Birth of the Cool

Birth of the Cool

Birth of the Cool

ASIN: B000005HF9

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
The first important leader date from one of jazz's most seminal figures and farsighted practitioners. Having made his reputation in large measure from playing with bop giant Charlie Parker, Davis confounded expectations when he embraced the "cool" arranging style of Gil Evans, an arranger for Claude Thornhill's band. Evans, who was employing unique voicings by adding French horns and tuba to Thornhill's instrumentations, also emphasized a diminished use of vibrato in both reeds and brass, producing a drier, "cool" sound. Two of Evans's arrangements, "Boplicity" and "Moon Dreams," appear on the album. Also involved are baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan, who contributed such outstanding tunes as "Jeru" and "Venus de Milo," and Modern Jazz Quartet pianist John Lewis. The result is a date that has withstood the tests of time, fashion, and Davis's own extraordinary growth as a performer.

An enhanced set, The Complete Birth of the Cool features previously bootlegged live recordings of the nonet at the Royal Roost in New York in 1948. Although the sound quality is far from perfect, the performances are remarkable, and worth the additional expense for the serious fan. --Fred Goodman

Amazon.com
Birth of the Cool is the first important leader date from Miles Davis, one of jazz's most seminal figures and farsighted practitioners. Having made his reputation in large measure from playing with bop giant Charlie Parker, Davis confounded expectations when he embraced the "cool" arranging style of Gil Evans, an arranger for Claude Thornhill's band. Evans, who was employing unique voicings by adding French horns and tuba to Thornhill's instrumentations, also emphasized a diminished use of vibrato in both reeds and brass, producing a drier, "cool" sound. Two of Evans's arrangements, "Boplicity" and "Moon Dreams," appear on the album. Also involved are baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan, who contributed such outstanding tunes as "Jeru" and "Venus de Milo," and Modern Jazz Quartet pianist John Lewis. The result is a date that has withstood the tests of time, fashion, and Davis's own extraordinary growth as a performer. An enhanced set, The Complete Birth of the Cool, expands the original issue with previously bootlegged live recordings of Davis's nonet at the Royal Roost in New York in 1948. Although the sound quality is far from perfect, the performances are remarkable, and worth the additional expense for the serious fan. --Fred Goodman

Birth of the Cool,Miles Davis,Blue Note Records,Bop,Cool,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop,West Coast Jazz
Birth of the Cool
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Legendary Cool Jazz, One Awesome Debut!
  • birth of the cool school...
  • A must have for your collection
  • Good not Great
  • labor of love
 Birth of the Cool
Miles Davis
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
Cool JazzCool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
Blue Note RecordsBlue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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  1. Kind of Blue
  2. A Love Supreme
  3. Sketches of Spain
  4. 'Round About Midnight
  5. Mingus Ah Um

ASIN: B00005614M
Release Date: 2001-01-09

Tracks:

  1. Move
  2. Jeru
  3. Moon Dreams
  4. Venus De Milo
  5. Budo
  6. Deception
  7. Godchild
  8. Boplicity
  9. Rocker
  10. Israel
  11. Rouge
  12. Darn That Dream

Amazon.com essential recording

The first important leader date from one of jazz's most seminal figures and farsighted practitioners. Having made his reputation in large measure from playing with bop giant Charlie Parker, Davis confounded expectations when he embraced the "cool" arranging style of Gil Evans, an arranger for Claude Thornhill's band. Evans, who was employing unique voicings by adding French horns and tuba to Thornhill's instrumentations, also emphasized a diminished use of vibrato in both reeds and brass, producing a drier, "cool" sound. Two of Evans's arrangements, "Boplicity" and "Moon Dreams," appear on the album. Also involved are baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan, who contributed such outstanding tunes as "Jeru" and "Venus de Milo," and Modern Jazz Quartet pianist John Lewis. The result is a date that has withstood the tests of time, fashion, and Davis's own extraordinary growth as a performer.

