Round About Midnight

If I had to recommend only one Miles Davis album, it would be (of course) "Kind of Blue" (1959). What else could I do? But if asked where a listener might go from there, I would commend "Round About Midnight" (1956). This was Davis's first album with Columbia Records, the label that produced most, maybe all of his finest recordings. In '56 Davis was undergoing other transitions: in his band's personnel (Red Garland [piano], Paul Chambers [bass], Philly Joe Jones [drums], and the then-almost unknown John Coltrane [tenor sax]), and in musical style—more complex than cool jazz, more lyrical than hard bop. Here Coltrane is playing rich and full, whether open or muted, with a seductively intimate style. Meanwhile the sidemen—who are by no means sidelined—are percolating some fabulously intricate counterpoints to the voice at center. I wouldn't begin to know how to analyze "Ah-Leu-Cha"; all I know is that it's weird and lovely. The band's cover of "'Round Midnight" just may outdo Tholonious Monk's. With an old standard like "Bye Bye Blackbird" the band comes alive, merging into a tightly variegated orchestra that elevates stale material into something magnificent. "Sweet Sue, Just You," was recorded in 1956 for Leonard Bersnstein's "Omnibus" segment, "What Is Jazz?" The ten tracks range in length from 3:45 to 7:54. Altogether, this is a disc I could listen to forever and never tire of. At this writing Amazon is pricing the CD at eight bucks, which is practically a giveaway. Buy, play, immerse yourself in some of the 50's finest, most forward-looking jazz.

'Round About Midnight is one of Miles Davis' true masterpieces; it's an album of focused, passionate numbers that showcase a post-bop transformation that was taking place in the 1950's. Here, Miles is in top form with his signature trumpet, while John Coltrane adds the tenor sax. Throw in great piano by Red Garland, and what you have is relaxing, yet moving songs that remind me of lounge music at some hotel during happy hour. In a lot of ways, 'Round About Midnight is a definitive jazz album, much in the same manner as Kind of Blue. I can't help but relax when I hear the songs. All of the songs are excellent, and the four bonus tracks are a real treat, too. I particularly enjoyed TADD'S DELIGHT, which acknowledges Tadd Dameron's contributions to jazz. Overall, this is a must-have Miles Davis album, one that's sure to entertain. This is a confident, self-assured, smooth and relaxing offering.

Miles Davis' Columbia Records debut bears several other landmarks in jazz history, as well. It was also the last album his revered First Great Quintet would record for the label, at least in this configuration. That said, it would not be the last released. Miles' previous label, the famed Prestige, would release the four albums resulting from the legendary "marathon sessions", which were quickly and relentlessly recorded to fulfill the band's contract and allow the release of 'Round About Midnight, at the rate of about one a year. And while it may not have as much meaning today, this album also excited jazz fans by securing to vinyl a recording of Miles' rendition of the Thelonius Munk original of the same name, shortened in title to "Round Midnight"-- which had already caused a stir via previous live performance.And what a version it is. The gentle, late-night start eventually bursting into a swing-like, dead solid and dramatic burst of horns that picks up the pace and proves to be as uplifting as it is virtuosic. The next tune, the standard "Au-La-Cha", has an odd but good humored time signature and breathless pace, and is perhaps the album's hidden gem. Other highlights are the hard-bop "Tadd's Delight" and the imaginative arrangement of "Dear Old Stockholm" with its extended Paul Chambers bass solo placed most unusually towards the piece's beginning.While this may only hint at the pioneering advances of Davis' magnum opus, Kind of Blue, it's still essential listening for anyone who appreciates traditional jazz, as it is, like most of this quintet's recorded output, many steps above that of most of its contemporaries.

Fantastic composition of jazz material that came from one of the greatest and most important musicians of the twentieth century. This album is certainly not equal to Kind Of Blue (nothing else does) but it is definitely not far behind. This album is refreshing and fun to listen to as it is truly a genuine masterpiece. For everyone who is a lover of jazz music this should be a part of your collection.

As someone only recently introduced to Miles Davis via Kind Of Blue I thought I'd research a few albums via YouTube first before putting my hand in my pocket - and as soon as I heard this it didn't take long to buy. This is a classic mid 50's sound, his first for Columbia, with Davis on superb form surrounded by a tight ensemble that brings out the very best in the music. The recording is crystal clear and the additional sleeve note authoritative. All in all a great package for relaxing to.

Quick delivery and fantastic cd.

OK!

Al well!

Ottimo cd che riacquisterei subito dato il prezzo basso rispetto a quello che si trova in giro nei negozi specializzati. Peraltro è arrivato entro i tempi di consegna previsti, con la custodia intatta senza neppure un graffio e il cd all'interno è completamente nuovo come da descrizione. Tutti i 10 brani di questo cd possiedono un'ottima qualità di registrazione. La Original Columbia Jazz Classics che appartiene alla grande etichetta discografica della Sony Music ha fatto davvero un ottimo lavoro e mi sento di consigliare senza alcuna remora questo bel cd del grande Miles Davis. Essenziale il libricino interno alla custodia del cd, è scritto molto in piccolo e sul retro esterno della custodia viene invece riportata la storia che ha fatto nascere questo capolavoro della musica jazz. Infine ci tengo a segnalare che una volta che si acquista il cd fisico ne viene automaticamente salvata anche una copia digitale in mp3 sulla propria libreria personale di Amazon Music. Spero di essere stato utile e in ogni caso ti ringrazio per avermi letto.