[May 5th, 1959 was the release date for Miles Davis' seminal album Kind of Blue. We've scoured the "5" vaults and are reposting our review here for all of you that may have missed it the first time. And, no, smart ass, we didn't write it in '59. -KJ]
MILES DAVIS Kind Of Blue (Sony-1959)
A landmark record which we happen to love more and more with the steady passage of time, what can we say about Kind Of Blue that hasn’t been already said a million times and rightfully so? Absolutely nothing. But we’ll say it anyway: A work of pure genius that is cerebral yet accessible; largely improvised but played in a very cohesive manner by a stellar lineup of jazz greats in their prime; loved by neophytes and jazz scholars alike. Kind Of Blue is arguably—actually, the dissenters number as many as the dodo bird—the greatest of all jazz albums. Adding to its stature is the fact that half a century after its original release it sells at a rate of 5,000 copies a week, making it the biggest selling jazz album of all time. (No, Virginia: Kenny G is not fuckin’ jazz!!)
So, to summarize, what is it about this almost 50 year-old album that still captures our hearts after uncounted repeated listenings?
Is it that:
a) as musicians we can appreciate the artistry of Miles and the cast of heavyweights on it (including John Coltrane and Bill Evans)?
b) as music fans it speaks to us so profoundly?
c) its presence brings an added reflective quality to any situation: from conversation to romance to bliss?
d) perhaps, all of the above?
Answer: d), silly.
