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

Miles Davis, ‘The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel 1965’ (1965)

This Saturday on Live From The Vault Radio Show airing on Live Jam and TuneIn, we delve into the unparalleled genius of Miles Davis with The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel 1965. Recorded over two nights at Chicago’s Plugged Nickel club in December 1965, this landmark set captures one of jazz’s most innovative periods. Known for constantly pushing the boundaries of jazz, Davis is at the peak of his creative powers here, exploring new musical landscapes and leading a groundbreaking quintet.

The performances showcase Davis's brilliant improvisational skills and the chemistry between the members of his second great quintet, which included saxophonist Wayne Shorter, pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Tony Williams. What makes this recording special is its rawness and unpredictability—each track is a thrilling journey, full of daring exchanges and mind-bending twists.

The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel 1965 includes some of Davis’s most iconic compositions from this period, including extended takes of “Freedom Jazz Dance” and “Agitation,” songs that reveal the avant-garde influences creeping into his work. Davis was in the midst of transitioning from his earlier modal jazz to the more electric and experimental fusion sounds that would later define his career, and the improvisational freedom on display here is a precursor to the genre-defying music he would continue to create.

What makes this collection even more exceptional is its historical importance. It captures a moment in jazz history when the genre was evolving rapidly, and Davis was leading the charge. The recordings from the Plugged Nickel, with their intensity and daring performances, remain a touchstone for jazz musicians and listeners alike, a powerful example of how live jazz can transcend conventional boundaries.

Tune in this Saturday to Live From The Vault and experience The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel 1965. This album stands as a testament to Miles Davis’s mastery and his ability to reinvent jazz, cementing his place as one of the genre’s most important figures.