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REVIEW    DownBeat  /  May 15, 1958


Miles Davis
Relaxin’

Prestige 7129

★★★★

Rudy Van Gelder Remasters


After all that walkin’ and cookin’, it’s time for Miles and men to relax. That’s what they do here. This is an informal, one-take-a-tune session, complete with asides from Miles to Prestige’s Bob Weinstock and a false start on “Everything.”

Miles plays muted horn on all but “Woody ’N’ You” here. He plays with his customary delicate, intricate impact. Chambers is superb. Garland plays effectively in support and solos authoritatively. Jones, less oppressive here than in past conquests, contributes inspirationally, too. The material is of interest, with the standards particularly well handled. It’s pleasant to hear a coordinated jazz group approach such tunes.

There is a hesitancy and lack of melodic content in Coltrane’s playing at times here that hampers his effectiveness for me and lowers the rating of the LP. This is particularly true on the first two tracks, on which his solos seem to me to be rather aimless and somewhat strident. However, he is quite fluent on “Oleo” and “I Could Write A Book.” His efforts, throughout the LP, lack a consistent quality.

In general, however, this is an attractive set. And when all the members of the quintet are inspired, as on “Book” and “Oleo,” it is a valuable demonstration of conceptual prowess.

Ira Gitler’s notes are frank and informative. —Don Gold


Relaxin’: If I Were A Bell; You’re My Everything; I Could Write A Book; Oleo; It Could Happen To You; Woody ’N’ You.
Personnel: Davis, trumpet; John Coltrane, tenor; Red Garland, piano; Paul Chambers, bass; Philly Joe Jones, drums.


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