Workin' With The Miles Davis Quintet

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The four Miles Davis albums released by Prestige in 1956, have a consistency that extends from their kindred one word titles to the ensemble sound of the five individuals who made up one of Davis’ finest working groups. As the third in line, after Relaxin’ and Steamin’ but before “Cookin’, this set features the mix of show tunes, Davis originals and tunes by the trumpeter’s jazz contemporaries that made up the two expansive recording sessions from which all four albums were drawn. The chief audible treat here is the sound of Miles then new quintet slowly coming together with Red Garland’s lightly swinging piano melding with John Coltrane’s brusque tenor sax, and the inventive basswork of teenager Paul Chambers being the perfect compliment to the sticks and brushes of the great Philly Joe Jones. If there’s a highlight here it’s Miles deft, woe-tinged landmark take of “It Never Entered My Mind” by Rodgers & Hart. The driving “Tranes Blues” allows both Davis and Coltrane to stretch out on the solo passages while “Ahmad’s Blues” is best known for Jones shining swirls and Chambers gorgeous bowed work on the Arco electric bass. Dave Brubeck’s cool “In Your Own Sweet Way,” features more of the young Coltrane growing in both his assertive tone and eager raft of ideas.

via Apple Music

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