35. Miles Davis, ‘The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel 1965’

Miles Davis, ‘The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel 1965’ – A Masterpiece of Jazz Innovation on Live From The Vault

At Live Jam, we're all about delivering the live experience. Every track you hear on our station is the live version, bringing you closer to the energy, raw emotion, and spontaneity that you can only get from a live performance. It’s a world of music where the magic happens in real-time, where artists and audiences come together to create something unforgettable.

One of the greatest ways to experience music in its truest form is through live albums, and there’s no better place to explore them than Live From The Vault. Each Saturday night, we dive deep into the Top 50 Live Albums of All Time, a collection curated by the writers at Variety Magazine, and Miles Davis's ‘The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel 1965’ comes in at Number 35 on this prestigious list.

If you’ve ever wondered how a live performance can become an iconic recording, this show is the perfect example. ‘The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel’ is an album that captures one of the most transformative moments in jazz history, and it’s a must-listen for any music lover. Let’s break down why this live album stands out as a masterpiece.

The Legendary Plugged Nickel

The Plugged Nickel was a jazz club in Chicago that became famous for hosting some of the most influential musicians in the genre. In 1965, the club was the backdrop for Miles Davis’s groundbreaking quintet as they explored new musical territories. The album itself compiles two nights of live performances, giving us a rare and unfiltered glimpse into the innovative musical ideas that Davis and his band were exploring at the time.

This live set, recorded over a two-night engagement in December 1965, is one of the most important in jazz history. It's a collection of nearly 8 hours of live recordings, but the impact of this album goes beyond the sheer volume of the music. It’s the way Miles Davis’s band pushes the boundaries of jazz, taking the audience on a journey that fuses modal jazz with avant-garde improvisation.

The band that played at the Plugged Nickel was one of the most iconic lineups in jazz history, featuring Wayne Shorter on tenor saxophone, Herbie Hancock on piano, Ron Carter on bass, and Tony Williams on drums. Each of these musicians was at the top of their game, and together, they created an album that still resonates with jazz enthusiasts today.

The Sound of Innovation

At its core, ‘The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel’ is a snapshot of a time when jazz was evolving at an astonishing rate. Miles Davis had already changed the face of jazz multiple times throughout his career, but in 1965, he was in the midst of transitioning into a whole new direction. With this quintet, Davis moved away from his previous work in the Hard Bop and Cool Jazz styles, exploring more experimental sounds that would influence the future of jazz for decades to come.

The live performances at the Plugged Nickel were less about playing a traditional set and more about a free-flowing, exploratory experience. Davis and his band were pushing the limits of their instruments, constantly deconstructing and reassembling their sound in real-time. In many ways, the performances were as much about the space between the notes as the notes themselves, creating a unique kind of tension and release.

Tracks like “Freedom Jazz Dance” and "I Fall in Love Too Easily" showcase the quintet's ability to blend tight rhythmic patterns with improvisation, while still maintaining a sense of cohesion. The music often goes from slow, atmospheric melodies to rapid-fire, frenetic bursts of energy. It’s a perfect example of the complex, ever-evolving sound that Davis was pioneering during this period.

The Influence of ‘The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel’

The importance of ‘The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel 1965’ cannot be overstated. This album represents a moment in time when jazz was shifting from the traditional forms of the genre to something far more experimental and avant-garde. The quintet’s performance at the Plugged Nickel became a blueprint for future jazz ensembles, especially in the way it combined intricate compositions with free improvisation.

For jazz fans, this is a pivotal moment in Miles Davis’ career. It was during this time that he was moving towards what would become the Second Great Quintet, a group that would go on to redefine jazz in the years to come. This performance helped set the stage for albums like ‘E.S.P.’ and ‘Miles Smiles’, which would become staples of Davis’ late-period sound.

This live album is also a great entry point for those who are new to Miles Davis or those who have only experienced his earlier work. While albums like ‘Kind of Blue’ or ‘Sketches of Spain’ are often seen as his most accessible, ‘The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel’ is a deep dive into the experimental side of his artistry—a side that would have an outsized influence on future generations of musicians.

Tune in to Live From The Vault

Live From The Vault is your Saturday night soundtrack for the best live music experiences, and we’re excited to feature Miles Davis’ unforgettable performances this week on our countdown of the Top 50 Live Albums of All Time, as celebrated by Variety Magazine.

Every Saturday at 9 PM EST, we bring you a carefully curated list of the most legendary live albums ever made. From the raw, unfiltered energy of The Who to the soul-stirring performances of Beyoncé, the countdown celebrates the magic of live music in all its forms. The albums we showcase are timeless testaments to the artistry of musicians who know how to captivate a live audience and make music come alive in ways that studio recordings just can’t match.

Miles Davis’ ‘The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel 1965’ is just one example of the kind of groundbreaking artistry we explore each week. If you're a jazz fan, or just someone who loves the spontaneous nature of live performances, this is a show you won’t want to miss.

So, tune in this Saturday night at 9 PM EST to hear Miles Davis's historic performance at the Plugged Nickel, and get ready to journey through time with some of the most iconic live albums ever captured.

Don’t Miss It!

Live From The Vault continues every Saturday at 9 PM EST, delivering the best in live performances from across genres. From jazz to rock, soul to country, we’ve got the live albums that stand the test of time and capture the essence of music in its purest form.

So grab your headphones, tune in, and let the live magic of Miles Davis’ ‘The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel 1965’ and other legendary live performances transport you. Live From The Vault is your gateway to the unforgettable sound of live music, straight from the vaults of musical history.

For more details on the show, visit Live From The Vault Radio Show.