Personnel: Miles Davis (trumpet); Wayne Shorter (soprano & tenor saxophones); Joe Zawinul (electric piano, organ); Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea (electric piano); John McLaughlin (guitar); Dave Holland (bass); Tony Williams (drums, tambourine); Joe Chambers (drums); Teo Macero (tambourine)

Reissue producers: Michael Cuscuna, Bob Belden.

Recorded on September 24 and November 11, 12, 25 & 27, 1968, and February 18 & 20, 1969. Includes liner notes by Michael Cuscuna & Bob Belden.

Personnel include: Miles Davis (trumpet); John McLaughlin (guitar); Wayne Shorter (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock (electric piano); Joe Zawinul (organ); Dave Holland (bass instrument); Jack DeJohnette (drums, tambourine); Joe Chambers, Tony Williams (drums); Teo Macero (tambourine).

Liner Note Authors: Michael Cuscuna; Bob Belden.

Recording information: Columbia Studios, New York, New York (1968 - 1969).

Though BITCHES BREW has attained iconic status as one of the most important, progressive statements in post-bop jazz history, it's predecessor IN A SILENT WAY--though less widely acknowledged--was perhaps even more revolutionary for its dissolution of the songform-oriented cool jazz approach and introduction of electric instruments. This three-disc set, featuring all the material laid down in those vaunted 1969 sessions, is a revelatory sonic document that further illuminates the maverick genius of Miles Davis. In addition to the original SILENT WAY tracks as we know them, there are previously unheard compositions and alternate versions that shed new light on Miles's process. "The Ghetto Walk," for example, which was never released before in any form is a slow-burner that features some of new arrival John McLaughlin's most expansive, questing guitar work (partially due to Miles's penchant for springing new, unrehearsed material on his musicians). The shifting, kaleidoscopic keyboard work of Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and Joe Zawinul (what a trio!), gives another undiscovered gem "Early Minor" a haunting, ethereal feel. Additionally, the full, unedited versions of tunes included on the original album give an idea of producer Teo Macero's groundbreaking cut-and-paste editing process. For anyone interested in the evolution of modern jazz, THE COMPLETE IN A SILENT WAY SESSIONS is an essential item.

Spin (12/01, p.154) - 7 out of 10 - "...Quite good....This holds up fine 32 years after its release..."

Q (12/01, p.154) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Fascinating..."

Uncut (12/01, p.112) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...We hear the IN A SILENT WAY material both finished and in its raw state....A must for hardcore Miles students..."

Down Beat (11/01, p.70) - 4.5 stars out of 5 - "...Compelling....suffused with the same elegance and power that marked everything the mid-'60s Quintet produced..."

JazzTimes (10/01, pp.92-3) - "...Traces the band's steady journey into more atmospheric sounds..."