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Miles Davis & John Coltrane: The Best Of Miles Davis & John Coltrane (1955-1961)

By Jim Santella
February 1, 2001
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Miles Davis & John Coltrane: The Best Of Miles Davis & John Coltrane (1955-1961)

Early Coltrane and early Miles is textbook material. It’s the stuff we’re made of. All the licks, all the quotes, and some of the new harmonic ideas are there. This one-disc reissue compilation gathers Columbia’s best from its archives. An overview of Columbia’s six-disc collection, this album distills a treasured trove of classic pieces performed by classy artists.

”Straight, No Chaser” is an alternate take. The arrangement offers a clear example of the emphasis Davis placed on purity of tone. His open trumpet swings loosely with confidence and an unfettered release of ideas. Trane follows Davis with one of his better solos. The two legends were made for each other. Red Garland plays it lyrical with finesse, while Philly Joe Jones remains a bit too prominent. Still, it’s a classic example of what Davis’ sextet could do. Half the selections are with sextet, while the others feature Davis’ quintet.

”So What” and “Blue in Green” are from Kind of Blue. “Two Bass Hit” was recorded in ’55, while “Someday My Prince Will Come” brought Coltrane back to the quintet as a guest in 1961. He and Hank Mobley present contrasting styles. Elsewhere, Cannonball Adderley swings with a natural-born passion. Miles Davis and John Coltrane set standards by which we still judge ourselves today. Blue-collar standards, if you will. This one-disc compilation provides the uninitiated a welcome taste while serving the veteran listener a buffet of classic delights.

Track Listing

Two Bass Hit; Dear Old Stockholm; Bye Bye Blackbird;

Personnel

John Coltrane

saxophone

Miles Davis- trumpet; John Coltrane- tenor saxophone; Cannonball Adderley- alto saxophone; Hank Mobley- tenor saxophone on

Album information

Title: The Best Of Miles Davis & John Coltrane (1955-1961) | Year Released: 2001 | Record Label: Columbia Records

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About John Coltrane

Instrument: Saxophone

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