An enhanced set, The Complete Birth of the Cool features previously bootlegged live recordings of the nonet at the Royal Roost in New York in 1948. Although the sound quality is far from perfect, the performances are remarkable, and worth the additional expense for the serious fan. --Fred Goodman

Amazon.com

Birth of the Cool is the first important leader date from Miles Davis, one of jazz's most seminal figures and farsighted practitioners. Having made his reputation in large measure from playing with bop giant Charlie Parker, Davis confounded expectations when he embraced the "cool" arranging style of Gil Evans, an arranger for Claude Thornhill's band. Evans, who was employing unique voicings by adding French horns and tuba to Thornhill's instrumentations, also emphasized a diminished use of vibrato in both reeds and brass, producing a drier, "cool" sound. Two of Evans's arrangements, "Boplicity" and "Moon Dreams," appear on the album. Also involved are baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan, who contributed such outstanding tunes as "Jeru" and "Venus de Milo," and Modern Jazz Quartet pianist John Lewis. The result is a date that has withstood the tests of time, fashion, and Davis's own extraordinary growth as a performer. An enhanced set, The Complete Birth of the Cool, expands the original issue with previously bootlegged live recordings of Davis's nonet at the Royal Roost in New York in 1948. Although the sound quality is far from perfect, the performances are remarkable, and worth the additional expense for the serious fan. --Fred Goodman

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Legendary Cool Jazz, One Awesome Debut!.......2007-06-27

The songs on The Birth of the Cool are like the ninja of old. They do what they need to, fast, and leave. But unlike ninja attacks, these songs (which include classics like "Jeru", "Venus de Milo" and "Boplicity") are not painful in the least. The arrangements are tight and the songs are melodic, slightly Hollywood-esque but quite beautiful and well-performed. The songs themselves are also quite brief, as I implied a few sentence back - nothing over five minutes, in fact. The nonet plays together quite well, complementing each other throughout. They all have the mellow sound down - the album kinda sounds alike, but with great songs like "Rogue", "Rocker" and "Israel" on hand, who can complain? Now the only song I don't really like is "Darn That Dream", which falls in my list of Ten Songs We've All Heard Too Many Times Before. As for the rest? Get it. Not before Kind of Blue, 'Round about Midnight or In a Silent Way, but still get it!

5 out of 5 stars birth of the cool school..........2007-06-20

can't go wrong with this Miles Davis recording in your collection. With arrangements by Gerry Mulligan, Gil Evans and John Lewis this is a compilation of 12 sides recorded by the Miles Davis nonet(nine musicians). This legendary recording is a jazz classic. The music moves away from bepop which tended to smaller groups of musicians and the music from this compilation led to the birth of the cool West Coast Sound of jazz though it originated on the East Coast. Beautiful arrangements and lively tunes. Gil Evans would meet with musicians in his apartment on the top of Chinese laundry and help compose the arrangements. The list of musicians on these recordings includes Miles Davis on trumpet, Gerry Mulligan on baritone sax, Lee Konitz alto sax, Max Roach on drums. A must for any jazz collection and jazz beginner. Gil Evans would later team with Miles on Porgy and Bess, Sketches of Spain.

3 out of 5 stars A must have for your collection.......2007-03-27

These recordings are a must have for an understanding of the shear evolution of jazz, but not the best.

3 out of 5 stars Good not Great.......2007-03-14

There a few good songs on the ablum but it isn't great

5 out of 5 stars labor of love.......2007-02-16

Having only recently jumped on the Jazz scene as a 24 year veteran of the drum, i don't know as if i am qualified to write a review for those into this boat, but i must say that as a neophyte, i am and will be for a long time to come, a Davis fan. And this, the birth of the cool is an album that i will treasure as one of my own. very smooth sounds, breathy on the horns and completely listenable, a must have for any burgeoning collection.
The Complete Birth of the Cool
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Jazz CD
  • I'd give it 6 stars if I could!!
  • Cool...Daddio
  • Darn That Dream
  • Great Landmark Classic in Jazz, greater w/bonus live tracks
 The Complete Birth of the Cool
Miles Davis
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
Cool JazzCool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
Blue Note RecordsBlue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B000006Q6B
Release Date: 1998-05-19

