Requisites

My Funny Valentine ~ Miles Davis In Concert | By Eddie Carter

Miles Davis opens this morning’s discussion with a concert promoting a worthy cause. On February 12, 1964, his quintet of George Coleman on tenor sax, Herbie Hancock on piano, Ron Carter on bass, and Tony Williams on drums played a benefit performance for the registration of black voters at Lincoln Center’s Philharmonic Hall. The concert was sponsored by the NAACP Defense Fund, the Congress for Racial Equality, and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, resulting in two albums, ‘Four’ & More (1966) and My Funny Valentine (Columbia CL 2306/CS 9106), released in 1965. Their performance broke several records for a benefit concert with ticket prices reaching $25 and $50, resulting in Standing Room Only. It also emphasized Miles’ solidarity with these organizations and the people fighting racism in the south. My copy used in this report is the 2016 Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab Stereo audiophile reissue (MFSL 1-431).

My Funny Valentine by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart opens Side One with a gentle introduction by Herbie. Davis states a delicate melody and paints an unforgettable haunting portrait on the lead solo. Miles later attributed his sound during their performance to reflecting his deeply personal reaction to President Kennedy’s death the previous November. George gives a nostalgic, reflective reading next. Herbie turns in an alluringly gentle statement. Ron and Tony provide an exquisite foundation into Miles’ profoundly moving ending. The quintet moves to mid-tempo for All of You by Cole Porter. Davis opens the melody and first solo with a deliciously inventive performance. Coleman sails into a blissfully, soulful groove. Hancock gets a momentary spotlight, and Miles concludes with a few final verses preceding a subtle finale receiving appreciative applause from the audience.

Side Two starts with Stella By Starlight by Victor Young and Ned Washington, one of the most beautiful standards in jazz. Herbie opens with a lovingly picturesque introduction. Miles, Ron, and the ensemble soar briefly on the melody, then the leader goes first, showing expressive beauty. George executes the next reading thoughtfully and Herbie follows with a touching performance. Miles ends with a tender display of romantic lyricism into a lovely climax. The lone up-tempo tune is Miles’ All Blues from Kind of Blue (1959). With a rapid snap of the leader’s fingers, Carter and Hancock start a scintillating introduction. Then comes Coleman, Williams, and Davis who starts the muted melody calmly then attacks ferociously on the opening statement with the mute off. Hancock builds the next reading into an energetic climax. Coleman takes the last solo for a brisk workout before the front line’s vigorous reprise and exit.

Miles and the trio open I Thought About You by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Mercer with a graceful theme. The leader then moves to mid-tempo for a gorgeous opening statement. George responds with a stunning solo, then Herbie performs with heartfelt sincerity. Ron comes in next with a wealth of ideas, and Miles returns with warm sweet sounds on the closing chorus, ending one of his most outstanding performances. The sound quality of this MOFI reissue is superb with an extraordinary soundstage and incredible definition.  If you’re a fan of jazz trumpet or only know of the fusion or contemporary albums by Miles Davis, I offer for your consideration, My Funny Valentine. It’s an hour of absolute perfection that belongs in every library and transports you back in time to enjoy a definitive performance with each listen!

~ ‘Four’ & More (Columbia CL 2453/CS 9253), Kind of Blue (Columbia CL 1355/CS 8163) – Source: Discogs.com

~ My Funny Valentine, All of You, Stella By Starlight, All Blues, I Thought About You – Source: JazzStandards.com
© 2021 by Edward Thomas Carter

More Posts: ,,,,,,,

© Notorious Jazz 2024