Highlights From Plugged Nickel
Miles Davis's second great quintet had been together a little over a year when this recording was made in December 1965 in Chicago (it represents a good chunk of the strongest moments drawn from the eight-CDComplete Live at the Plugged Nickel). Everyone in the band was a star, and close listening to any one of them apart from the others is revealing. BassistRon Cartererects the scaffolding, whileHerbie Hancock's piano adds filigree and lace, and drummerTony Williamsthunders and sparks. Miles is sublime, but it isWayne Shorterwho is busy making his place in jazz history here, secure with the unending freshness and volatility of his ideas and the beauty of his sound. The band hangs together miraculously, always balancing their risks with nuance and the subtlest of dynamics. An irresistible record, and essential for hearing one of the great musical organizations at work.--John Szwed