Relaxin with the Miles Davis Quintetis in every way a masterpiece. When Davis the trumpeter (1926-1991) had formed the band in 1955, his colleagues tenor saxophonist John Coltrane, pianist Red Garland, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Philly Joe Jones were not considered jazz-world A-listers. And before conquering his narcotics addiction earlier in the 50s, Davis had seen his once-promising career go into eclipse. By 1956, however, his sound, especially when muted, was an achingly personal counterpart to the vocals of Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra. Relaxin (plus its Prestige companions,Miles,Cookin,Workin, andSteamin) reestablished Davis, and elevated his quintet as the gold standard of small groups.

This set is calledRelaxinbecause of the ballad performances in several different bright tempos. Frommedium-bounce to crisply up,Relaxinremains one of Daviss sunniest outings, a prime example of one of the outstanding ensembles of the 20th century reaching the summit of their artistry. via Label

Label: Analogue Productions, Prestige
Series: The Prestige Mono Series
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Repress, Mono, 180g
Reissued: 2022 / Original Release: 1958
Genre: Jazz
Style: Hard Bop

File under: Audiophile Jazz