Search - John Coltrane :: 1955-1961 (Dig)

Nice

fusionenigma | Philippines | 06/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 9-track compilation from Columbia/Legacy may not be as close as the original 90-min box set in describing the legendary quintet of trumpeteer extraordinaire Miles Davis. Davis, together with saxophonist John Coltrane, pianist Red Garland, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Philly Joe Jones fashioned beauty from virtuosity more than any other jazz groups in their time. The selected tracks well document the evolution of these musicians, primarily Davis and Coltrane. Each song, though less superior than most pre-fusion Davis and Coltrane, possesses harmonic attributes that set apart soloists amid sometimes-unified styles. Davis' singing trumpet, Coltrane's fast solos (not to mention the "sheets of sound" he created), and the rest of the gang's rhythmic efforts give the characteristic blend. Also, in a few modal tunes, we hear alto saxophonist Cannonball Adderley, and Bill Evans and Jimmy Cobb who have replaced Garland and Jones. Wrapping up the disc is the dreamy "Someday My Prince Will Come" in which Wynton Kelly and Hank Mobley play piano and sax, respectively. This disc is both study material and easy listening. Sound quality is great from start to end. A nice buy for the starving jazz enthusiast."