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Rick Gee’s Jazz Jamm
MILES DAVIS – Indispensable to Any Jazz Collection
(A Three Part Series) |
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A
few months ago, I happened to be in the local CVS making a
purchase, and a young man approached me with a question. He
happened to have recognized me as the “Rick Gee” of the Rick
Gee’s Jazz Jamm column in this newspaper. His question to
me was “How do I start a jazz collection?” He explained that
he was about to enter college and wanted to take a few jazz
CDs with him that were considered to be “cool”.
My response was there are many different ways to start a jazz
collection, some may want to begin with jazz from the early
1900’s at the roots of jazz. Or, some might want to start
a collection at around 1935 – 44 during the rise of “Swing”
and “Big Bands”. However, since I’m personally into “Straight-ahead”
or “Be-bop”, my recommendations would be somewhat slanted
towards the early 1950’s – 60’s.
If
you’re just getting into jazz, you’ll need a solid foundation
to build upon. It’s my opinion that no other CD or jazz musician
would serve that purpose any better than Miles Davis and his
“Kind of Blue” album.
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After
you hear it for the first time, you’re sure to come away with one
of the melodies playing in your head for awhile.
In addition, it’s one of Miles’ first
attempts to market “modal” jazz. Recorded in 1959, the album sold
millions worldwide and became one of jazz histories most important
recordings. “This was when Miles assembled his famed sextet - -
John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Cannonball Adderley, Jimmy Cobb, Paul
Chambers, and Wynton Kelly - - and in only two impromptu sessions
created a timeless masterpiece”. (Reference: Kind of Blue – The
Making of the Miles Davis Masterpiece by Ashley Kahn).
Nevertheless, going back to the years 1955 – 57, no one can question
that at the time, and maybe until this day that Miles didn’t have
the most brilliant quintet in modern jazz history. With the magnificent
playing of John Coltrane, Red Garland, Paul Chambers, and Philly
Joe Jones, Miles created some of the most stimulating and enduring
music of his era. My research shows that in two of their historic
recording sessions held in 1956, the quintet produced some “must
have” albums. Fortunately, I own the albums released from these
sessions, Cookin’, Relaxin’, Workin’, and Steamin’ which are now
considered to be classics. Their last release from these sessions
“Steamin’ With The Miles Davis Quintet” is felt by many to be
the best and most lasting of the series. Some believe it contains
everything that epitomized the excellence of the group.
For instance, the album contains two incomparable ballad performances
by Miles, “When I Fall In Love” and “Something I Dreamed Last
Night”. Then, there are two tracks, “Surrey With The Fringe On
Top” and “Diane” that are in a medium tempo groove that the quintet
used to reach a wider audience than any jazz group in history.
The final two tracks are be-bop classics “Well You Needn’t and
“Salt Peanuts”. This is an album of historical necessity, and
is indispensable to any collection.
Although, I never met Miles, I had the occasion to meet some
of his sidemen. After graduating Howard University in Washington,
DC, I lived in an apartment at the Rhode Island Plaza. Most of
my weekends were spent at the jazz club that was located in my
building. One weekend, my buddy George Davis (brother of the jazz
great Walter Davis, Jr.) and I happened to check out Miles’ group.
As usual Miles and Company were at their swinging best.
Oftentimes, after the last set, several friends would gather
at my place for an evening nightcap. On this particular evening
Paul Chambers and John Coltrane joined us. Unfortunately, they
only stayed a short while. However, their short presence made
my evening a treasured memory.
In my opinion, Miles Davis should be the
start of any jazz collection.
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"Stay
tuned, there's more to come."
Remember to “Keep Jazz Alive” by “Supporting
Live Jazz!”
Jazz fans – do you have any feedback?
I would like to hear from YOU! You may email me at: JazzJamm@aolcom |
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