Ian checks out “On Green Dolphin Street” – Miles Davis

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It is not often that a musician achieves a coherency so complete with their bandmates that one feels as though they are listening to a single voice.

However the masterful Miles Davis manages to do so on his 1958 recording of the Bronislau Kaper classic “On Green Dolphin Street”, initially released on the album 1958 Miles and then later reissued in 1991 as ’58 Sessions Featuring Stella by Starlight.

The recording of this track took place on May 26, 1958, at Columbia’s 30th Street Studio in New York City and featured such prominent members of the jazz scene as Julian (Cannonball) Adderley, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Paul Chambers and Jimmy Cobb. Though the first recording to feature both Davis and Evans, the latter’s influence is evident and profound as the former’s solos have a softer, more melodic feel than on previous sessions.

The recording begins with Evans playing brilliant block chords that eventually start swinging when the rest of the sextet joins in. Though Davis’ solos are outstanding in part due to his Harmon mute, the most notable solos are those by Coltrane and Evans, each clearly developing the talents that make them the jazz giants they are.

The moderate tempo of the 1958 Miles Davis recording of “On Green Dolphin Street” does not detract from its haunting beauty but in fact helps make it the magnificent composition it is.

Ian’s bio

Age: 16
Role Model: Pauly D.
Subject: Music
Favourite Technology: Stereo systems
Favourite Website: Wikipedia
Favourite Movie: Apocalypse Now
Favourite Artist: Grateful Dead
Favourite TV Show: Kenny vs. Spenny

More by Ian:

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• Ian checks out “On Green Dolphin Street” – Miles Davis
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2 Comments

• Kids Media Centre engages kids in the technology conversation « Adobe Education Technologies November 30, 2011 at 9:34 am

  [...] of music and politics, among other things, in the 16 – 19 category. 16 year old Ian gives a very knowledgeable review of the Miles Davis album, On Green Dolphin [...]
• Kids Media Centre engages Kids in the Technology Conversation « Jim's home on the Web November 30, 2011 at 10:01 am

  [...] of music and politics, among other things, in the 16 – 19 category. 16 year old Ian gives a very knowledgeable review of the Miles Davis album, On Green Dolphin [...]