Classic Small-Group Jazz
G B | Connecticut | 09/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When Miles Davis formed his classic 1st Quintet, he negotiated a record deal with Columbia records. Before he could release anything through Columbia, however, he had to fulfill recording obligations for the indie label Prestige. In two marathon sessions (May and October '56), the Quintet recorded enough material for four albums: Cookin', Relaxin', Workin' and Steamin'. Cookin' was the first to be released and despite its brief running time (33 minutes), features the strongest material and the best song selection. The two bop tunes, two blues and one ballad provide a balance that isn't really present on the other three albums. "My Funny Valentine" is a quintessential Davis ballad performance, with the mute trumpet and gently swinging rhythm section. "Airegin" and "Tune Up", on the other hand, feature the Quintet at its tightest and most intense - none of the other bop tunes from these sessions come close. Since live recordings of this group aren't easy to come by, Cookin' and the other 3 may be the best taste of what this great group sounded like in person."
A one two three four (five) punch!
B | houston, tx | 09/26/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the punchiest of the last recordings of this quintet, which were all named with verbs. This one is the most fun to listen to and also has the coolest picture on the front. There isn't too much to explain, except you probably won't be disappointed if you know anything about these musicians. There's a ballad, a blues, and two burners. Oh yeah WHY COULDN'T "WHEN LIGHTS ARE LOW" BE A SEPARATE TRACK? That doesn't make any sense because there's a clean break between tune up and the last song, and the two are entirely distinct, but they are one track.
Oh well i guess i could stop complaining and split the track myself because otherwise this is a fine and finely balanced performance by miles and trane and those other guys"
Track Listings (5) - Disc #1