„Nefertiti“, the 1968 offering from jazz virtuoso Miles Davis, is a masterstroke of innovation and artistic expression. This album marks the final studio recording of the second great Miles Davis Quintet – an ensemble that includes Wayne Shorter on tenor saxophone, Herbie Hancock on piano, Ron Carter on bass, and Tony Williams on drums. The album takes its name from the ancient Egyptian queen, Nefertiti, symbolizing a regal and timeless quality that permeates through the tracks. „Nefertiti“ represents a new frontier in jazz, as it ventures further into the realms of mood, space, and texture.

What sets this album apart is the radical departure from traditional jazz norms. The rhythm section, instead of playing the melody, repeatedly plays the vamp or rhythmic figure. This leaves Davis and Shorter to carry the theme once before they delve into improvisation. It’s a daring move, a bold statement in the world of jazz that only a maestro like Davis could pull off.

In essence, „Nefertiti“ is not just another jazz record; it’s a milestone in the evolution of the genre. It pushes boundaries, challenges conventions, and offers listeners a fresh perspective on what jazz can be. As they moved forward into the late ‚60s, one thing was clear: with artists like Miles Davis at the helm, the future of jazz looks brighter than ever.

Stefan Mohr