Miles Davis wasn’t afraid to change his music. After his return to performing in the mid-80s with a revamped group, he resumed recording. One of his most successful albums of the period was Tutu which marked a significant shift in Davis' musical style, incorporating elements of electronic music, funk, and hip hop. It was a reinvention for Davis, who had already influenced multiple genres throughout his career. This album showcased his ability to remain relevant and innovative even in his later years.
The album was a collaborative effort with bassist and producer Marcus Miller, who composed most of the tracks and played multiple instruments. Miller's influence brought a fresh sound to Davis' music, blending traditional jazz with contemporary styles.
The album received critical acclaim and won a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Soloist. It also achieved commercial success, introducing Davis to a new generation of listeners.
Tutu is often cited as one of Davis' best works from his later period and is considered a landmark in jazz fusion. It influenced many artists and demonstrated the potential for jazz to evolve by incorporating modern production techniques and electronic instruments.
Jason Miles began programming synthesizers for Miles starting with Tutu. Here, he discusses recording technology, and working with bassist producer Marcus Miller and Miles.
Miles Davis played this composition on Night Music in 1989. Host Dave Sanborn joins the group, which includes Kenny Garrett on alto and Marcus Miller on bass.
.Here’s Miles playing Hannibal, at the 1990 Viene Jazz Festival
A year later, with the same personnel at Montreux.
Marcus Miller played Hannibal with his own group in 2009 at his Tutu Revisited concert feating Christian Scott, at Auditorium Maurice Ravel - Lyon, with Marcus Miller on bass, Christian Scott on trumpet, Alex Han alto saxphone, Frederico Gonzales Pena on keyboards and Ronald Bruner, Jr. on drums.
This video was produced and directed by Patrick Savey of Zycopolis, who has produced some of the best jazz performance videos I have ever seen. He did the Montreux video in ‘91 and eighteen years later, he really had his video chops together. The music and video are in perfect harmony here.
Don Alias on "Tutu"... wonderful!
Ronald Bruner Jr. on drums.