MILES DAVIS — Abstract Impressions (review)

MILES DAVIS — Abstract Impressions album cover Boxset / Compilation · 2001 · Hard Bop Buy this album from MMA partners
3/5 ·
dreadpirateroberts
This compilation is an Australian only (as far as I can tell) mixture of a two previously released live dates that were distributed on the Unique Records label during the 60s and are available elsewhere as separate albums.

The first set appears to be the release sometimes listed as 'Miles Davis 'Live[Unique Jazz]' and a live set (or at least two songs out of three) from Coltrane's classic quartet in 1962, performing in Sidmouth. It seems to be a trimmed version of the Unique release that has same tracks as listed here, but without The Inch Worm included as with the original.

(As a side note, before I discuss the contents, this CD cost me $6.99 and I used my staff discount to reduce it to about $5.25 (as I worked for a music retailer at the time) but I would have paid full price for it, as it does have some great material. But I didn't have to, as in Australia, it came out on a discount label MRA. It was one of the best value-for-money buys I've ever come across in that sense. So, that thrilling part of the discussion aside, let me repeat, it was worth the $5 and it is also worth full price!)

John Coltrane is the obvious link between the two parts of the compilation, as he performs in the Miles Davis Quintet that takes up the first part of the release. The album opens with a nice version of 'On Green Dolphin Street' and a bit of a sprint through 'Walkin' Theme' with an early bass solo from Chambers. The band then launch into a near 20-minute version of 'So What' - which predates the 'Kind of Blue' take and is played at near double speed. It's pretty fascinating if you're used to the studio version. 'Round About Midnight' reveals the sonic limitations of the recording itself, not really coping with some of the high notes.

Next is John's set, where the quality of the sound improves. It is but two songs, one being 'Everytime We Say Goodbye' where Tyner shines and the other being an extended workout of 'Impressions' that, in conjunction with 'So What' earlier, is worth the price alone (whatever you might happen to pay for it.)

It should be noted that these live recordings are reasonably clear - you will hear everything, and the Coltrane led songs are clearer than the Miles ones, but it doesn't truly hamper potential enjoyment of the playing itself. Good but not essential.
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