Tracks:

  1. Move
  2. Jeru
  3. Moon Dreams
  4. Venus De Milo
  5. Budo
  6. Deception
  7. Godchild
  8. Boplicity
  9. Rocker
  10. Israel
  11. Rouge
  12. Darn That Dream
  13. Birth Of The Cool Theme
  14. Symphony Sid Announces The Band
  15. Move
  16. Why Do I Love You
  17. Godchild
  18. Symphony Sid Introduction
  19. S'il Vous Plait
  20. Moon Dreams
  21. Budo (Hallucination)
  22. Darn That Dream
  23. Move
  24. Moon Dreams
  25. Budo (Hallucinations)

Amazon.com

Birth of the Cool is the first important leader date from Miles Davis, one of jazz's most seminal figures and farsighted practitioners. Having made his reputation in large measure from playing with bop giant Charlie Parker, Davis confounded expectations when he embraced the "cool" arranging style of Gil Evans, an arranger for Claude Thornhill's band. Evans, who was employing unique voicings by adding French horns and tuba to Thornhill's instrumentations, also emphasized a diminished use of vibrato in both reeds and brass, producing a drier, "cool" sound. Two of Evans's arrangements, "Boplicity" and "Moon Dreams," appear on the album. Also involved are baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan, who contributed such outstanding tunes as "Jeru" and "Venus de Milo," and Modern Jazz Quartet pianist John Lewis. The result is a date that has withstood the tests of time, fashion, and Davis's own extraordinary growth as a performer. An enhanced set, The Complete Birth of the Cool expands the original issue with previously bootlegged live recordings of Davis's nonet at the Royal Roost in New York in 1948. Although the sound quality is far from perfect, the performances are remarkable, and worth the additional expense for the serious fan. --Fred Goodman

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Jazz CD.......2006-11-17

I ordered this CD as a gift. The individual receiving it is a jazz fan and liked the album.

5 out of 5 stars I'd give it 6 stars if I could!!.......2006-02-15

This CD seems to have lots of reviews about Miles, the significance of the sessions, etc., so I won't repeat. Let me just say that this version (in contrast to the other version without the bonus material) is worth the price for the radio broadcasts alone! WAY COOL! I know they're supposed to be an extra bonus, but these are my favorite cuts from the CD.

Buy this CD now, or else!

5 out of 5 stars Cool...Daddio.......2005-03-08

This album is awesome and was the first solo album by Miles Davis(1926-1991). In 1948, Miles left bebop pianeer Charlie Parker to form his own style of jazz and along with Gil Evans(1912-1988) formed a famous nonet featuring the legedary drummer Max Roach. The album was recorded from 1949-1950 but since the jazz audience didn't really "get" this new form in a time when Bebop ruled the jazz clubs and, more importantly, the record sales, the album wasn't released by Capital Records until 1957, after Miles' famous performance at the 1955 Newport Jazz Festival and the release of his 5 classic "first great quintet" recordings(John Coltrane(1926-1967)-Tenor Sax, Red Garland-Piano, Paul Chambers-Bass, and "Philly" Joe Jones(1923-1985) on drums), 4 from Prestige Records-Workin', Steamin', Relaxin', and Cookin' w/ the Miles Davis Quintet, and one from Columbia, the classic 'Round About Midnight. This album is very important in the evolution of modern jazz and this version of the album is made even better with the very rare bootlegged live material from New York's Royal Roost in September, 1948. Unlike the vocal song recorded in 1962 released on the classic second great quintet album, Sorcerer(1967), the vocal on this album is actually sung very well by Kenny Hawgood, I believe, on the song "Darn that Dream." I recommend this album to newcomers and fans of Miles Davis alike, but to those who are just getting into the great world of jazz and consider this one too big a leap, may I suggest the great jazz/fusion trio of recordings(In a Silent Way, Bitches Brew, and Tribute to Jack Johnson) or the second great quintet(Wayne Shorter-tenor sax, Herbie Hancock-piano, Ron Carter-bass, and the late Great Tony Williams(1945-1997) on drums) or if you want the tried and true sextet classic, go straight to the 1959 jazz landmark, Kind of Blue.

