A Favorite!
Amato Evan | Corvallis, Or USA | 09/06/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is actually the second set of a concert on March 21, 1960. The album is the companion to what's listed (on Amazon) as "03/20/60" (which would be the first set of March 21, '60). People may consider getting the "Complete Stockholm" recordings, but this is the only set of cds that are actual recordings of the concert, in it's entirety, as if you were there. This is the way these old shows should be listened to, in the order played, not in the order some producer thinks you should hear them! As for the music, this is Miles at his peak, to me. If you like the older, more direct, incredibley inspirational Miles, this is the album for you. The quality of recording is supurb for it's age too. A must for any Miles fan that wants to collect some "live" performances."
One More for the Road
G B | Connecticut | 06/23/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"In the winter of 1960, Miles Davis convinced John Coltrane to come on tour with him to Europe. Coltrane was itching to leave and form his own group, but agreed while letting Miles know this was going to be the last time.Several recordings of that tour survive, including this one. Miles's repertoire at the time consisted mostly of standards, most of which his fans had heard on classic albums like Walkin', Relaxin' and 'Round About Midnight. Miles's playing couldn't have disappointed them; he takes more chances on the bandstand, but that spare lyricism is in full bloom. And the French audiences at this Olympia concert surely enjoyed the supremely groovin' and swingin' rhythm section of Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, and Jimmy Cobb.Their feelings on John Coltrane's playing can be determined from the mix of boos and cheers on "Bye Bye Blackbird". It's an incredible solo, long and convoluted, mixing in his lyricism with a high level of intensity and all sorts of avant-garde sounds that were still novel to many jazz fans -- even those familiar with Trane's playing on Milestones and Kind of Blue. (Not sure if Giant Steps was already out, but it wouldn't have offered much help either.) You can already hear Trane looking past "My Favorite Things" (which he would record seven months after this concert) to the tour-de-force explorations of "Chasing the Trane" and "Impressions" at the Village Vanguard. His playing on "Walkin'" is equally electrifying.This release will appeal to all sorts of people. There isn't much of the structural experimentation of the 1964 and 1965 recordings, but those looking for something edgy will love Coltrane's playing. Those who love 50s Miles will find a lot to love as well -- Miles's playing and the swinging rhythm section."
Track Listings (5) - Disc #1