The Swedish label Dragon released two Miles Davis Quintet live shows in their entirety on this deluxe three-CD set. This was a unique time for Miles--his music was in the transitional period between playing standards over given chord patterns ("On Green Dolphin Street") and improvising more freely with the modal approach ("So What", "All Blues") that would be so influential in '60s and '70s jazz and experimental rock.
John Coltrane was nearing the end of his stay with Miles' band. Many would try to fill his shoes, including alto & tenor sax legend Sonny Stitt. The fact that this line-up would never record in the studio makes this set all the more valuable. All the players are at their peaks here, and the sound quality, though not up to today's digital standards, is excellent (you can feel Chambers' bass playing). Fans of Miles, Trane, Stitt and outstanding jazz rejoice!|
Rovi
For Miles Davis fans not bothered by shelling out a chunk of cash, this four-disc account of his 1960 Stockholm concerts is well worth the hefty price of admission. The sound is excellent and all the players are in top form. This especially goes for John Coltrane, who is featured on the first seven cuts here. Besides an enlightening interview with Coltrane, there are particularly fine versions of "On Green Dolphin Street" and "Fran-Dance" to enjoy. In contrast to the modally inclined Trane, the bop-savvy Stitt takes over for the remainder of the disc, plying his lyrical and fleet tenor and alto work along the way. And Davis isn't bad either, switching on and off with his mute and heading up a plum rhythm section featuring pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Jimmy Cobb. A contender for one of Davis' best live discs. ~ Stephen Cook
Rovi