5 out of 5 stars Darn That Dream.......2004-12-28

I'm in total agreement with Robert Kornfeld, Jr., another reviewer of this work, who, like me has listened to this music for a "couple of decades." If it is not obvious from all of the reviews, this collection defines the genre. Selections of this album were even considered for that all time classic "Tyrants From An Other World," but were not included due to production expenses. Time sure flies when you're having fun, ay' Bob?

5 out of 5 stars Great Landmark Classic in Jazz, greater w/bonus live tracks.......2004-09-07

Ahh, Birth of the Cool has just gotten a facelift. There are extra live tracks on it which gives it a great perspective and gives you insight on the 2 dimensions of the Miles Davis Nonet, live and in the studio. This is one of Miles Davis' greatest and most influential recordings and started modern jazz as we know it and was very new for that time since the only type of jazz then was swing and hard bebop. This is definately an essential Miles Davis album This gem is pretty much the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band for jazz and most of it still sounds fresh today because it certainly is in most jazz reportoirs. 'Nuff said.
The Birth of the Third Stream
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		The Birth of the Third Stream
    Various Artists
    Manufacturer: Sony
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B000002ADQ
    Release Date: 1996-08-27

    Tracks:

    1. Three Little Feelings
    2. Poem For Brass
    3. All About Rosie
    4. Revelations (First Movement)
    5. Suspensions
    6. Symphony For Brass And Percussion
    7. Transformation
    8. Pharaoh
    Birth of Cool Funk Vintage Jams
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Birth of Cool Funk Vintage Jams
      Various Artists
      Manufacturer: Delta
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      ASIN: B000009OOQ
      Release Date: 1998-07-21

      Tracks:

      1. Love Me Right - Jimmy Ponder
      2. Kilimanjaro Cookout - O'Donel Levy
      3. Sizzle Stick - Lonnie Smith
      4. The Bird - Jimmy McGriff
      5. Mr. Mumbles - Joe Thomas
      6. In The Shadows - Bob Berg
      7. Red Onions - Richard 'Groove' Holmes
      8. Sweet Sister Funk - Ramon Morris
      9. Splatch (Live) - Miles Davis
      10. 900 Shares Of The Blues - Mike Longo
      11. Let Me Be The One - Joe Thomas

      Tracks:

      1. Tapioca - Jimmy McGriff
      2. Bad Bad Simba - O'Donel Levy
      3. Caught You Lying Again - Joe Thomas
      4. Walk A Soul Mile - Johnny Lytle
      5. First Come, First Served - Ramon Morris
      6. Turn - Jimy Ponder
      7. Company B - Bob Berg
      8. Wayne's Tune (Live) - Miles Davis
      9. When The Night Is Right - Lonnie Smith
      10. Ain't It Funky Now - Jimmy McGriff
      11. Snowblower - B. Baker

      Tracks:

      1. Like A Thief In The Night - Mike Longo
      2. It Feels So Nice - Jimmy McGriff
      3. Lean Meat - Lonnie Smith
      4. The Big Browl - Jimmy Smith
      5. Thank You (Fall Etin Me Be Mice Elf Agin) - Joe Thomas
      6. Theme From Shaft - Jimmy McGriff
      7. Swamp Carol - Jeremy Steig
      8. The Sweet Life - Reuben Wilson
      9. Everything I Do Gonna Be Funky - O'Donel Levy
      10. Nice - Groove Merchants
      11. Tutu (Live) - Miles Davis
      12. Out On The Coast - Larry Willis
      13. I'm Gone And I'm Glad - Joe Thomas
      Birth of the Cool
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Legendary Cool Jazz, One Awesome Debut!
      • birth of the cool school...
      • A must have for your collection
      • Good not Great
      • labor of love
      		 Birth of the Cool
      Miles Davis
      Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
      Cool JazzCool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
      Blue Note RecordsBlue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
      Similar Items:
      1. Kind of Blue
      2. A Love Supreme
      3. Sketches of Spain
      4. 'Round About Midnight
      5. Mingus Ah Um

