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THE REVIEW
1986: "Tutu".
A record as controversial as it is original, "Tutu" represents the commercial comeback of the Miles Gloriosus who has given so much to the world of jazz since post-war times. The criticism is ambiguous: there are those who, considering Davis's experimental vein, praise the record, regarding it as the "modern reinterpretation of Sketches of Spain (1960)"; while others criticize it as a poorly executed "fusion" episode. The fact remains that, despite divided opinions, many discographies consider it an "essential" record within Davis's extensive catalog, if only to understand the final phase of his career.
The underlying idea of the album is original: revisiting jazz performance with a strongly electronic approach, creating a contrast between the solo voices of the horns and the layering of synths and electronic drums (also embellished with electric bass and violin). All tracks are composed by Marcus Miller, a multi-instrumentalist; Davis contributes by "signing" the record with great class. The result is a decidedly unusual album, by no means "purist," as loved as it is hated: the tracks are well-written and interesting from a harmonic point of view; the use of electronic instrumentation is refined and lends a very "black" allure.
"Tutu" remains very ambiguous: on one hand, it seems to be an attempt to relaunch Davis with modern and more aggressive sounds; on the other, it is an original and intelligent project, realized with great style, endowed with its own particular charm. It seems to embody the same philosophy of Miles, namely that the real core of a jazz record is the musician himself and the mood of his performance.
In conclusion, the album can be regarded as an "alternative" episode that, in a good collection, stands alongside chapters from other periods of Davis's discography.
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Summary by Bot
Miles Davis' 1986 album Tutu represents a daring fusion of jazz and electronic music, provoking divided opinions. Composed by Marcus Miller, the album revisits jazz with modern sounds that are both innovative and stylish. Despite criticism, it's regarded as an essential record illustrating Davis' final artistic phase. Tutu is a unique and intelligent project that balances tradition with experimentation.Tracklist Videos
Miles Davis
American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and composer whose career (mid-1940s–1991) spanned bebop, cool jazz, modal jazz and electric fusion; widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in 20th-century music.64 Reviews
Other reviews
By primiballi
Those sounds amazed, left one speechless. And there was much more of a sense of genius than of bluff.
Tutu... is a monument to the '80s, to the crossing of the jazz history threshold, and of music in general.
