Betty Davis: The Columbia Years 1968-1969
“Get down with it now cause this is it…” sang Betty Davis, whose iconic style of revelatory punk-funk saw her rise to fame in the 1970s. Her voice tore through her songs, with throbbing bass and razor-sharp guitars. Davis never held back. Her music was raw, and something almost predatory. Songs like Walking up The Road and They Say I’m Different showed the music world at the time that she was a force to be reckoned with, even paving the way for The Commodores, penning tracks that eventually saw them signed to Motown.
But for almost half a century, a question as to whether Davis had recorded a secret session at Columbia’s 52nd Street studios in New York City remained unanswered.
Not just any session, the rumors that had been circulating suggested that Miles Davis produced these secret tracks, and members from Jimi Hendrix’s band also played on the record.
In 2016, the rumours were announced as true.
In 1969, Betty Davis did in fact secretly record sessions that were produced by Miles Davis and Teo Macero, and were accompanied by members from the Jimi Hendrix Experience, including drummer Mitch Mitchell, guitarist John McLaughlin, Herbie Hancock on keys, and session bassist Harvey Brooks. Other players included bassist Billy Cox (Band of Gypsys), saxophonist Wayne Shorter and organist Larry Young.
The entire project, which has now been brought together a labeled The Columbia Years 1968-1969, was overseen with Davis’s full blessing, and includes documents from Teo Macero, rarely seen photos from legendary photographer Baron Wolman, and new interviews with Davis herself, Harvey Brooks, and Hugh Masekela. But it’s the sounds, the voice of Davis, the beats that were thought to be almost mythological, that make The Columbia Years 1968-1969 something special. Also included in this release is an astounding Betty Davis session that took place in Los Angeles in 1968 with Hugh Masekela and The Crusaders.
The Columbia Years 1968-1969 are never before heard, and nothing short of iconic. They planted the seeds for Bitches Brew and Davis’ groundbreaking funk albums.
The Columbia Years 1968-1969 is available now on a black LP and CD.
—