      ASIN: B000005HF9
      Release Date: 1989-09-20

      Tracks:

      1. Move
      2. Jeru
      3. Moon Dreams
      4. Venus De Milo
      5. Budo
      6. Deception
      7. God Child
      8. Boplicity
      9. Rocker
      10. Israel
      11. Rouge
      12. Darn That Dream

      Amazon.com essential recording

      The first important leader date from one of jazz's most seminal figures and farsighted practitioners. Having made his reputation in large measure from playing with bop giant Charlie Parker, Davis confounded expectations when he embraced the "cool" arranging style of Gil Evans, an arranger for Claude Thornhill's band. Evans, who was employing unique voicings by adding French horns and tuba to Thornhill's instrumentations, also emphasized a diminished use of vibrato in both reeds and brass, producing a drier, "cool" sound. Two of Evans's arrangements, "Boplicity" and "Moon Dreams," appear on the album. Also involved are baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan, who contributed such outstanding tunes as "Jeru" and "Venus de Milo," and Modern Jazz Quartet pianist John Lewis. The result is a date that has withstood the tests of time, fashion, and Davis's own extraordinary growth as a performer.

      An enhanced set, The Complete Birth of the Cool features previously bootlegged live recordings of the nonet at the Royal Roost in New York in 1948. Although the sound quality is far from perfect, the performances are remarkable, and worth the additional expense for the serious fan. --Fred Goodman

      Amazon.com

      Birth of the Cool is the first important leader date from Miles Davis, one of jazz's most seminal figures and farsighted practitioners. Having made his reputation in large measure from playing with bop giant Charlie Parker, Davis confounded expectations when he embraced the "cool" arranging style of Gil Evans, an arranger for Claude Thornhill's band. Evans, who was employing unique voicings by adding French horns and tuba to Thornhill's instrumentations, also emphasized a diminished use of vibrato in both reeds and brass, producing a drier, "cool" sound. Two of Evans's arrangements, "Boplicity" and "Moon Dreams," appear on the album. Also involved are baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan, who contributed such outstanding tunes as "Jeru" and "Venus de Milo," and Modern Jazz Quartet pianist John Lewis. The result is a date that has withstood the tests of time, fashion, and Davis's own extraordinary growth as a performer. An enhanced set, The Complete Birth of the Cool, expands the original issue with previously bootlegged live recordings of Davis's nonet at the Royal Roost in New York in 1948. Although the sound quality is far from perfect, the performances are remarkable, and worth the additional expense for the serious fan. --Fred Goodman

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Legendary Cool Jazz, One Awesome Debut!.......2007-06-27

      The songs on The Birth of the Cool are like the ninja of old. They do what they need to, fast, and leave. But unlike ninja attacks, these songs (which include classics like "Jeru", "Venus de Milo" and "Boplicity") are not painful in the least. The arrangements are tight and the songs are melodic, slightly Hollywood-esque but quite beautiful and well-performed. The songs themselves are also quite brief, as I implied a few sentence back - nothing over five minutes, in fact. The nonet plays together quite well, complementing each other throughout. They all have the mellow sound down - the album kinda sounds alike, but with great songs like "Rogue", "Rocker" and "Israel" on hand, who can complain? Now the only song I don't really like is "Darn That Dream", which falls in my list of Ten Songs We've All Heard Too Many Times Before. As for the rest? Get it. Not before Kind of Blue, 'Round about Midnight or In a Silent Way, but still get it!

