This album (along with
In a Silent Way, (also by
Miles Davis)), marked the start of
Fusion.
This album came as a response to the
Columbia label, which suggested Miles cash in on the
rock craze, due to the fact that his album sales were going fast downhill. Miles, who was used to inventing new jazz styles (for example
cool jazz), went right on ahead being the
pioneer that he was, and invented fusion. Columbia's policy was beaten, as Bitches Brew went on to be one of the best selling
jazz albums of all time.