”Filles de Kilimanjaro” by Miles Davis on Columbia CS 9750

May 28, 2025

A 1st US pressing. The labels and back slick have the Columbia logo covered by CBS stickers intended for the European market. I won’t attempt to remove them. There are a couple of albums by The Second Great Quintet that I’m still after. This was one of them until last week when I managed to secure it.

This title represented a transition between Miles’ acoustic work and his electric period. I honestly haven’t explored the totality of his later work but will take a deep dive sooner or later. Overall, for me at this point, the mostly acoustic work of The Second Great Quintet is the sweet spot in his catalogue.

The quintet remains intact during all tunes except two, when Chick Corea and Dave Holland replaces Hancock and Carter respectively. My favorite tune on the album is ”Petits Machins (Little Stuff)”.

Classic stuff which will see plenty of play in the years to come I’m sure.

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"Miles Smiles" by The Miles Davis Quintet on Columbia CL 2601

June 26, 2024

Been after the second great quintet albums for a long time, but it´s been a struggle for sure. I managed to secure “E.S.P.” earlier this year and last month I secured the title on display. Very happy about that. Original mono pressings of these albums are difficult to find, at least it has been for me. “Sorcerer” and “Nefertiti” remains high on my want list.

The music on “Miles Smiles” is beautiful, explorative and most definitely my kind of jazz. This group was one of a kind and their achievements transcends time. They play in perfect harmony and everything they do is performed with seamless execution. The interplay between these guys is on a different plane. Tony Williams really makes this group tick. His drumming is always a joy to behold. So tasteful, progressive and unique. For me, this quintet is one of the absolute best jazz groups ever assembled.

Hard to pick favorite tunes on this one, but “Dolores” is probably my favorite, and that’s not just because it’s my daughters name. :-) “Footprints” is lovely as well.

Essential stuff.

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"E.S.P." by Miles Davis on Columbia CL 2350

March 22, 2024

Posted the birth of the first great quintet a month ago and this album is the birth of the second great quintet. While I love the first quintet this second quintet is on another level for me. It was a brilliant group consisting of Miles, Wayne Shorter, Tony Williams, Ron Carter and Herbie Hancock. All of them were masters. As a drummer myself I adore Tony Williams and his extremely tasteful and unique approach. His kit and touch always sounds amazing and in a top 5 list of favorite drummers he will be at the very top.

E.S.P. stands for Extra-Sensory Perception and the members truly are communicating on a different plane here as it was through telepathy. But E.S.P. could just as well stand for Ever So Perfect, as the music is as good as it gets in the modal/post bop style. This copy sounds as new with a lush and organic sound. All the tunes are beautiful originals, played with such feeling and sophistication. I have struggled to find these Columbia recordings of this group in their 1st issue form. Columbia is tricky when it comes to determining what a 1st issue is, but thanks to the one and only Dottorjazz and his research I have a clear view of what to look for. A 1st issue of E.S.P. for example should have the two eyes and “Guaranteed High Fidelity” printed in black at the bottom of the labels and not the MONO 360 sound with two arrows, which is the second issue. I hope to find some of the other titles by this great group as well, such as “Miles Smiles”, “Sorcerer” and “Nefertiti”. But it’s not easy let me tell you.

I have found that my new approach to collecting is a beautiful path where I’ve been exploring a lot of different labels, titles and artists that I hadn’t experienced much before. And the amount of great albums one can acquire instead of an original Blue Note is very satisfying. I’m very happy to have been able to collect some of the top Blue Notes in lovely condition through the years but this new approach is letting me get so much more music into the collection. The way the prices on eBay for the original Blue Notes have been going as of late is jaw dropping. Absolutely insane. I have packages coming in now with plenty of new titles and this package was the first to arrive. Stay tuned for the other stuff coming up.

Cheers!

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"The New Miles Davis Quintet" on Prestige PRLP 7014

February 20, 2024

Classic stuff and the birth of one of the most famous groups in jazz. The music is lovely as you would expect. A great early taste of this classic quintet and a milestone in the history of jazz.

This is a second issue with NYC labels from 1957, the first being pressed in 1956. The only things that differs between the two is that the first has a different Prestige logotype on the front, frame jacket, is non-laminated and has a blank spine. This second issue has a laminated cover, printed spine and the more modern typeface logotype. The typeface on the labels differs a bit as well. The third pressing has a blue tint front cover with NYC labels. There is a blue tint version with NJ labels as well I believe.

I’ve been after the first issue forever, but I’ve relaxed a lot towards the notion of having the absolute 1st art cover. This has NYC labels, green tint, sounds good and I’ve now settled on keeping this one as my forever copy. I’ve had it for a long time, probably something like 12 years and never posted it. Have a few other Prestige titles which are early as well, but not absolute 1st pressings.

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"Somethin' Else" by Cannonball Adderley on Blue Note BLP 1595

February 13, 2022

A classic for sure. Beautiful music and a great line up. The opening tune “Autumn Leaves” is lovely. Such a smooth, laid back mood and outstanding playing by Miles and Cannonball. If the album only contained this one tune I would be totally satisfied. But the rest of the music is great too. It took me quite a while to get my hands on this one. I’ll be honest, I haven’t had it on the very top of my want list for all these years collecting, but I have kept my eyes out for a copy, it’s a great album, and when it became available in it’s original form in great condition I had to go for it at that moment. I’m very happy to have it in the collection.

