Miles & Quincy Live at Montreux cover

Miles & Quincy Live at Montreux

Quincy Jones · 1993

56 min · 16 tracks · funk

A vibrant fusion of jazz and orchestral arrangements, showcasing the improvisational genius of two legendary musicians in a live setting.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Boplicity Start here — This track showcases the intricate interplay between the band members, highlighting both Davis' signature trumpet style and Jones’ lush orchestration.
  • →
    Summertime — A classic reimagined, this rendition features haunting melodies that bridge traditional jazz with innovative arrangements, emphasizing the emotional depth of the performance.
  • →
    Blues for Pablo — The extended exploration here allows Davis to delve into complex improvisation, supported by Jones’ rich orchestral backing, creating a captivating atmosphere.
  • →
    Solea — With its lengthy and meditative structure, this piece highlights Davis' ability to convey profound emotion through minimalist phrasing, complemented by Jones’ expansive arrangements.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

73 /100
Alpine
Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album captures a unique live collaboration with strong improvisation and orchestration, highlighting both artists' strengths.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended improvisational sections, with Miles Davis's trumpet weaving in and out of orchestral arrangements led by Quincy Jones.
  • Several tracks include introductions that set the context for the pieces, creating a narrative flow throughout the performance.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic live performance energy
  • vibrant orchestral improvisations
  • intimate concert atmosphere
  • wave-like pacing throughout
  • captivating medley transitions

Maybe skip if you

  • preference for studio recordings
  • dislike for extended pieces

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Showcases a significant collaboration and artistic achievement in Quincy's career.
Themes
Montreux jazz festival· live improvisation· orchestral funk fusion
Career context
By 1993, Quincy Jones was at the pinnacle of his career, celebrated for his extensive contributions to music production and arrangement. This album captures a unique collaboration with Miles Davis, coming nearly a decade after their previous studio work together. The live recording serves as a testament to Jones' versatility and enduring influence in the jazz genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Herbie Hancock· Stevie Wonder· George Benson
New to Quincy Jones? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 Introduction by Claude Nobs and Quincy Jones 1:22
  • 2 Boplicity Start here 3:40
  • 3 Introduction to Miles Ahead Medley 0:08
  • 4 Springsville 3:33
  • 5 Maids of Cadiz 3:37
  • 6 The Duke 4:00
  • 7 My Ship 4:10
  • 8 Miles Ahead 3:38
  • 9 Blues for Pablo 6:05
  • 10 Introduction to Porgy and Bess Medley 0:27
  • 11 Orgone 4:08
  • 12 Gone, Gone, Gone 1:47
  • 13 Summertime 2:54
  • 14 Here Come de Honey Man 3:40
  • 15 The Pan Piper 1:40
  • 16 Solea 11:44

What to play next

50 Years In Music - Live At Montreux 1996
Listen next

50 Years In Music - Live At Montreux 1996

Continues the live performance energy with a rich orchestral jazz experience.
Back on the Block
Go back to

Back on the Block

1989

Sets the stage for the vibrant collaborations in 'Miles & Quincy'.
Full Quincy Jones discography Where to start with Quincy Jones Artists like Quincy Jones
funk jazz

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata