Part of the 'Master Sound Jazz Series'. Japanese reissue of the classic Columbia album originally released in 1955. DSD mastering. Packaged in a limited edition miniature LP sleeve. 10 tracks. 2000 release.
In 1955, Miles Davis signed on with jazz powerhouse Columbia Records. With alto and tenor saxophonists Cannonball Adderley and John Coltrane, drummer Philly Joe Jones, bassist Paul Chambers, and pianist Red Garland, Davis released 'Round About Midnight, which evinces even more clearly what a phenomenal unit Davis was nurturing. Stylistically, Midnight encompasses standards (or soon-to-be standards) such as "Dear Old Stockholm," "Bye-Bye Blackbird," Tadd Dameron's "Tadd's Delight," and Jackie McLean's forward-thinking composition "Little Melonae." Miles and company reprise "Budo" from the historic Birth of the Cool sessions. The standout track is Davis's Harmon-muted reading of Thelonious Monk's ballad, "'Round Midnight, which is still a Miles standard bearer. Three alternate takes round out the session: "Two Bass Hit" and "Sweet Sue" feature adventuresome solos by Coltrane that preview his masterpiece "Giant Steps." And Garland moves away from his Ahmad Jamal pianisms with his introspective ivory ticklings. If you want to hear the origins of post-bop modern jazz, this is it. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Decent Miles Album, But Some Not So Great Tunes
Comment: Let first say that I love Miles Davis' early work, but I found "Round About Midnight" to be one of his weakest albums in his entire early discography. Tunes like "Ah-Leu-Cha," "Two Bass Hit," (which at times sounds like a knock-off of Monk's "Epistrophy") and "Tad's Delight" really bring this album down to a mediocre level. Don't get wrong, the playing from this quintet is top-notch, but these tunes I mentioned are not worthy compared to the rest of the album. "Round About Midnight" is an example of how you could go wrong with John Coltrane, Red Garland, Paul Chambers, and Philly Joe Jones. All outstanding musicians, but they seemed to be very disconnected on this recording.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: One of his best early works
Comment: I'll keep this short. I've got a lot of Miles' Cds and this is probably the one I listen to the most. All the songs are great on it and I love Coltrane's work on this one too. I agree with others that say this is their favorite quintet. Not to negate what the future Davis groupings were but this one definitely had something that could not be replicated. A well balanced unoffensive classic jazz album. Recommended for Jazz pros and Jazz newbies alike. Soulful

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Customer Rating:
Summary: 1st class Miles plus some hot Trane
Comment: It's really hard to disagree with most of the reviewers; this is Miles at his lyrical and contemplative best, and John Coltrane is really spicing the things up with his rough tenor; contrasting the leader's horn very effectivelly...

And yes, this is the album that has both the magnificent version of Monk's 'Round Midnight and the beautiful and extremely creative version of children song Bye Bye Blackbird! But there is also boppish Ah-Leu-Cha, sentimental and ironic All of You...

Red Garland on piano, Paul Chambers on the bass and Philly Joe Jones on drums are a rhythm section at the same time powerfull and subtle, ideal for supporting and inspiring the horns...

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Customer Rating:
Summary: MILES DAVIS' FIRST COLUMBIA RECORD
Comment: 'Round About Midnight was Miles Davis' Columbia debut LP and one of his calmest recordings ever. The first song 'Round Midnight is an excellent old '50s song, recorded on 9/10/1956. The next song which was the first session Ah-Leu-Cha is excellent, recorded on 10/26/1955. All of You and Bye Bye Blackbird have really great piano. Bye Bye Blackbird is my favorite song here, it has the best piano. All the songs in this album are excellent as well as other Miles Davis. Get this with Kind of Blue and you can enjoy a relaxing late 1950s.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: embrionic Miles
Comment: This album captures the magic and lyricism of Miles and his quintet at their beginning of what for Miles will be a iconic jazz career. Even at this early stage of his development it is a serious blend of laconic sounds and melodies with an undertone of nervous energy and exploration. The track 'Round midnight' demonstrates that it was always meant for a Miles interpretation. He and his group place their own credentials on this jazz classic and in many ways expand the genius of Thelonius Monks' composition. Miles is ably supported by the other members of the group. John Coltrane applies his talents to expand on Miles' leads and successfully complements his playing. Red Garland on piano provides a counterpoint to the two brass players and rounds and finishes the broad spectrum of the music. Philly Joe Jones and Paul Chambers on drums and bass keep the performances tight and disciplined without dampening the improvisation and exploration of the melodies. A great introduction to all artists.

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