Description
Miles Davis – Star People – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me, Please
First ever 2LP release of Miles’ blistering 1983 album
(AAA) lacquers cut from tapes by ryan Smith, Sterling Sound; Plated at Welcome to 1979
Pressed on 180g black audiophile vinyl at RTI
Listening notes booklet by Harmony Holiday
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Miles Davis’ Star People (1983) is a key album from Davis’ early 1980s comeback period, during which he re-emerged after a five-year hiatus from music. Building on the fusion style he pioneered in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Star People combines jazz, funk, blues, and rock influences, reflecting Davis’ restless creativity and his desire to push the boundaries of jazz.
The album is notable for its mix of improvisational energy and tight grooves, and it features a strong ensemble of musicians, including guitarist Mike Stern, bassist Marcus Miller, and Davis’ longtime collaborator, John Scofield on guitar. Star People continues the electric jazz-fusion style of earlier works like Bitches Brew and On the Corner but with a more bluesy, groove-based edge.
Star People reflects the jazz fusion style that Davis had been developing since the late 1960s, but with a strong emphasis on blues and funk. Unlike the more experimental, free-form structure of albums like Bitches Brew, Star People is more groove-oriented, with extended jams and solos over steady, driving rhythms.
The album incorporates electric instrumentation—particularly guitars, bass, and synthesizers—giving it a contemporary, modern sound for the time. It is both a continuation of Davis’ electric period and a refinement of his earlier fusion experiments, focusing on texture, groove, and mood. Miles Davis himself plays both trumpet and organ, adding to the layered and atmospheric sound of the album.
Key Tracks
‘Come Get It’: The opening track is an upbeat, funky piece with a bluesy structure, driven by Marcus Miller’s basslines and Mike Stern’s guitar work. Davis’ trumpet is bold and sharp, cutting through the groove with short, staccato phrases. The band stretches out on this track, allowing plenty of room for improvisation and interplay.
‘It Gets Better’: One of the more introspective tracks, this piece is more relaxed, with a slower tempo and a reflective, almost melancholy mood. Davis’ trumpet lines are sparse and spacious, creating a moody atmosphere. The interplay between guitar and trumpet is a highlight, with the guitars (Stern and Scofield) adding texture and color.
‘Speak’: This track features a rock-influenced groove, with a strong backbeat and driving bassline. It showcases the fusion of jazz with rock and funk elements that defines much of Star People. Davis’ trumpet playing is more aggressive here, pushing the energy of the track forward.
‘Star People’: The title track is one of the more experimental and expansive pieces on the album. Clocking in at over 18 minutes, it’s a slow-burning track that starts with a laid-back groove but gradually builds in intensity. Davis and the band explore a range of dynamics and textures, making this track one of the most complex and immersive on the album.
‘U ‘n’ I’: A more straightforward funk track, this piece has a lively, rhythmic energy. It features a strong bassline and tight drumming, allowing Davis to explore different melodic ideas over the groove. There’s a loose, jam-like quality to the performance, with plenty of space for improvisation.
‘Star on Cicely’: A standout closer, this track is a beautiful, slow ballad dedicated to Cicely Tyson, Davis’ wife at the time. The melody is delicate and emotional, with Davis playing softly and lyrically over a sparse arrangement. It’s a quiet, reflective end to an otherwise energetic album, showcasing the depth of Davis’ emotional expression.
Miles Davis (trumpet and organ): Davis is in top form on Star People, playing both trumpet and organ. His trumpet lines are often sharp and minimalist, favoring short bursts of sound and rhythmic phrasing. Davis’ organ playing is more atmospheric, used to add texture to the arrangements.
Mike Stern (guitar): Stern’s rock-infused guitar playing is a central element of the album. His solos are often fiery and aggressive, bringing a raw energy to tracks like ‘Come Get It’ and ‘Speak.’ Stern’s style bridges the gap between jazz and rock, adding to the fusion sound of the album.
John Scofield (guitar): Scofield complements Stern with a more bluesy, laid-back style, contributing to the rich guitar textures throughout the album. Scofield’s playing is particularly prominent on tracks like ‘It Gets Better,’ where his subtle, melodic lines contrast with Stern’s edgier approach.
Marcus Miller (bass): Miller’s funky, groove-based basslines provide the backbone for many of the tracks. His playing is tight and rhythmic, anchoring the improvisational explorations of the rest of the band. Miller’s contribution is crucial to the album’s overall sound, giving it a solid foundation.
Al Foster (drums): Foster’s drumming is versatile and dynamic, shifting between driving rock grooves and more subtle jazz rhythms. He plays with a lot of energy, particularly on the faster tracks, while maintaining a steady, groove-oriented approach.
Mino Cinélu (percussion): Cinélu adds percussion textures throughout the album, giving the music an extra layer of rhythmic complexity and adding to the fusion of jazz, funk, and world music influences.
The production of Star People emphasizes a live, organic feel, with a focus on extended improvisation and interaction between the musicians. The album has a raw, unpolished sound, which gives it a sense of spontaneity and excitement. There is a clear focus on the groove and the energy of the performances, rather than intricate studio effects or overdubs. The recording quality is crisp, with each instrument clearly defined in the mix. Davis’ trumpet is often front and center, while the guitars and rhythm section provide a rich, textured backdrop.
Star People is a blend of exploration and groove, balancing moments of introspective, almost meditative playing with bursts of energy and aggression. The album’s title and tracks like ‘Star People’ suggest a cosmic or spiritual theme, reflective of Davis’ interest in metaphysical concepts and his continuing exploration of new sonic landscapes.
There is a heavy emphasis on the interaction between band members, with each musician given plenty of space to shine. The long, extended tracks allow for deep improvisational interplay, particularly between Davis and the guitarists, Stern and Scofield.
Star People received mixed reviews upon release, with some critics praising Davis’ continued innovation while others felt it didn’t reach the heights of his earlier fusion work. However, the album has since been reappraised as an important part of Davis’ 1980s comeback and a key document of his evolving sound during this period.
The inclusion of Mike Stern and John Scofield, two of the most prominent guitarists in modern jazz, has made the album influential in the world of jazz fusion. Their interplay with Davis set the stage for further guitar-based exploration in jazz during the 1980s and beyond. The album stands as a transitional work for Davis, bridging the gap between his groundbreaking work in the 1970s and his later 1980s explorations into more pop and funk-oriented territory.
Star People is a fascinating entry in Miles Davis’ catalog, marking his return to form in the 1980s and continuing his evolution as a pioneer of jazz fusion. The album’s mix of blues, funk, and rock elements, combined with its extended improvisations, captures the restless creativity of Davis and his band. While not as widely celebrated as some of his earlier masterpieces, Star People remains an important and compelling part of his post-hiatus discography, showcasing Davis’ ability to push boundaries and explore new musical territory.
Track Listing
Come Get It
It Gets Better
Speak
Star People
U ‘n’ I
Star On Cicely