I haven’t explored Cannonball’s discography much actually, so this is my first album with him as the leader (even though this title in reality is maybe more a Miles date) believe it or not. I intend to explore some more for sure. But all of you that have followed me for all these years know I take it very slowly when exploring jazz. I just haven’t focused on him up to this point. Feel excited to explore and let’s see what other great albums of his I can find.

Question for you guys: Maybe you can give me some tips on your favorite Cannonball albums? Top 3 for example?

I’ve just made some deals to bring in some more Blue Notes into the collection. Very excited about that. So keep your eyes peeled for those here and stay tuned…cheers!

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Cookin' with the Miles Davis Quintet on PRLP 7094

May 25, 2020

Here’s an album that I’ve had in my collection forever. One of the first 1st pressings I bought. Haven’t got around to post it until now. It’s the 4th classic Quintet album that I’ve posted, but the 1st to be released out of the four albums recorded on May 11th and October 26th, 1956.

“My Funny Valentine” sets the mood. Haunting notes supreme in the beginning. What follows is a wonderful rendition of this classic. Garland’s solo is great. The entire LP is a joy to listen to and it’s been a good while since I did just that. Everytime I listen to these four records (Cookin’, Relaxin’, Workin’ & Steamin’) the question of which one is the best always slips into my thoughts. And everytime I put one of these records on the turntable, I always start to ponder; maybe this is the best one? They are all great. Maybe you could look at these four records as a combined session of songs? As one statement in time. I don’t know. But if I had to choose a favorite of the bunch I think I’ve made my mind up a long time ago that it is Workin’ for me.

As for the presence of Miles in my collection, I really need to step up and get some more stuff in there. I have PRLP 7014, with the later green cover without the old typeface on the Prestige logo. Looking for that one with the 1st art cover. I also have a beautiful PRLP 7034 with a 447 address instead of a 446 address on the jacket. Looking for a copy with the 1st jacket there as well, as the proud 1st pressing fundamentalist that I am :-). PRLP 7007 and PRLP 7012 are some other Miles albums which I’m looking for 1st pressings of, as I have 2nd NYC pressings of both. So, there is definitely work to do, not to mention trying to get copies of all the other great stuff he released.

The warmer weather, green trees and sunlight is coming more and more here in Stockholm which means there is not too long to go until the summer vacation. Just shy of a month to go actually. Looking forward to that, even though it will probably be a vacation here in Sweden and not California which I really wanted.

Staying a bit hesitant to purchase albums right now, as a result of the pandemic which has taken away the assurances of parcels coming here on time. I’m a bit scared of ordering expensive stuff from abroad as long as the air traffic hasn’t returned to a more normal state. How about you guys? Are you receiving packages from abroad or are you not purchasing at all due to the current state of affairs? If you have some info, please share.

Back to the album on display; what’s your thoughts on it? Top 5 releases by Miles? Looking forward to hearing your tips guys.

Stay healthy, enjoy life and the amazing gift to mankind that is called jazz. Stay tuned for more great vintage jazz vinyl… cheers!

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Workin' with the Miles Davis Quintet on PRLP 7166

March 1, 2020

This starts off with one of the most beautiful ballads in jazz history in my humble opinion; “It Never Entered My Mind”, it’s perfection. Miles’ muted trumpet (which he was a master of), playing one beautiful note after the other. Philly Joe’s wonderful work with the brushes to complement that. Garland’s laid back piano. And the tasteful double bass work by Chambers. Coltrane is not needed on this tune for sure. For me, this first tune is the highlight of the album. The rest of the album is very laid back and easy to love. Smooth and tasteful is the theme here. Coltrane plays nice on this album, but having listened more in depth to his later work as a leader, it’s just not comparable. Boy, did he evolve. But his playing here fits in nicely with the overall style of course.

Out of the four albums Cookin’, Relaxin’, Workin’ and Steamin’, this perhaps is my favorite. All four of them are wonderful though and highly recommended if you haven’t heard them before, which I very much doubt.

I have acquired some great stuff these past months. More than usual. The reason for being able to purchase a greater quantity of albums is that I’ve been adding titles on labels such as Atlantic, Impulse! and Columbia, which are much cheaper prospects than the high-end Blue Note and Prestige titles for example. I’ve managed to mix these up with a couple of Riversides (one is a real classic) and a superb New Jazz release. These are a little more expensive than the Atlantics and Impulses (except for the WLP copy of A Love Supreme), but we are not talking Blue Note money. I’m very happy with these new additions, which I will start posting on the site in the coming weeks and months. Keep an eye out for those.

Regarding this Miles effort on display; in your opinion, how does it hold up compared to the other first great quintet releases? Do you have another favorite?

Stay tuned for more original vintage jazz collectibles… cheers!

