56. Kind of Blue

Kind of Blue by Miles Davis
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

I had the wonderful opportunity last night to attend a jazz concert featuring Grace Holden, the daughter of the legendary Oscar Holden. It was a truly heartwarming and polished performance by a seasoned pro who really knew how to express herself.

So in the spirit of jazz, here's one of the top jazz albums of all time. "So What" is casual, classy, and the music has a conversation. The horns answer the piano and the piano answers the bass. You can visualize New York. You can hear the urban fluidity in the music.

"Freddie Freeloader" has a piano that talks and dances playfully giving way to the trumpet, which in turn gives way to the sax. This interchanging between instruments taking the lead from one another is the dialogue. In the meantime, the bass and light drum work keeps a consistent rhythmic line. There's attitude coupled with a spontaneity that makes the music the kind you just want to lay back and close your eyes to for a good listen.

"Blue in Green" is a lovely piece as it takes a slower pace into a moodier, cooler zone. The horns and accompanying piano dance together to make a classic, elegant sound that makes me feel reflective and quiet. It's very relaxing to listen to.

I love the opening to "All Blues." Its busy and agitated piano work along with the pendulous horns create a sense of something like a question. I like the way the notes stretch and challenge the listener by taking half steps up the scale from time to time.

The album is tied off with "Flamenco Sketches", which is like a smooth caress of music. Modern and timeless, the song evokes a warm evening just at dusk.

I know this is a different kind of album compared to the many I've already added to this blog, but it's an enjoyable listen when you just want to kick back and relax a while.



Track listing:

1. So What
2. Freddie Freeloader
3. Blue in Green
4. All Blues
5. Flamenco Sketches

Reissue bonus track:
6. Flamenco Sketches (Alternate take)

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Who is Miles Davis?