THE TOP CONTEMPORARY BASS PLAYER, MARCUS MILLER

My first encounter to Marcus Miller was “MOUNTAIN DANCE“, Dave Grusin in 1980.

Dave Grusin (key), Marcus Miller (b), Harvey Mason (ds), Jeff Miromov (g), Rubens Bassini (perc), Ian Underwood and Ed Walsh (syn.)

At that time, frankly speaking, in my mind, there are two types of fusion, Miles Davis Fusion and Dave Grusin Fusion. Therefore, Marcus Miller was categorized in Dave Grusin Fusion.

However, I was surprised and even confused to see Marcus Miller in “THE MAN WITH HORN“, Miles Davis. After that no such categorization by myself !

Miles Davis (tp), Bill Evans (sax), Barry Finnerty and Mike Stern (g), Marcus Miller (b), Al Foster (ds) and Sammy Figueroa (perc.)

Then, Marcus Miller, “THE SUN DON’T LIE” (1993), especially tune “THE KING IS GONE” is clearly tributed to Miles Davis.

Marcus Miller (b, bass clarinet, g), Tony Williams (ds), Wayne Shorter (ts)

Combination of Marcus Miller and Tony Williams is very interesting. And it reminds me of Weather Report, Mr.Gone and Punk Jazz.

However, this album is also tributed to Jaco Pastorius.

Tune No.6, Mr.Pastorius and No.9, Teen Town.

Oh, don’t do categorization!!