Customer Reviews

The Miles Davis All Stars: Walkin'

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Before Miles had his "comeback" performance at the Newport jazz fest in 1955 he was enjoying little of the attention, let alone acclaim, that was to come in the next twenty years of his life. As a result many of his albums from this period are overlooked, which is a real shame. This release, which brings together two seperate studio sets, hints at the music and groups to come. Comprising the personnel of the first two tracks are: trombone sensation J.J. Johnson, drum pioneer Kenny Clarke, veteran be-bop bassist Percy Heath, a young Horace Silver, and the talented forgotten tenor of Lucky Thompson. The title track, "Walkin'" which would become a Davis staple, kicks things off with a laidback fanfare and is given a definative treatment here. Lucky Thompson's more aggressive approach is a pleasant contrast to Johnson's and Davis' more conservative style, and hints at what Miles would be searching for when he picked up the young John Coltrane in a couple of years. The second set comprises the final three tracks. Miles makes use of a mute for these tracks and is joined by Charlie Parker acolyte David Schildkraut. The track that finishes the set and the cd is a highpoint. Kenny Clarke masterfull brushwork propells the group through the uptempo standard, "Love Me or Leave Me". The inspired exchange between Miles and Clarke is fantastic and a great way to play the band out. This cd finds Miles skills beginning to gel as he stood poised to become one of the dominant figures in music for two decades, and is well worth a spot in any collection.

This album has been overlooked by many, which is a damn shame. The first two tracks, "Walkin'" and "Blue 'N' Boogie", two of the best Blues tunes ever recorded. Then there is the great Miles original "Solar", which is a beautiful muted ballad. Miles also does great versions of "You Don't Know What Love Is", and "Love Me Or Leave Me". Not to mention that the album features J.J. Johnson, the great Lucky Thompson, Horace Silver, Percy Heath, and Kenny Clarke. this is one hell of an album. The contrasts of the the Blues and Ballads here. And on Walkin', Miles does a great job. Go out and get it, and don't front on it.

The title tune "Walkin'" is a fantastic classic. Miles often performed it live, but he usually about doubled the tempo, making it almost frantic.

Here he takes the tune at a more leisurely pace which is immensely satisfying.

Blues 'N Boogie is another classic, and the rest are also excellent.

Great lineup of musicians.