Vinyl Vault — Miles Davis, “Star People”

On the next Vinyl Vault, we’ll hear some tracks from the Miles Davis album “Star People.” The album was released in 1983 on Columbia Records. It was Davis’s second studio album and third album overall after his six-year hiatus from 1975 to 1981.

The album marked the return of two of Davis’s longtime collaborators, producer Teo Macero and arranger Gil Evans. The music, however, is vastly removed from some of their earlier work such as “Sketches of Spain.” “Star People” was much more in keeping with Davis’s post “Bitches Brew” work. This one fused jazz, rock, funk and a healthy dose of the blues.

The guitar was a central feature on “Star People” and Davis had two guitarists on hand, John Scofield and Mike Stern. Marcus Miller and Tom Bailey took turns playing bass. Al Foster held down the drum chair with Mino Cinelu on percussion. Bill Evans (not the pianist) rounded out the group on tenor and soprano saxophone.

“Star People” has been a bit of an overlooked album in the Miles Davis catalog, but it’s filled with great performances by a number of top-notch players. Check it out on the next Vinyl Vault with Geoff Anderson, Tuesday, November 14 at 8:30 pm on KUVO JAZZ…the Oasis in the City.

Stay connected to KUVO’s programs and our community! Sign up for the Oasis E-News today!