1993 · Album
The Sun Don't Lie
PRA Records · Released: 1993 · Chart Performance: No. 10 on Billboard Jazz Albums
A Dedicated Sound After Miles
Miller channels electric funk and smooth sophistication into a record that honors without imitating.
In 1993, Marcus Miller released The Sun Don't Lie as a deliberate meditation on loss. The album is dedicated to the memory of Miles Davis, and that dedication shapes everything you hear — not through imitation or pastiche, but through Miller's own language of electric bass, production, and composition. This is Miller working in his groove, which means sleek funk-inflected jazz with pop sensibility. He's never been the type to make you strain; the music slides in easy and smart.
By this point in his career, Miller had already established himself as a first-call bassist and producer for other artists. Here he steps fully into the spotlight as bandleader and architect. The album hit No. 10 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart, which tells you it connected with listeners who wanted something contemporary but rooted in jazz thinking. Miller doesn't pretend to be Davis — he couldn't be if he tried — but you feel the influence in how he structures these pieces, in the way melody and rhythm lock together, in the sense that nothing here is wasted motion.
If you've heard Miller's work with David Sanborn or his production on other sessions, you already know his touch: clean, modern, with space for individual voices. The Sun Don't Lie is worth seeking out if you like electric jazz that doesn't apologize for its slickness or its accessibility. It's solid work from someone who understands both the tradition and his own time. Not his most celebrated record, but honest and well-made.
Who's playing
Marcus Millerbass clarinet, bass guitar, guitar, keyboard
Joe Samplepiano
Dean Brownguitar
Jonathan Butlerguitar
Vernon Reidguitar
Paul Jackson, Jr.guitar
David Sanbornalto saxophone
Wayne Shortertenor saxophone
Kenny Garrettalto saxophone
Miles Davistrumpet
Sal Marquezadditional, trumpet
Charles "Poogie" Belldrums
WCdrums
Andy Narelldrums
Michael Whitedrums
Lenny Whitepercussion
Don Aliaspercussion
Paulinho da Costaadditional, percussion
Where next?
The musicians on this record
Doo-Bop 1992
Miles Davis
plays trumpet here
plays trumpet here
A Tribute to Miles 1994
Wayne Shorter
plays tenor saxophone here
plays tenor saxophone here
Timeagain 2003
David Sanborn
plays alto saxophone here
plays alto saxophone here
Old Places, Old Faces 1996
Joe Sample
plays piano here
plays piano here
