Concord Music Group has released: The Very Best Of The Miles Davis Quintet - New Release Review

It's curious to listen to this recording of the incredible Miles Davis with John Coltrane and Red Garland and just let the music sink in. To think of how fresh most of it sounds and clean and uncommercial it really is. This quintet really set the bar for what was to come of one of the branches of the original blues. Containing 10 tracks, this recording touches on a number of different approaches that Miles and company were exploring. The opening track, Ellington's Just Squeeze Me, is one cool groove where Davis explores different melodic phases on a basic theme... keeping it simple and in my mind thereby really leading the pack. This song hits on the essence of what made Miles so great and he Garland and Coltrane play it beautifully. Another extremely strong track is Thelonious Monks 'Round Midnight. Miles had such a deep understanding and feeling of just exactly when to play and when to leave air. My Funny Valentine is another such track with Miles leading the way but give plenty of room for Garland and Coltrane to express. Unlike later Davis performances where bass players had a predominant role and even lead lines, Chambers plays beautifully articulated bass lines under the melody. Another track, You're My Everything again emphasizes the Quintet's control of of a basic melodic line and the multiple themes on a basic concept.

This is a nice early slice of Miles from the 50's and his ability to attract the absolute best talent throughout his career.
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