Bill Laswell and Miles Davis -

Date: February 1998
Release: Sony #67909
Cover Art: view / download
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Bill Laswell, a controversial maverick in the “remix scene”, stirs into his musical caldron the work of Miles Davis, concocting a new and fresh brew: Panthalassa. Laswell’s remix project judiciously employs state of the art studio technology to expand the radical break from the traditional jazz cannon that Miles spearheaded during his electric years between 1969 and 1974. Laswell interprets music from In A Silent Way, On The Corner, and Get Up With It to shape a dreamlike mosaic of Davis’ trumpet sweeping through Laswell’s ambiant soundscapes.

On this miraculous trip to Planet Miles, all ears are mesmerized by the opening fusion of “In A Silent Way,” “Shhh/Peacefu,” and “It’s About That Time.” Here, Laswell creates an ethereal setting for Davis’ gorgeous trumpet work, which blankets the sensous harmonic changes eminating from John McLaughlin’s guitar and the multi-keyboard accompaniment of Herbie Hancock, Joe Zawinul, and Chick Corea. “Black Satin” kicks off with a funky Indian tabla groove, punctuated by rapid-fire trumpet blasts, vodoo guitar stylings, and bass lines which barrel over an ever evolving funk and R&B core.

On“He Loved Him Madly,” a dirge-like tune dedicated to Duke Ellington (off of Get Up With It), the music unfolds like a haunting meditatition, overflowing with emotive flute and trumpet melodies and throbbing bass tones. What Laswell artfully accomplishes in Panthalassa is a compelling sonic fusion of Miles gems with vibrant contemporary undercurrents. The presence and personality of these two musical innovators makes Panthalassa a needed addition to any respectable Miles collection.

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