      5 out of 5 stars birth of the cool school..........2007-06-20

      can't go wrong with this Miles Davis recording in your collection. With arrangements by Gerry Mulligan, Gil Evans and John Lewis this is a compilation of 12 sides recorded by the Miles Davis nonet(nine musicians). This legendary recording is a jazz classic. The music moves away from bepop which tended to smaller groups of musicians and the music from this compilation led to the birth of the cool West Coast Sound of jazz though it originated on the East Coast. Beautiful arrangements and lively tunes. Gil Evans would meet with musicians in his apartment on the top of Chinese laundry and help compose the arrangements. The list of musicians on these recordings includes Miles Davis on trumpet, Gerry Mulligan on baritone sax, Lee Konitz alto sax, Max Roach on drums. A must for any jazz collection and jazz beginner. Gil Evans would later team with Miles on Porgy and Bess, Sketches of Spain.

      3 out of 5 stars A must have for your collection.......2007-03-27

      These recordings are a must have for an understanding of the shear evolution of jazz, but not the best.

      3 out of 5 stars Good not Great.......2007-03-14

      There a few good songs on the ablum but it isn't great

      5 out of 5 stars labor of love.......2007-02-16

      Having only recently jumped on the Jazz scene as a 24 year veteran of the drum, i don't know as if i am qualified to write a review for those into this boat, but i must say that as a neophyte, i am and will be for a long time to come, a Davis fan. And this, the birth of the cool is an album that i will treasure as one of my own. very smooth sounds, breathy on the horns and completely listenable, a must have for any burgeoning collection.
      The Real Birth of the Cool: Studio Recordings
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		The Real Birth of the Cool: Studio Recordings
        Gil Evans
        Manufacturer: Jazz Factory
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        Cool JazzCool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
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        ASIN: B000028EE8
        Release Date: 2004-04-05

        Tracks:

        1. Somebody Nobody Loves
        2. Smiles
        3. Buster's Last Stand
        4. There's A Small Hotel
        5. I Don't Know Why (I Just Do)
        6. Moonlight Bay
        7. Under The Willow Tree
        8. Arab Dance
        9. I Get The Blues When It Rains
        10. We Knew It All The Time
        11. La Paloma
        12. Anthropology
        13. Sorta Kinda
        14. Robbin's Nest
        15. Lover Man
        16. Polka Dots And Moonbeams
        17. The Happy Stranger
        18. Donna Lee
        19. Yardbird Suite
        20. Snowfall
        21. Early Autumn
        22. Let's Call It A Day
        23. Where Or When

        Album Description

        Quintessential edition of the legendary Gil Evans arrangements for the Claude Thornhill Orchestra in the late forties with young altoist Lee Konitz and singer Fran Warren. Includes only studio versions.
        Re-Birth of the Cool
        Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
        • Almost Totally Cool
        • excellent remake of the vintage classic
        • I'm sorry but it falls flat.
        		 Re-Birth of the Cool
        Gerry Mulligan
        Manufacturer: Grp Records
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        Cool JazzCool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
        GRPGRP | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music
        ASIN: B0000001S8
        Release Date: 1992-06-09

        Tracks:

        1. Israel
        2. Deception
        3. Move
        4. Rouge
        5. Rocker
        6. Godchild
        7. Moon Dreams - Gerry Mulligae
        8. Venus De Milo
        9. Budo
        10. Boplicity
        11. Darn That Dream
        12. Jeru

        Amazon.com

        On these 1992 sessions, Gerry Mulligan revisits the scene of his first musical triumphs, the classic 1949-50 recordings by the Miles Davis nonet. The original arrangements by Mulligan, Davis, Gil Evans, John Carisi, and John Lewis sound as fresh here as they did four decades earlier, and advances in recording technology give a much clearer picture of the orchestrations. The solo room has been expanded, and it's used effectively by trumpeter Wallace Roney and, especially, Phil Woods on alto, whose impassioned Charlie Parker-derived playing is an interesting contrast to the cool and elusive manner that Lee Konitz brought to the original. Successes are rare when roots are revisited, but this is definitely a homecoming that works. --Stuart Broomer

        Customer Reviews:

        3 out of 5 stars Almost Totally Cool.......2003-05-23

        Over all this is a very good date. The musicians on this recording sound as enthusiastic as on the original recordings. Gerry Mulligan and Wallace Roney are fantastic and John Lewis, as usual, is tastefully sparse and elegant. The only thing in my opinion that takes a star or two away from this date is Lee Konitz not being present. Aside from Miles Davis, Gerry, and John, Lee was the the other major voice on the original recordings. Phil Woods is great, but not for this date. On "Moon Dreams", in particular, Lee's plaintive, vibrato-less tone is so missed. It's like having a four legged table with the fourth leg missing.

