Miles Davis And The Modern Jazz Giants

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ALBUM INFORMATION

Total Tracks: 5   Total Length: 42:10

eMusic Review

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Harvey Pekar

eMusic Contributor

04.22.11
A vital collaboration of jazz giants
2001 | Label: Fantasy / Prestige

The remainedr of the brilliant 1954 session documented on Bag's Groove can be found here. This is not only an outstanding group as regards personnel, but a very cohesive one: Percy Heath, Kenny Clarke and Thelonious Monk mesh beautifully in the rhythm section, although not everyone dug Monk's dissonant comping — including Miles, who asked him to lay out behind him at one point. Vibes player Milt Jackson, on the other hand, is completely unfazed by Monk's comping, and works beautifully with him. Miles plays gorgeous solos on two takes of "The Man I Love," improvising with a majesty that's reminiscent of one of his early influences, Freddy Webster. And check out Miles 'composition "Swing Spring," perhaps his first modal piece.

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WRONG COVER SHOWN ...?

Derek

The lady maybe praying but she ain't supposed to be there. Methinks the cover is wrong ...?

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Monkeying Around

mcmrogers

I always thought that Miles had Monk lay out because he couldn't play over his "weird" chords voicings. Maybe, Maybe not, but a good story nontheless.

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amazed every time I hear it

ccsdds

synergy at work. bags, monk, miles; says it all.

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space in the music

anothermuso

Recorded on christmas eve in 1954, with Milt Jackson, Thelonious Monk, Percy Heath and Kenny Clark. At the time Miles was just starting to explore the concept of "space breathing through the music", by having the piano lay out when he played and the rhythm section stroll. A landmark album for Miles

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They Say All Media Guide

Including sessions recorded the same day as those on Bags Groove, this album includes more classic performances from the date that matched together trumpeter Miles Davis, vibraphonist Milt Jackson, pianist Thelonious Monk, bassist Percy Heath, and drummer Kenny Clarke. Davis and Monk actually did not get along all that well, and the trumpeter did not want Monk playing behind his solos. Still, a great deal of brilliant music occurred on the day of their encounter, including “The Man I Love,” “Bemsha Swing,” and “Swing Spring.” – Scott Yanow

Activity

  • 02.10.12 Answer: 1957 (Question: What year was the studio album "Miles Ahead" released?)
  • 02.10.12 Trivia: What year was the studio album "Miles Ahead" released?
  • 02.08.12 Did you know the album You're Under Arrest debuted two ballads that would be staples of Miles’ performances for... http://t.co/YnNlm3Aa
  • 02.06.12 "Do not fear mistakes. There are none." - Miles Davis
  • 02.03.12 Answer: New York's Central Park Music Festival (Question: Miles Davis played his very last gig at what park in NYC?)
  • 02.03.12 Trivia: Miles Davis played his very last gig at what park in NYC?
  • 02.01.12 Did you know: A historic set at the 1955 Newport Jazz Festival resulted in George Avakian signing Miles Davis to Columbia Records.
  • 01.30.12 "Don't play what's there, play what's not there." -Miles Davis
  • 01.30.12 Have you seen the Miles Davis Forever Postage Stamp? Click below to read The New York Times' report on the... http://t.co/LXynYi1N
  • 01.27.12 Answer: Bitches Brew! (Question: What breakthrough double LP landed Miles Davis on Rolling Stone Magazine?)
  • 01.27.12 Trivia: What breakthrough double LP landed Miles Davis on Rolling Stone Magazine?
  • 01.26.12 U.S. Postal Service and France's La Poste To Honor Miles Davis on Forever Stamps in June! http://t.co/YUEbJ2Gg
  • 01.25.12 Did you know? Miles Davis was given his first trumpet at the age of 13.
  • 01.23.12 "I know what I've done for music, but don't call me a legend. Just call me Miles Davis." - Miles Davis
  • 01.20.12 Answer: John Coltrane, Red Garland, Paul Chambers, and Philly Joe Jones! (Question: After signing to Columbia... http://t.co/5yZFL1D6
  • 01.20.12 Trivia Time: After signing to Columbia Records, Davis formed his so-called “first great quintet,” featuring what other jazz artists?
  • 01.19.12 Miles Davis' Live In Europe Bootleg Vol. 1 and Bitches Brew Collector's Edition Top Critic Lists! Click below for... http://t.co/UNJK7Pb3
  • 01.18.12 "The thing to judge in any jazz artist is, does the man project and does he have ideas." -Miles Davis
  • 01.17.12 Miles fans, today only and while supplies last Pop Market Music is offering "Seven Steps: The Complete Columbia... http://t.co/O1SdyIZ1
  • 01.16.12 What is your favorite live Miles Davis album and why?