Requisites

Relaxin’ With The Miles Davis Quintet | By Eddie Carter

It took only two days in 1956 for The Miles Davis Quintet to record four incredible jazz albums that have not only stood the test of time but are considered by many to be perfect examples of Hard-Bop at its best. All four LP’s the ensemble recorded completed Davis’ contractual obligation to Prestige before moving on to Columbia Records where he would make some of the most important music over the next thirty years. The albums are Cookin’, (1957), Workin’ (1959), Steamin’ (1961), and this morning’s title submitted for your approval, Relaxin’ With The Miles Davis Quintet (Prestige PRLP-7129), released in 1958. The personnel is Miles on muted trumpet (tracks: A1 to A3, B1, B2), trumpet (track: B3); John Coltrane on tenor sax; Red Garland on piano; Paul Chambers on bass and Philly Joe Jones on drums. The copy used in this report is the 2013 Mono audiophile reissue (APRJ 7129) by Analogue Productions.

The album opens with If I Were a Bell composed by Frank Loesser from the 1950 Broadway musical Guys and Dolls. It became a jazz standard after Miles’ rendition on Relaxin’ and would become a signature song during the quintet’s live performances. The trumpeter comments the band, then several snaps of his fingers bring the tune to life. The quintet begins the medium melody with Miles leading on the muted horn, then continuing on the first solo cruising along at an easy speed. John steps in next for some smooth sailing and Red ends with an exciting performance that swings masterfully ahead of the leader’s closing chorus into the subtle summation.

You’re My Everything is by Harry Warren, Mort Dixon, and Joe Young. This song debuted in the 1931 Broadway show, The Laugh Parade and after two false starts, the quintet opens with a delicately tender intro and melody by Davis moving into an exceptionally gentle presentation showing off Miles’ sentimental side. Coltrane follows, executing his thoughts intimately with refined grace secured by the tasteful richness of the trio into a pensive ending by the leader.

The tempo moves upward for I Could Write A Book by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. This show tune comes from the 1940 Broadway musical Pal Joey.  The trio makes a brief introduction before the quintet delivers the medium-fast melody collectively. Miles takes off on the lead solo with some fast blowing that sets the tone. John attacks the next reading with formidable energy and Red climaxes the performances with exhilarating agility before Davis’ theme reprise ends abruptly.

Sonny Rollins’ Oleo was written in 1954 and first recorded on the album, Miles Davis With Sonny Rollins. This jazz classic is one of Rollins’ most recorded compositions and the title comes from the butter substitute, Oleomargarine that was first made in France in 1869.

Side Two begins with two false starts and some studio small talk leading to the leader’s quick intro and fast-paced theme treatment with Trane finishing the melody. Miles rips into the lead solo with an expedient performance. John soars high into the sky on the second solo and Red provides a speedy resolution of the interpretations with sprightly notes ahead of the quintet’s reprise and brisk ending. Paul and Philly provide the propulsive power behind each soloist on Oleo, inspiring them to the next plateau.

Up next is the 1943 popular song, It Could Happen To You by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke. This standard has been a favorite for musicians and vocalists for over seventy years. Jo Stafford made the first recording with The Paul Weston Orchestra. The group eases the throttle back for this rendition with Miles establishing the relaxing midtempo framework for the group on the melody.  He then goes to work with a sweet-toned delivery that’s pitch-perfect. John follows with a compelling statement as cool as the other side of the pillow and Red delivers a very happy melodic interpretation showing great interaction with Paul and Philly into the quiet coda.

The 1943 jazz standard, Woody‘n You aka Woody ‘n’ You by Dizzy Gillespie was written for bandleader and clarinetist Woody Herman ends the album at an uptempo beat. The song starts with a brief introduction by Garland ahead of the quintet’s lively theme. Miles fuels the lead solo with plenty of fire from his open horn, then Trane delivers an aggressively energized performance of strength and virility. The final statement of the album is split between Miles and Philly who deliver passionate phrases flowing into the reprise and soft fade into emptiness followed by a few final words by Miles.

Relaxin’ With The Miles Davis Quintet is part of Analogue Productions’ Prestige Mono Series and the sound quality is crystal clear demonstration class, and spectacular. The mastering is by Kevin Gray of Cohearent Audio and was cut from Rudy’s original analog masters using two-hundred-gram Virgin Vinyl, pressed by QRP (Quality Record Pressings) and features a deluxe high-gloss laminated album cover. The record is very quiet until the music starts, and what’s great about listening to this reissue are the false starts, and Miles’ comments while talking to Rudy. Their brief conversations transport the listener into the studio, making them part of the event. On a good mid-fi or high-end audio system, the tonal balance between the highs, midrange, and the low end will stand out. There’s inspired playing from each member of the group on every track and Relaxin’ With The Miles Davis Quintet is a great album of standards.  It’s also a perfect choice to sit back, listen, and enjoy any time of the day, evening, or night!

~ Cookin’ With The Miles Davis Quintet (Prestige PRLP 7094); It Could Happen To You (Capitol Records 158); Miles Davis With Sonny Rollins (Prestige PRLP 187); Steamin’ With The Miles Davis Quintet (Prestige PRLP 7200/PRST 7580); Workin’ With The Miles Davis Quintet (Prestige PRLP 7166/PRST 7166) – Source: Discogs.com

~ Oleo, It Could Happen To You, Woody’n You – Source: JazzStandards.com

~ If I Were A Bell, You’re My Everything, I Could Write A Book, Oleomargarine – Source: Wikipedia.org

© 2020 by Edward Thomas Carter

More Posts: ,,,,,,,,

© Notorious Jazz 2024