Tune of the Week: Miles in Transition

Much is made of the major phases of Miles Davis’ career: his two classic quintets, his modal compositions, his electrified sound. For me, some of the most enjoyable music was the stuff that happened in transition. “Fillles de Kilimanjaro” was a 1968 recording that saw Miles transitioning out of his second classic quintet and into a a more dark and brooding sound that would take him to some extreme places later. While electrified bass and keys hint at the sounds to come, the playing is laid back and subdued. Truly, the calm before the storm. Happy 100th, oh Prince of Darkness!