Archive for the ‘John Coltrane’ Category
Miles Davis – Milestones (1958) (Original recording remastered, Extra tracks – Sony)
The caliber of personnel Miles Davis enlisted for his Sextet was the very best. Davis knew he couldn’t keep this unit together for long. It was obvious to him that each was developing into a sensation. This was 1958, and history was being made with the emergence of Davis’ modal sound. His sweet, open trumpet tone reflects what Davis stood for and explains why he’s still the top vote getter in jazz polls around the world. The way he, Cannonball Adderley, Red Garland, and John Coltrane weave melodic lines together has set a standard for those who have followed. The pianist demonstrates his well-developed bebop chops on “Billy Boy,” a popular folk tune that Davis included to let the rhythm section shine. Paul Chambers’ arco bass and Philly Joe Jones’ proud fours lend credence to the theory that this album represents the very peak of bebop. There are three alternate takes on this reissue. Each possesses a full, rich sound quality. It’s interesting to compare, as the solo order changes from track to track. Typically, Coltrane starts it off, Davis bares his intended aim, and Adderley draws inspiration from both. For this milestone album, Davis used no mutes, no electronics, and no echo. Milestones is a seminal album that helped shape jazz history. (Jim Santella)
Track List:
4. “Milestones” – (Davis)
Original Release Date: 1958 Label: Sony
John Coltrane – Blue Train (2003 – Blue Note Records)
Blue Train gives a taste of what that might have been like, as well as a taste of what was to come. This reissue of the 1957 album finds Trane blowing hard on one of his first albums as a band leader. With one foot still in the Charlie Parker catalog and one ear turned toward hard bop, the album sounds like a typical club set. The album is best known for the title track, Coltrane’s first notable composition. His solo starts off with an announcement that he has something to say, but quickly moves toward Birdland. “Moment’s Notice” and “Locomotion” also demonstrate that, even before his work was informed by his eventual stylistic uniqueness and spiritual depth, Trane could write a compelling, well-organized tune.
The group’s rendering of the Kern/Mercer ballad “I’m Old Fashioned” and Trane’s “Lazy Bird” are a let down after the first three, although each has some nice playing by various band members.
The album benefits from Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones from Miles’ band laying down the bass and drums. Kenny Drew’s plays bluesy piano completes the excellent rhythm section. A young Lee Morgan contributes to the boppish flavor of the album with his Gillespie-ish licks (he even played a bent up horn). Curtis Fuller passes up the rapid fire riffing trombonists sometimes employ in trying to keep up with their more nimble bandmates in favor of a more nuanced, rhythmic variety. And he burns when he has to.
07 Lazy Bird (alternate take)
Personnel:
Across Rhythm 