This release can be described as the cornerstone of Jazz music, Having sold over 20 million copies, It has gone on to Influence generations of musicians to come. Even to this day it is currently selling 5000 copies per week. It is nothing short of a masterpiece and these six tracks of brilliant improvisation will leave you in a better mood by the end of it. Through the modal sketches of Davis, this album takes you on a mysterious and beautiful Journey Into the world of jazz.
The word on the street is that Miles Davis only gave extremely brief instructions to he musicians as to what to play for each song. The way he went about recording this album marked a difference in his musical Journey. Basing the entire album on modality rather than chord changes, he simply gave them a modal sketch of each song and the rest was left up to their own improvisational skill skill. The beauty of this album Is that It Is based on pure spontaneity of each artist. There Is a beautiful and distinct voice expressed through each Instrument.
It Is a rare thing to bring together a string of such unique and talented artists. But when it happens- meeting that cannot be described with words takes place- true music. In the studio with Davis were saxophone players John Coloration and Julian Dearly, the bassist Paul Chambers, plants Bill Evans and drummer Jimmy Cob, From Intricate yet delicate piano runs, to the smooth and slick improvisations of the trumpet, to the steady and foot thumping bass line and the unmistakable groove of the drums, each musician brought something exciting and different to this modal approach of Improvisation.
The final album was recorded In almost one take. Somebody once told me that a true musician makes what is difficult to seem very impel. In such a case as ‘Kind of Blue’ this is what I would call an accurate statement. Because of the musical genius behind this album, it Is something that would be at home in the CD collection of anybody- not just the dedicated fans of jazz. The music flows with such an accessible ease and is enjoyable for any ear. At the same time however, it is also beyond satisfying for the passionate musician to analyses.
It can definitely be appreciated by those who are not dedicated jazz fans. If you are looking to get Into Jazz music, I would say this album Is the best place In which to begin. The first song on the album is the famous ‘So What’. This could be considered the staple of Males Davis. Everyone knows It, and everybody loves it. A dark and mysterious piano sequence starts the song and is soon Joined by the catchy bass line that is the core of the whole tune.
After 9 minutes of mind blowing improvisation satisfaction. Following is ‘Freddie Freeloader’ a song with clear inspiration from the blues, with up-tempo blues piano riffs in a 12 bar blues form that are then replaced with the unpredictable improvisations of Miles Davis on the trumpet. His harmonistic ‘muted’ tone is unforgettable. Next comes ‘Blue in Green’. The romantic piano intro is definitely a change of mood from the first two tracks. It is the shortest song on the album.