Spanish Keyz is the opening track on the Rebirth of the Kool album. It was inspired by Spanish Key, off Bitches Brew, but the only thing it has in common with the original is the classic trumpet ‘head’ that anchors the groove. The other 99% is brand new and highly improvised.
Being a multi-media release, Spanish Keyz explores several musical and visual themes.
Musically, Spanish Keyz settles into a long, horn led improvisation; both danceable and hypnotic. It melds into, and out of, a myriad of soundscapes; Acid, Hip Hop, and EDM. It is pushed along by fusion drumming and funk bass, retaining a dance groove throughout.
What the Critics say
The visuals are quirky, explosive, and compliments the feel of the music exactly. The imagery is self-aware of its heritage, you can see glimpses of Mati Klarwein's artwork for gatefold cover of Miles Davis's Bitches Brew. Some of the other visuals are more low-brow, like those found in mainstream videos, bikinis and twerking for example. This video would not look out of place on MTV.
Length Spanish Keyz plays for 4 minutes 50 seconds, though there will be another, longer version released later in the year.
MUSICIANS
- Miles, e-trumpet
- Hip Hop Herbie, Keys
- Marcus, Bass
- Gary Argent, drums and percussion
- and me, of course
Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix were the 20th Century's greatest musicians in their fields: Rock and Jazz. This track is a pastiche of their classic grooves. It is also the story of arguably the greatest musical collaboration, the one between them, that never made it to tape. Miles and Jimi would have undoubtedly brought their energy to play off each other and I merely aim to get in the zone rather than imitate.
It's been a while since the first Jimi Meets Miles tracks were released. This is a brand new season where the concept is the same but has evolved with new grooves, new sounds and new art.
This particular track is sort of Spanish Key meets Spanish Castle Magic. Enjoy.