Cosmopolitan
Self-Released, 2025
8/10
The inimitable artist Jason Miles fleshed out these tracks way back in 1979 and just happened to stumble across the DAT tape and realized the sessions held up very well.
The title track opens with Marcus Miller’s playful bass and Gerry Niewood’s well timed sax that align with some buzzing keys from Miles, and “Powder” follows with Niewood’s dreamy flute amid the soft ambience.
The bright spirit of “Gale Warnings” lands in the middle and makes great use of Michael Brecker’s sax acrobatics and Jeff Williams’ furious drumming, while “The Man Who Pushes The Buttons” is a speedy and dynamic album highlight that benefits from Ricardo Silveira’s animated guitar and Henry Castelanos’ strategic congas.
The final tune, “Poetry”, is a bit more intimate, where Miles’ heartfelt keys build into a busy and meticulous exit of lively and cultured jazz-rock.
It’s amazing to think this was recorded in 1979, cause it sure does fit in with today’s version of jazz, as Miles and company were clearly ahead of their time via the fusion and global approach.
Travels well with: Jason Miles’ The Lisbon Electric 4Tet- Jason Miles’ The Lisbon Electric 4Tet; Teis Semey- En Massei!