About Miles Davis'"Ife" with James Mutme

Listen to 🎶 of the percussions of James Mtume on the 21 minute plus track “Ife” which was titled in tribute to his daughter by Miles Davis.

We recently shared it to honor Ife Mtume and came across some more history via jazz historian Paul Tingen + his book on Miles Davis.

Originally recorded during the sessions for Miles’ “On The Corner” album, “Ife” wound up on the “Big Fun” album released 2 years later in 1974. Read Paul Tingen’s beautiful commentary on “Ife” and the full quote from his book “Miles Beyond - The Electric Explorations of Miles Davis 1967-1991” follows.

Paul Tingen on "Ife":

Compared to the relentless grooves of On the Corner, "Ifé" is a breath of fresh air. The melody and groove are light and elegant, the mix transparent, and the solos for the most part interesting and engaging. Arranger Paul Buckmaster was happier with this piece than with On the Corner, saying, "It has charm to it, a little bit more space, and direction. 'Ifé' breathes more.

Page 143 of “Miles Beyond - The Electric Explorations of Miles Davis 1967-1991: