Album Review: Miles Davis – ‘Cool & Collected’

By Jeff Swindoll Oct 13, 2006, 21:40 GMT

Miles Davis (1926-1991) would’ve been 80 this year. March 13, 2006 saw him posthumously induced into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. To celebrate, Columbia has collected some of Davis’ recordings onto this album.

Miles Davis was a true innovator in the world of jazz. It’s said that he was responsible for making jazz cool and he’s been called the one of the most important figures in jazz history.  Not only was he a jazz legend, but also to some he was a cultural icon and known to people who didn’t know jazz from a hole in the ground.  Davis was always a fan of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.

His father sent him to Julliard music school, but when he had the opportunity to play with Charlie “Bird” Parker, he dropped out and hit the road.  He would tour with the Bird for 2 years and get his musical education the hard way, but at the side of a master.  Davis went on to join with a group of musicians and develop a relaxed style that would lead to the classic ‘Birth of Cool’ album. 

‘Cool & Collected’ is the instant Davis collection for the casual fan.  It gathers 12 tracks from various albums across his expansive career.  They include “Summertime” (from the album Porgy and Bess), “Stella by Starlight,” “Round Midnight,” and “Time after Time.”

Not only does the album cover Davis’ past, but it also includes collaboration from beyond the grave.  The 13th track was remixed in 2006 from a 1969 Columbia recording that Davis did on the ‘In a Silent Way’ album.  This track features Carlos Santana on guitar.  If you’re a casual fan, this album offers you the instant Miles Davis collection plus one new track. 

The consummate Davis fan most likely already has the albums that these tracks come from.  They’ll have to decide whether it’s worth the expense to purchase it for the 13th track.  Whatever the case, Miles Davis is one cool cat that knew how to play trumpet and lay down some fabulous music.  I’m one casual fan that’s happy to hear these selections from his lengthy repertoire.  Good music Miles.

‘Cool & Collected’ is now available at Amazon. Visit the music database for more information and a complete track listing.