Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
DownBeat’s 73rd Annual Critics Poll: One for the Record Books
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
In 1955, after his appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival, Miles Davis came into his own as an innovator. Shortly after Newport, the trumpeter formed his seminal 1950s quintet, composed of John Coltrane on tenor saxophone, pianist Red Garland, bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Philly Joe Jones. Over the course of three studio dates, the quintet recorded five albums for Prestige—The New Miles Davis Quintet, Cookin’, Workin’, Relaxin’ and Steamin’.
On May 23, these recordings will be released together as the Prestige boxed set The Miles Davis Quintet: The Legendary Prestige Quintet Sessions by the Concord Music Group. The music, all of which was recorded by Rudy van Gelder, has been remastered in 24-bit from the original analog masters and presented in the sequence recorded at sessions beginning in November 1955 and concluding in October 1956.
The box contains 32 selections, including such compositions as “Four,” “Trane’s Blues,” “My Funny Valentine” and “When Lights Are Low.” A bonus CD features eight previously unreleased radio and television audio performances. Included on Disc 4 are two tunes from “The Tonight Show With Steve Allen”: Oscar Pettiford’s “Max Is Making Wax” and Rodgers and Hart’s ballad “It Never Entered My Mind.”
The set is packaged in a box that features cover art by Davis and includes five complete musical transcriptions of Davis’ solos and a 40-page booklet with annotations by Bob Blumenthal. It has a $59.98 list price.
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
Galper was often regarded as an underrated master of his craft.
Jul 22, 2025 10:58 AM
Hal Galper, a pianist, composer and arranger who enjoyed a substantial performing career but made perhaps a deeper…
Chuck Mangione on the cover of the May 8, 1975, edition of DownBeat.
Jul 29, 2025 1:00 PM
Chuck Mangione, one of the most popular trumpeters in jazz history, passed away on July 24 at home in Rochester, New…
“Hamiet was one of the most underrated musicians ever,” says Whitaker of baritone saxophonist Hamiet Bluiett.
Jul 8, 2025 7:30 AM
At 56, Rodney Whitaker, professor of jazz bass and director of jazz studies at Michigan State University, is equally…
Jul 17, 2025 11:35 AM
The DownBeat Critics Poll provides a wonderful snapshot of the jazz scene today, with much to explore and many great…