George Coleman, Mike Stern, Ron Carter, Jimmy Cobb: 4 Generations Of Miles (2002)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: October 1, 2002

George Coleman, Mike Stern, Ron Carter, Jimmy Cobb: 4 Generations Of Miles

George Coleman’s muscular tone and passionate manner exemplify the core of Miles Davis’ art. Along with Mike Stern, Ron Carter and Jimmy Cobb, the tenor saxophonist performed a tribute to Davis earlier this year, on May 12th. Their approach is straight-ahead and right down the middle. It’s a comfortable fit. One look at the song listing and you know right away what this is all about. These are the songs Davis played, and here they’re interpreted the way Davis believed in living this music. The four artists are a team. They share Davis’ message. Cobb, 73, worked with the trumpeter from 1958 to 1962. Coleman, 67, worked with Davis in 1962 and again from 1963 to 1965. Carter, 65, joined the trumpeter in 1963 and stayed on for five years. Stern, 49, had started out with Blood, Sweat & Tears. His tenure with Davis began in 1981 and extended for two years. Their working experience with Miles Davis appears to have been instrumental in guiding the direction each has taken since then.

Track Listing: There is No Greater Love; All Blues; On Green Dolphin Street; Blue In Green; 81; Freddie Freeloader; My Funny Valentine; If I Were a Bell; Oleo.

Personnel: George Coleman- tenor saxophone; Mike Stern- guitar; Ron Carter- bass; Jimmy Cobb- drums.

Record Label: Chesky Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream