Search - Miles Davis :: My Funny Valentine: Miles Davis in Concert

Just Shimmers With Beauty. This One is Magical.

Talking Wall | Queen Creek, AZ | 10/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the very first chord that 23 year-old Herbie Hancock plays the listener realizes that they've popped something very special (dare I say magical?) into the CD player. I am a huge fan of Miles's electric period but lately I've been collecting the earlier releases. I wasn't sure what to expect from this, I picked it up along with its sister release "Four and More" that was recorded during the same concert.



Surely this release was inspirational to Manfred Eicher who founded the ECM record label, known for its extraordinary sound production. "My Funny Valentine" sounds as though it could have been produced for that label, in fact, I'm very much reminded of Kenny Wheeler's 1975 release "Gnu High" (that featured x-Miles sidemen Jarrett, DeJohnette, and Holland). After listening to this I can understand why Miles's earlier fans were so upset with Bitches Brew - it hasn't changed my mind about the brilliance of Miles's electric music but this release is a testament to his ability to create great music in any genre (except maybe polka music).



I don't think I can add much more to what anyone else has said in the other reviews other than it is clear that on this disc and on "Four and More" that these musicians were playing and communicating on a level that is a rare achievement, thank God the tapes were rolling that night in February 1964! All of the players far exceed their usual brilliance. In particular I want to point out Herbie's playing on this release. I've always been aware of Herbie Hancocks abilities and brilliance, but his incredibly sensitive touch on those keys is almost overwhelmingly beautiful in places.



Not sure why everyone equates Miles's second great quintet with the addition of Shorter to the Carter-Williams-Hancock group. In my mind the second great quintet started with this band that included Coleman.



It's all good folks. I can't fathom why anyone who in musically knowlegeable would give this release less than 5 stars. Buy this along with its sister release "Four and More" You will not be disappointed!

"

A Valentine For The Ages

David Conklin | Albuquerque, NM USA | 04/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a splendid live recording, and probably one of my favorite Miles Davis CDs (I own about 30). The original recording at Lincoln Center was obviously of very good audio quality. The 1992 CD version--COMPLETE CONCERT 1964--sounded quite good. This remastered edition, which represents half the concert (disc 1 from the original set, which I prefer over disc 2) sounds even better, with more detail. Two other improvements in this new edition: 1) it starts right off with music, rather than the lengthy (1:40) Introductions by Mort Fega; 2) the liner notes include a nice new essay about the concert by bassist Ron Carter. If you haven't heard this music before, note that Miles is in very good form, George Coleman provides what's probably some of the best recorded work of his career, and Hancock, Carter, and Williams are, well......not too shabby. A most elegant performance.

"

The underrated george coleman

Case Quarter | CT USA | 11/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"certainly one of my favorites, miles or any other recording. each song is a stellar performance. particularly the playing of george coleman; based on this recording, coleman remains one of my favorite tenors, whether it's the setting, the selections, or inspiration of the moment, i accept his masterful performance without question."