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Binding: Audio CD EAN: 5099706493525 Label: Sony Jazz Manufacturer: Sony Jazz Number Of Discs: 1 Publisher: Sony Jazz Release Date: April 07, 1997 Studio: Sony Jazz Sales Rank: 102
Amazon.co.uk Review: This is the one jazz record owned by people who don't listen to jazz, and with good reason. The band itself is extraordinary (proof of Miles Davis's masterful casting skills, if not of God's existence), listing John Coltrane and Julian "Cannonball" Adderley on saxophones, Bill Evans (or, on "Freddie Freeloader", Wynton Kelly) on piano, and the crack rhythm unit of Paul Chambers on bass and Jimmy Cobb on drums. Coltrane's astringency on tenor is counterpoised to Adderley's funky self on alto, with Davis moderating between them as Bill Evans conjures up a still lake of sound on which they walk. Meanwhile, the rhythm partnership of Cobb and Chambers is prepared to click off time until eternity. It was the key recording of what became modal jazz, a music free of the fixed harmonies and forms of pop songs. In Davis's men's hands it was a weightless music, but one that refused to fade into the background. In retrospect every note seems perfect, and each piece moves inexorably towards its destiny. --John Szwed
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Check the version.....
At first hearing you think the CD is good. Repeated listening makes you realise it is exceptionally good! Make sure though that you get the post 1997 remastered speed correct version made from the studio backup tape if you want it to do justice on a modern hi fi system - eg the Sony CK 64935 CD. Thoroughly recommend it - not just for Miles Davis but the excellent sensitivity of the accompanying musicians too.
Rating: - Estate Agents and other coffee-tablists: This is not the be-all and end-all of jazz!
It has already been said here that this album is usually found in non-jazz fans' collections alongside Bob Marley's greatest hits and most probably David Gray's entire ouvre. Perhaps it stands sentry there unplayed, just so its spine can be read, head tilted sideways, begging to impress upon whoever it is browsing through their collection some ill-gotten measure of sophistication? Perhaps they did play it once then decided no, they were right about jazz all along?
Rating: - Before he went funny
I can understand why fans of Davis' jazz fusion, jazz rock and electric stuff may find this bland since it was recorded before he decided to explore that newer territory (which I find weird and disappointing). It represents just one part of his journey from the Rhumboogie Orchestra in 1944, via bop and Gill Evans, to the synthesizer-enhanced(?) din he was making towards the end of his career. Only a few days after this session was recorded Coltrane cut "Giant Steps", which is a fair indication of ... Read More
Rating: - Modal Jazz begginings
Miles Davis and his band ( and what a band ) explore modes in this record beggining a new era in jazz improvisation previously based in chord changes.
That was quite a big step .First , it gave greater freedom.Second, you must knew what to do with the freedom to avoid a musical disaster.
The truth is that this is one of this exceptional albums that you can listen to 1000 times and discover new layers and rewarding musical moments.
I mean , if you want to understand Jazz after 1950 ... Read More
Rating: - The Master
Don't waste your time reading anymore reviews -just buy the album. Better jazz than this is hard to imagine! Put it on, listen and relax.
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