In writing the compositions that make up this album Stryker builds around simple, looping bass lines, and just allow the musicians to play off of that. No one is trying to stuff too many notes into each chord, the playing is relaxed and more thoughtful. In doing so, a balance between texture and improvision is achieved; the very characteristic shared by Miles' best fusion albums.
It's a record works for both chilling out and intense listening with the headphones on. Each track effectively recreates the feel of early fusion Miles without quite replicating him. So for instance, Topaz evokes the mood of “Shhh/Peaceful” in the beginning, then sounds vaguely like “What I Say” later on. Meanwhile, Orchid reminds one of “Sanctuary”, while Sienna recalls “Jeff Beck’s Blow By Blow throughout, too. It was probably not intentional, but unavoidable nonetheless since Beck was clearly influenced by the same original recordings himself.
A consistent, enjoyable listen from beginning to end, Stryker’s Shades Of Miles relives a time when rock/jazz was more about feel and gradually developed ideas, not endless wanking and speed soloing. For those of you who are not that much into in-your-face displays of instrumental prowess but still want top notch musicianship, this is your fusion album.
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