Miles Davis - E.S.P.

180-gram numbered, limited edition 45 RPM 2LP

Plated and pressed at RTI!

Landmark 1965 recording splits divide between accessible hard-bop and cutting-edge improvisation

First album recorded by Davis' classic second quintet: E.S.P. teems with brilliant intensity, energy, emotion

A landmark recording and masterful symphony of performance, composition, and execution, Miles Davis' E.S.P. established the template jazz would follow for the following decade. The 1965 record splits the gap between accessible hard-bop and the cutting-edge approach Davis increasingly pursued into the 1970s. Adventurous, sophisticated, and yet altogether cohesive, E.S.P. stands out not only due to its elastic compositions but via its chemistry, interplay, and feeling attained by the instrumentalists. The first album Davis' classic second quintet made together, it's also very arguably the group's best. Never before has the effort been experienced in such transformational sound.

Pressed at RTI, Mobile Fidelity's 180-gram 45RPM 2LP set of E.S.P. treats each phrase and every note as sacred communication. This meticulously restored audiophile version renders the music's dynamics, pitch, colors, and textures with lifelike realism and proper scale. Reference-caliber separation, wall-to-wall soundstages, and distinct images magnify the intensity and beauty of Davis and Co.'s creations. Whether it's the distinctive snap of Tony Williams' drum sticks against the snare head, air moving through Davis' trumpet, acoustic thrum of Ron Carter's bass, or upper register of Herbie Hancock's piano, the sound is better than you'd even hear in the most intimate jazz clubs. Prepare to be swayed on every level.

For many, E.S.P. looms among the decade's best albums if only because of the significance of Davis' lineup. While Hancock, Williams, and Carter are holdovers that began playing with one another on 1963's Seven Steps to Heaven, Wayne Shorter functions as the secret weapon and key addition responsible for this ensemble hitting a new peak. Indeed, the saxophonist helped pen two of the seven compositions here — notably, E.S.P. is entirely comprised originals and clocked in as one of the longest-running jazz LPs issued at the time — and, more importantly, grants Davis the confidence and leeway necessary for the eruption of enigma, steadiness, and tension.

Interlocking lines drive "Little One," alternating rhythms pulse through the funky "Eighty-One," melodies soar on the balladic "Iris," the aptly titled "Mood" broods over minor-key structures, and "Agitation" — goosed by a two-minute percussive introduction by Williams — delivers on its promise. No record — and no group of musicians — have ever balanced coherent themes and exploratory playing in better fashion than Davis' quintet on E.S.P. It's the avant-garde record even jazz traditionalists love, and is essential on every level.

E.S.P.

Eighty-One

Little One

R.J.

Agitation

Iris

Mood

Customer Reviews (4.00 Stars) 2 person(s) rated this product.

Good sound, not so great pressing! posted on 09/21/2020 3 Stars Reviewer: Mario I love the sound and the presentation in this release. However, there are some pressing defects that in the side 2 of LP1 that cause some background noise in the song "little one", which has a lot of quiet moments. These defects are a bunch of tiny silver dots (they look like residues/paint from the label????). Previously I bought two other mobile fidelity releases and they also came with problems (a few loud pops). When I decided to return those two, they were already out of print. I'm not planning on returning ESP because I'm just afraid that I can receive another copy with a worst problem. It's just sad to experience this mixed feelings when you spend so much in an album. Anyways, this is the best sounding version of this amazing album. Just good luck receiving a copy with the pressing quality that satisfies you.

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