        4 out of 5 stars excellent remake of the vintage classic.......2000-04-02

        I have owned this record since it came out in 1992, and it is one of my personal favorites.

        With a lineup consisting of partly the original 1948 Birth of the Cool recordings, partly new players, such as Phil Woods replacing Lee Konitz, Wallace Roney replacing Miles Dewey III, this album is a welcome addition to those who already own the Miles Davis Nonet recording. And to those who haven't heard Birth of the Cool: Check it out! On this fresh remake the tunes sound as great as ever, the ensemble playing is much more tight, the soloists sounding mature and in good shape. The songs are maybe a little short, but this music was not stretching-out-music in the first place. The arrangements are at front, and with a great new production like this, you can hear the material far better than on the original recording from 1948. It does by no means replace Birth of the Cool, but Re-birth... is, in my humble opinion, a truly great recording of not too often heard material with spirited playing by everyone involved.

        3 out of 5 stars I'm sorry but it falls flat........1999-06-25

        I was excited when this came out because I couldn't wait to hear what Mulligan and his associates would do to these tunes. They don't do much to them that is suprising or alluring. There is no stretching out and playing around with the original versions. This just doesn't sound like an inspired attempt to remake and adapt this music with the benefit of 40-plus years of distance to reflect upon and to use for innovation. It just sounds more technially produced than the original sessions. The original sessions are meatier and have more life to them. This was a suprisingly over-produced and under-innovative effort.
        Sonny's Dream (Birth of the New Cool)
        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
        • A lonely masterpiece
        		 Sonny's Dream (Birth of the New Cool)
        Sonny Criss Orchestra
        Manufacturer: Ojc
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
        Hard BopHard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
        Similar Items:
        1. Lenox Avenue Breakdown
        2. The Complete Imperial Sessions
        3. This Is Criss!
        4. Destiny's Dance
        5. Teddy Charles Tentet

        ASIN: B000000YWX
        Release Date: 1992-02-17

        Tracks:

        1. Sonny's Dream
        2. Ballad For Samuel
        3. The Black Apostles
        4. The Golden Pearl
        5. Daughter Of Cochise
        6. Sandy And Niles
        7. The Golden Pearl (Previously Unissued Alternate)
        8. Sonny's Dream (Previously Unissued Alternate)

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars A lonely masterpiece.......2004-02-04

        I've always liked Sonny Criss's saxophone playing, while finding myself rarely all that satisfied with his albums as a whole, which are full of nice blowing without pushing over into classic status. The big exception is _Sonny's Dream_, one of the best postwar little-big band discs I've heard. It's a debut disc of sorts for pianist/arranger Horace Tapscott--he doesn't play on it (piano duties are handled by the always-wonderful Tommy Flanagan) but wrote & arranged all the music, & conducted the orchestra. Like Sun Ra & Mingus he favours a low, dark instrumentation--the ensembles are characterized by prominent use of baritone sax & tuba--& it's clear that Tapscott had closely studied Mingus's work, especially _Black Lady & the Sinner Saint_. Tapscott's arrangements typically feature deceptively atmospheric introductions, before they unleash an intense, cathartic central improvisational section. The effects can be devastating, especially on the title-track & on "The Black Apostles", a raw memorial to Martin Luther King, Malcolm X & Medgar Evers. Criss's keening alto takes (so to speak) the Dolphy/Mariano role on the album, & he even plays some soprano--& does it so well (without any facile Traneisms--actually he sounds more like Roland Kirk) that I wish he'd recorded more often on that instrument. For sheer electricity it's hard to beat his solo on the Milesish modal tune "Sandy and Niles".

