Miles Davis: All Blues

Miles Davis recorded many classic performances during his long career, but this ranks among the most beloved and best known of his works. Bill Evans sets the tone with a 6/8 vamp which provides both a hook for the listener and a spur for the soloists. I could tell you that Miles never had a better band . . . but, honestly, the real issue here is whether anyone ever brought a finer combo into a studio. And unlike most all-star dates, Kind of Blue contains no grandstanding or attempts at one-upmanship. Miles, Trane, Cannonball and the rhythm section all assert their individual personalities, but in a way that stays true to the mood of the music. This is not just a song, but a musical vision, perfectly realized and set down for the ages.