Record Reviews

MILES DAVIS ~ IN PERSON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHTS AT THE BLACKHAWK, COMPLETE COLUMBIA 87106 ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded live on April 21-22, 1961, this superb Box Set presents the Miles Davis Quintet performing at the San Francisco’s Blackhawk club. Miles has just lost John Coltrane as a member of his (so-called) first great Quintet, which lasted for almost five years. Coltrane’s replacement, saxophonist Hank Mobley, faced an almost impossible task of filling the shoes of the departed Giant, but as these recording prove beyond any doubt, he was up to the challenge and ready and with the brilliant rhythm section consisting of Wynton Kelly on piano, Paul Chambers on bass and Jimmy Cobb on drums this particular Quintet turned out to be one of the most intense, hard-swinging and brilliant ensembles ever led by Miles. Although short-lived, it is documented on this momentous recording for posterity. When presented with great music the best thing a producer can do is to start the tape rolling and keep it rolling. This is exactly what this recording is all about – a complete record of the music as it happened during those two nights, no fiddling around, no editing, no splicing – 100 % proof great Jazz. The entire ensemble delivers an unbelievable explosion of attack and bravado, Miles plays some of his best solos ever, Mobley counter-attacks with ferocious, yet highly melodic improvisations of his own and the ever-so-elegant Kelly mixes his romantic harmonies and intense vamping behind the horns. Chambers and Cobb provide the rock solid, yet highly imaginative pulsation driving the entire ensemble like a chronometer and managing the intricate rhythm changes with precision and elegance. This is Jazz at its best – ass kicking and inspired. Thank God for the invention of the tape recorder – as I was 10 years old when this magnificent music was recorded, I would have solemnly missed this music if it was lost forever – now I can enjoy it as if it’s happening right now. In the 45 years since this music was recorded, it lost absolutely nothing of its aesthetic and intellectual value; en contraire it sounds so much better when compared to the endless oceans of musical boredom surrounding us in the form of (most) contemporary musical feeble-mindedness. Absolutely essential food for the mind and soul.

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 4 Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend