M²

Released in 2001, M² represents a significant milestone in Marcus Miller's solo career, arriving seven years after his previous studio effort. The album is a masterclass in jazz fusion and contemporary R&B, characterized by its exceptionally high production values and an 'all-star' roster of collaborators including Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan, and Raphael Saadiq. Miller, known for his work with Miles Davis, utilizes this project to further establish the bass guitar as a primary melodic instrument. The record features a mix of original compositions and ambitious covers, most notably a funk-infused take on Talking Heads' 'Burning Down the House' and a soulful rendition of John Coltrane's 'Lonnie's Lament.' Critically, the album was praised for its 'grace' and technical proficiency, winning the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album in 2002. It stands as a definitive example of the 'Marcus Miller sound' - a blend of sophisticated jazz harmony and relentless, high-fidelity funk grooves.