Search - Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk :: Live at the Newport Jazz Festival 1958 & 1963

Two Giants

Steve Parker | San Francisco, California | 03/15/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is masterful. A wonderful opportunity for those who already know Miles and Monk to hear more of the kind of sound you love. Two giants at their best in a live recording. If you are unfamiliar with the music of these two greats, this CD is a fantastic introduction to their sound. One word of caution, however, though this is a great CD recording of Miles and Monk together, it is by no means the last word, or note, on the kind of music the artists are, or were, capable of. This CD only demonstrates a tiny facet of the broad repertoires of Miles and Monk. In fact, I wouldn't even say that the CD is typical, if there is such a thing when speaking of these two, of their sound. For a great CD which will give the listener the essence of Thelonius Monk, stripped down to his essentials, listen to Solo Monk. This is Monk's solo album, consisting of songs chosen by the artist, each selection recorded in rarely more than one take. For the essence of Miles, listen to Kind of Blue. This CD also was recorded in rarely more than one take per song, with no rehearsals--incredible when one realizes that Miles brought in one composition each morning of the recording session and presented it on the spot to the tremendous ensemble gathered together.A word of criticism about the CD that has nothing to do with the musicians: The CD is nothing, and inferior, when compared to the original LP (That's another word for a vinyl disc for those of you who are too young to know. But if you are to oung to have known that and yet interested in this CD, you are an unusual music lover, indeed.). If you are ever fortunate enough to listen to the original LP you will know what I mean. Enjoy"

Great Live Jazz

12/30/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I reccomend this two cd set to any Jazz fan. It features some great live music from the '58 and '63 Newport Jazz festivals. Miles plays with his first sextet, and is in top form for this great performance. Monk plays with his quartet featuring Charlie Rouse, and on the second half of the Monk cd, Pee Wee Russell is featured, which provides for some great musical interplay between two of Jazz's greatest musicians. I highly reccomend this cd to any Jazz fan who is looking for great live music."

Two Legends Cure the Summertime Blues

Mr. Richard D. Coreno | Berea, Ohio USA | 03/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk did not perform together on the music in this double-album set, their work is given a wonderful showcase in this 1963 release.



The Davis tracks are Ah-Leu-Cha; Straight, No Chaser; Fran-Dance; Two Bass Hit; Bye, Bye Blackbird and The (Miles') Theme. The band - Cannonball Adderley (alto sax), John Coltrane (tenor sax), Bill Evans (piano), Paul Chambers (bass), Jimmy Cobb (drums) - are in outstanding form for the July 3, 1958, gig. Monk - Criss-Cross, Light Blue, Nutty, Blue Monk and Epistrophy - has a unique group that includes Pee Wee Russell (clarinet), Charlie Rouse (tenor sax), Butch Warren (bass) and Frankie Dunlop (drums).



The pair of legends cure the summertime blues with incredible performances before appreciative - and knowledgeable - fans."