Greatest Jazz masterpieces

darkshade wrote: I've been really diggin' The Birth of the Cool, I got a remaster or it from Best Buy for 5 bucks. I think Miles got it right with that album, 10 years before Kind of Blue. Amazing music, I don't even think about the fact that it was recorded so long ago in 1949, timeless music.

darkshade wrote: I've been really diggin' The Birth of the Cool, I got a remaster or it from Best Buy for 5 bucks. I think Miles got it right with that album, 10 years before Kind of Blue. Amazing music, I don't even think about the fact that it was recorded so long ago in 1949, timeless music.

I have the same feeling about Birth of the Cool,  really does foreshadow Kind of Blue. Gil Evans is all over this music too, Miles Ahead and Porgy & Bess in particular remind me of Birth of the Cool.

It is interesting to consider in hind sight, that this album in its entirety minus the Kenny Hagood sung "Darn That Dream", was not released until 1957, Miles was already a star within jazz, about ready to become a household name. Much of what happens to Miles during that 48-50 period shapes everything that happens the next 10 years.

Think of the music that was released to the general public from 1956 1961,  The 4 Gil Evans collaborations, including Birth of the Cool, Kind of Blue, Milestones, The Soundtrack "Lift to the Scaffold "speaking of noir", then the 1956 sessions for Prestige to close out that contract, Cookin', Workin' Relaxin' and Steamin' all released during this period. No wonder Miles became a household name.

This also gives some insight why Miles was criticized so much by the sacred cow establishment critic at the time of the electric period.  They couldn't reconcile the genius of Birth of the Cool and the rest with rock and funk. Ironically that music today, is more important, and to the forefront for today contemporary artists.

On the Corner and Get up with It are all over the music landscape today. those albums were not loved in there day. just like Birth of the Cool wasn't for 7 years after its recording.




 

"Birth of the Cool" is a favorite for me too. Music that will always sound modern, in any era.

Yea, Miles albums like Birth of the Cool, Kind of Blue, and Miles Ahead have been my favorite Miles albums lately.

And welcome back darkprinceofjazz