        It's a great band, & while the focus is very much on Criss several of the other players get solos also, notably Teddy Edwards and Tommy Flanagan. The lineup is: David Sherr, alto; Teddy Edwards, tenor; Pete Christlieb, baritone; Conte Candoli, trumpet; Dick Nash, trombone; Ray Draper, tuba; Tommy Flanagan, piano; Al McKibbon, bass (check out his introductory solo on "Daughter of Cochise"!); Everett Brown, Jr, drums. The original album was very short--36 minutes long--but the CD is beefed up with two alternate takes which are actually (unlike a lot of alternate takes!) a welcome addition to the album.

        The sad thing about this album is that it's a one-off. There ought to have been a lot more Criss albums this good. Hats off to the late Horace Tapscott for having brokered this masterpiece, anyway.
        Complete Birth of the Cool
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          		Complete Birth of the Cool
          Miles Davis
          Manufacturer: Definitive Classics
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
          Cool JazzCool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
          JazzJazz | Imports | Stores | Music
          Similar Items:
          1. Study in Brown
          2. Sketches of Spain
          3. Complete Jazz at Massey Hall

          ASIN: B00004W0YK
          Release Date: 2001-01-02

          Tracks:

          1. Move
          2. Jeru
          3. Budo
          4. Godchild
          5. Venus de Milo
          6. Boplicity
          7. Israel
          8. Rogue
          9. Moon Dreams
          10. Deception
          11. Rocker
          12. Darn That Dream
          13. Overtime
          14. Victory Ball

          Tracks:

          1. Theme
          2. Move
          3. Why Do I Love You?
          4. Godchild
          5. S'il Vous Plait
          6. Moon Dreams
          7. Hallucinations (Budo)
          8. Darn That Dream
          9. Move
          10. Moon Dreams
          11. Hallucinations (Budo)
          12. 52nd Street Theme
          13. Half Nelson
          14. You Go to My Head
          15. Chasin' the Bird

          Album Description

          Digitally remastered and expanded definitive edition of the most influential sessions in Modern Jazz! The Complete Birth Of The Cool contains all the original tracks from Birth Of The Cool plus 13 previously unreleased live versions of those tracks. The Complete Birth Of The Cool is a landmark collection that simply must be included in any true Jazz aficionado's library. Not only have the original twelve sides by this legendary group been expertly restored, but out-takes and the long awaited live radio cuts from their only real gig have been found and included. Together they form an indispensable documentation of the group that almost single-handedly transformed the Bebop of the '40s into the 'Cool Jazz' that became a West Coast sensation in the early '50s. 29 tracks. Definitive. 2007
          Complete Birth of the Cool
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            		Complete Birth of the Cool
            Miles Davis
            Manufacturer: Definitive
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
            Cool JazzCool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
            JazzJazz | Imports | Stores | Music
            ASIN: B000056MRT
            Release Date: 2001-02-20

            Tracks:

            1. Move
            2. Jeru
            3. Budo
            4. Godchild
            5. Venus de Milo
            6. Boplicity
            7. Israel
            8. Rogue
            9. Moon Dreams
            10. Deception
            11. Rocker
            12. Darn That Dream
            13. Overtime
            14. Victory Ball

            Tracks:

            1. Theme
            2. Move
            3. Why Do I Love You?
            4. Godchild
            5. S'il Vous Plait
            6. Moon Dreams
            7. Hallucinations (Budo)
            8. Darn That Dream
            9. Move
            10. Moon Dreams
            11. Hallucinations (Budo)
            12. 52nd Street Theme
            13. Half Nelson
            14. You Go to My Head
            15. Chasin' the Bird

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            3. Christmas: Winter Nights
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            5. Collaboration with Almeida
            6. Coltrane Plays the Blues [Original recording remastered]
            7. Complete 1950-1954 Studio-Issued Recordings [Import]
            8. Complete Bitches Brew Sessions (August 1969-February 1970) [Box set] [Extra tracks] [Original recording remastered]
            9. Conga Kings
            10. Courage [Original recording remastered]

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