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Kind Of Blue by Miles Davis on Columbia CL 1355

January 27, 2019

This of course is a great record and one of the best known recorded jazz sessions of all time. I feel it’s very enjoyable. A superb effort. I like the laidback feeling throughout and the sound. But I appreciate a lot of other records just as much. It’s not like it’s completely outstanding to me. So for me musically, this a record with no higher status than a lot of my other albums. But again; it’s a superb album, no doubt.

This is the only Columbia record in my collection. Will it stay that way? Who knows. Probably not though. I haven’t listened to it in ages. Except for maybe ”So What” digitally a few times between the vinyl sessions. What a fantastic tune that is. The intro is sublime and when Miles solo finally starts it’s just so smooth and deeply satisfying. To put this album on the turntable today was a nice revisit. Listening to ”All Blues” as I write this and the sound is excellent I must say. Love the crystal clear sound of Jimmy Cobbs ride cymbal.

Bill Evans is on this which alone makes this album worth having. As well as Coltrane. All the players are all stars though.

”Flamenco Sketches” which closes the 2nd side is beautiful and quite special.

Anyone who has something they want to add about this album is most welcome to share their thoughts.

I have started to save up for a grand summer vacation. But I will do my utmost to set aside some dough for some nice album as well. We’ll see what happens.

Treasure your vinyl folks. Cause it’s just as imperfect and fragile as life itself and therefore beautiful. Stay tuned…

Cheers!

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Relaxin' with the Miles Davis Quintet on Prestige 7129

September 30, 2018

I have a few records that’s been in the collection for a long time. Back to the days when I first started buying first pressings. This is one of them. It’s in good nick. At some point I’m going to upgrade this copy but it sounds really good. This is of course a classic by a classic quintet. It’s been a long time since I listened to this one, but just like all of the other albums by this quintet it’s a pleasure to put on the turntable. I’m keeping my eye out for an even better copy. I just feel this copy has served me well through the years and it sounds good. I’m not a fan of buying records I already have, even though I’m upgrading. I’m always looking forward, to the next album which I don’t have.

I’ve immersed myself in the Coltrane output on Impulse! lately. And I think all of it is such an amazing treasure. I’m appreciating the later avant-garde period a lot and I’ve just bought my first Coltrane album in that style of jazz. It’s on Impulse! and you will soon see which one it is. I couldn’t pass it up at that price, although I wasn’t going to buy another record until I found another copy of RLP 376. It’s a wonderful album, it blows me away with it’s chaotic whirlwinds mixed with more toned-down parts filled with soothing notes. I will seek out a lot of the pieces of the Coltrane catalogue on Impulse! and I can’t wait, but like I mentioned I’m hoping to find a better copy of RLP 376 first. But what a wonderful gift the Coltrane albums on Impulse! are. Don’t you agree?

A tough question for my readers; which one of Cookin’, Relaxin’, Workin’ and Steamin’ is your favorite?

I wish you a great day or evening and stay tuned for more albums from the collection.

Cheers!

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Steamin' with The Miles Davis Quintet on PRLP 7200

February 21, 2016

A classic Miles album, a pleasurable experience.

The Miles classics on Prestige were among the first records I acquired 1st pressings of. I don't have them all, just a few. It was quite some time ago I listened to them, especially the featured album "Steamin' With The Miles Davis Quintet". It's a very nice album, and I really should listen to these Miles albums more, cause it's truly beautiful music. The copy I have is in superb condition and it sounds accordingly. It's actually one of the few albums I've bought in a real physical record store. I got a very nice price on it and the condition was perfect. Listening as I write to the first side of the album. A very good mix of tunes here, with the laid back opening track "Surrey With The Fringe On Top" paving the way for a medium-tempo, relaxing few minutes, and then that half-sleepy, sweet moment is shattered with a great, high energy take on Dizzy's classic "Salt Peanuts". Then a wonderful, brushy ballad appears named "Something I Dreamed Last Night", on which Miles plays beautifully. A highly satisfying and complete Side 1.

Now, let's flip the disc. First tune, "Diane", it's unmistakable Miles. His tight, yet lush muted trumpet work is a pleasure to experience, especially when my system makes it feel like he's in the room with me. Coltrane then comes in and takes a solo which only he can. A perfect start to Side 2. Next tune is Monk's standard "Well, You Needn't", a nice tune, which is highlighted by Miles' unmuted trumpet playing, no point in denying it, while muted trumpet is quite nice sometimes, the unmuted instrument is more appealing to me. But if someone can make a muted trumpet sound absolutely beautiful and interesting, it's the leader of this album. And, the last tune "When I Fall In Love" is a testament to that, another sweet ballad with the trumpet muted. It's all good, cause it's Miles Davis.

I'll try and post more frequently, but I've found free time hard to come by in the last few months. I'm currently in the process of saving up a sizeable budget to buy more albums. I've already acquired an original copy of "True Blue" earlier this year, so the 2016 collecting year went off with a bang. Now it's time to get to work on getting some other nice stuff as soon as possible.

Have a nice Sunday, stay tuned for more great LP's from my personal collection and I'll concentrate on getting over the cold I've been stuck with for over a week.

Cheers!

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