Jazz Track＜Clear Vinyl＞

The 1958 Jazz Track LP compilation is made up of two unrelated studio sessions. The first side is devoted to ten songs composed by Miles Davis for the soundtrack to the French film L'Ascenseuer Pour l'Echafaud, with pianist Rene Urtreger, tenor saxophonist Barney Wilen, bassist Pierre Michelot, and drummer Kenny Clarke joining the trumpeter. Unfortunately, the music isn't particularly memorable, in spite of the best efforts of the musicians. The slower numbers seem rather sterile; while even the fast pace of "Sur l'Autoroute," featuring the leader's muted horn, leaves little in the way of a lasting impression. The second side represents only a portion of the May 26, 1958, studio session with Bill Evans, John Coltrane, and Cannonball Adderley that has since been reissued in full on CD. The softly stated treatment of "On Green Dolphin Street," with Davis' muted trumpet, Evans' impeccable accompaniment, and Jimmy Cobb's tasteful brushwork is masterful, though Adderley and Coltrane quickly shatter that mood following their respective entrances. The waltz-time treatment of "Fran Dance" (Davis' recasting of "Put Your Little Foot Right Out") is fine, though the clear highlight of the record is the gorgeous arrangement of "Stella by Starlight," which Adderley sits out. This LP is now a mere historical footnote since more complete editions of both sessions have been reissued on CD. ~ Ken Dryden