Sivad introduces the album with an extended performance combining spontaneous improvisation and powerful funk rhythms.

What I Say is another outstanding highlight. Built around a relentless bass groove and energetic drumming, the composition develops into an exhilarating musical conversation between the members of Davis's electric ensemble.

Funky Tonk and Inamorata demonstrate the band's extraordinary freedom, moving between rhythmic intensity, unexpected musical changes and extended instrumental exploration.

In contrast, the studio pieces Little Church, Nem Um Talvez and Selim reveal a more reflective and atmospheric side of the album, highlighting the melodic and experimental qualities of Davis's music.

The recordings were assembled and edited by producer Teo Macero, whose innovative production techniques played a crucial role in shaping Miles Davis's electric-era albums.

The album is also celebrated for its striking cover artwork by Mati Klarwein, the artist responsible for the equally iconic sleeve of Bitches Brew. His surreal imagery perfectly complements the adventurous and psychedelic character of the music.

More than five decades after its original release, Live-Evil remains an essential recording for fans of jazz fusion, jazz funk, psychedelic rock and experimental music.

This double-LP captures Miles Davis at one of the most creative and revolutionary moments of his remarkable career.

Tracklist

LP 1 – Side A

Sivad

Little Church

Medley: Gemini / Double Image

LP 1 – Side B

What I Say

Nem Um Talvez

LP 2 – Side C

Selim

Funky Tonk

LP 2 – Side D

Inamorata And Narration By Conrad Roberts

Specifications

Artist: Miles Davis

Title: Live-Evil

Format: 2LP

Number of records: 2

Number of main tracks: 8, including a medley

Original album year: 1971

Original release date: November 17, 1971

Original label: Columbia Records

Genre: Jazz Fusion / Electric Jazz / Jazz Funk / Experimental Jazz

Recordings: Live and studio sessions from 1970

Live recording location: Cellar Door, Washington D.C.

Producer: Teo Macero

Cover artwork: Mati Klarwein

Special features: Double album featuring extended improvisations and experimental studio compositions

Highlights

One of Miles Davis's most groundbreaking albums

Originally released in 1971

Double LP from his legendary electric period

Featuring the extended compositions Sivad and What I Say

Includes Funky Tonk and Inamorata

Recordings from the famous Cellar Door club

Featuring John McLaughlin, Keith Jarrett and Jack DeJohnette

Produced by Teo Macero

Iconic cover artwork by Mati Klarwein

An influential classic of jazz fusion and experimental jazz