A Tribute to Jack Johnson

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A Tribute to Jack Johnson

Studio album by Miles Davis
Released	February 24, 1971
Recorded	April 7, 1970
Genre	Jazz
Length	52:26
Label	Columbia
All Music Guide link Robert Christgau (A+) link The Music Box link
Miles Davis chronology
Live-Evil (1970)	A Tribute to Jack Johnson (1970)	On The Corner (1972)

A Tribute to Jack Johnson is an album recorded in April 1970 by Miles Davis. It was recorded as the soundtrack for a documentary by the same name about the heavyweight world champion boxer Jack Johnson. Both tracks were constructed by producer Teo Macero - "Right Off" is constructed from several takes and a solo by Davis recorded in November 1969. "Yesternow" includes a short section of "Shhh/Peaceful" from the 1969 album In a Silent Way, and a 10-minute section comprising several takes of the tune "Willie Nelson" from a session on 18 February 1970.

The first recording session, which took place on 7 April 1970, was almost accidental: John McLaughlin, awaiting Miles's arrival, began improvising riffs on his guitar, and was shortly joined by Michael Henderson and Billy Cobham. Meanwhile, the producers brought in Herbie Hancock, who had been passing through the building on unrelated business, to play the Farfisa organ. Miles arrived at last and began his solo at about 2:19 on the first track.

[edit] Track listing

"Right Off" – 26:53
"Yesternow" – 25:34

At the end of the "Yesternow" there is a soundbite recorded by actor Brock Peters saying: "I'm Jack Johnson -- heavyweight champion of the world! I'm black! They never let me forget it. I'm black all right; I'll never let them forget it."