Miles Davis: Jazz At The Plaza

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: February 1, 2001

From a live 1958 session at the Persian Room of New York’s swanky Plaza Hotel, this reissue reminds us that Miles Davis’ sextet was one of the greatest in jazz. Originally issued in 1973, the LP contained liner note errors regarding time and place of performance as well as one incorrect song title and one incorrect personnel listing. Those errors have been corrected. The CD repackaging includes both the original liner notes and updated comments from Bob Blumenthal.

Bill Evans, Cannonball Adderley and John Coltrane provided impressive solo work at the session. Davis led his ensemble through some of the best improvisation jazz has ever seen. It makes you wonder. Which band was better: the earlier Miles Davis Quintet or his sextet? Which year do we hold most dear: 1957 or 1958?

”My Funny Valentine” slows the tempo some and makes room for sensitive soloing, particularly from Evans. Davis improvises a muted solo that had to come from his gut. Quite unlike Chet Baker, Davis would exude from-the-soul emotion and deliver a fresh interpretation every time. The songs average ten minutes, allowing plenty of solo time from this all-star edition of the Miles Davis Sextet. Every reminiscing trip through the Davis archives is a pleasant one.

Track Listing: If I Were a Bell; Oleo; My Funny Valentine; Straight, No Chaser.

Personnel: Miles Davis- trumpet; Cannonball Adderley- alto saxophone; John Coltrane- tenor saxophone; Bill Evans- piano; Paul Chambers- bass; Jimmy Cobb- drums.

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