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REVIEW    DownBeat  /  October 1, 1959


Miles Davis
Miles Davis And The Modern Jazz Giants

Prestige 7150

★★★★½

Rudy Van Gelder Remasters


There are few jazzmen whose creative resources are so great that any recorded example of their work is of interest. This reissue of 1954 and 1956 Davis sessions includes at least three such men: Milt Jackson, Thelonious Monk and Davis himself.

The earlier date (all titles but “’Round About Midnight”), which also produced “Bags’ Groove,” reveals a somewhat uncomfortable Miles, blowing with and against a free-wheeling, but only half-sympathetic group. Davis’ approach to jazz, which leans heavily upon the sensitivity of his pianist, is left tattered by the jarring individualism of pianist Monk, whose playing is not designed to flatter or inspire Miles. In spite of all this, enough memorable moments came from the session to make this a very worthwhile LP.

“Swing Spring,” in particular, demonstrates that Davis was ready to lead the way out of the cliché-ridden, I-can-blow-stronger-than-you arena into which many jazzmen had stampeded by the mid ’50s.

“Midnight,” performed by the most esthetically satisfying of all Davis groups, is a musical essay on the virtues of lyricism and horizontal structure, combined with harmonic insight, a classic performance that should be in any thoughtful collector’s library. [No byline.]


Miles Davis And The Modern Jazz Giants: The Man I Love (take 2); Swing Spring; ’Round About Midnight; Bemsha Swing; The Man I Love (take 1).
Personnel: Tracks 1, 2, 4, 5: Davis, trumpet; Milt Jackson, vibes; Thelonious Monk, piano; Percy Heath, bass; Kenny Clarke, drums. Track 3: Davis, trumpet; John Coltrane, tenor; Red Garland, piano; Paul Chambers, bass; Philly Joe Jones, drums.


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