How does one properly introduce an epochal record? Perhaps by unequivocally stating that it is the best-selling jazz album in history. Or by affirming that, every year, it sells tens of thousands of copies more than five decades after its original release. There's also the matter of its status as the most-referenced, and arguably, most important, jazz recording of all-time.

Rated 11/11 Music and 11/11 Sound by Michael Fremer (Analog Planet)
 

Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Albums of All Time Rated 12/500

• All Analog Mono Edition!
• 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl pressed at RTI USA
• Cut by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound

"The mono original (and reissue) provides a better overall instrumental balance, with greater emphasis on the piano and more solid imaging. Yes, its not as ethereally spacious, but it better layers and balances the instruments in my opinion and if you remain unconvinced that mono can produce three-dimensionality, this record will convince you.

The reissue's mix down from three tracks to one has been so skillfully and carefully done, even veteran mono KOB listeners might have difficulty guessing the source were that the only criterion. However, compared to my later "6-eye" 1AJ pressing, the reissue sounds far less "milky-cloudy" and far more transparent to the source, without veering off into the analytical. You can 'see' further into the mix and hear a clear delineation of direct and echo chamber sound as well as what sounds like 30th street studio room sound. Instrumental timbers are natural and textures rich. But most importantly, the music experience is complete and organically "whole," making a strong case for the superiority of the mono mix. If you love this record (and who in the world does not?), the mono reissue is a necessity not an "add-on" option!" - Michael Fremer, read more here: Analog Planet

How does one properly introduce an epochal record? Perhaps by unequivocally stating that it is the best-selling jazz album in history. Or by affirming that, every year, it sells tens of thousands of copies more than five decades after its original release. There's also the matter of its status as the most-referenced, and arguably, most important, jazz recording of all-time. And the Dream Team lineup of Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, and Jimmy Cobb. Yes, Kind of Blue is utterly inimitable.

While no one has ever completely identified the magic behind the record's allure--the otherworldly nature is part of its inherent charm--much of the success lies with the band members. Davis intentionally handpicked these musicians to comprise this particular cast, with everyone from former foil Evans to blues maestro Kelly to percussive genius Cobb interacting and reacting with peerless skill.

Miles Davis Kind Of Blue on 180g Mono LP Vinyl Reissue Brings History's Best-Known and Best-Selling Jazz Album Back to Mono! Ranked #12 on Rolling Stone's List of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time and Ubiquitously Recognized as a Cultural Touchstone: There Is No Substitute for Kind of Blue. If You Own a Turntable and Enjoy Mono Sound, You Need This LP!

The best-selling jazz album of all time, Miles Davis' Kind of Blue found its way into classical, rock, and pop canons, becoming one of the most influential cultural touchstones of the last half of the 20th century and one of the most transcendent pieces of music ever recorded.

Davis' sublime trumpet playing is supported by a slightly revamped quintet (sextet) that differed from his previous lineups. Although the talents of John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, and Paul Chambers are retained, "Philly" Joe Jones is replaced by Jimmy Cobb on drums, and Red Garland is replaced on piano by Bill Evans (on “So What,” “Blue In Green,” “All Blues,” and “Flamenco Sketches”) and by Wynton Kelly (on “Freddie Freeloader”).

The impact of Kind Of Blue, not only on jazz but on popular music in general, continues to reverberate. It is part of the Library Of Congress National Recording Registry, #12 on the Rolling Stone list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, and even honored by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2009, the album’s 50th anniversary.

Davis later summed up the sessions for Kind Of Blue: "That was my gift, having the ability to put certain guys together that would create a chemistry and then letting them go; letting them play what they knew, and above it."

Musicians:

Miles Davis, trumpet
Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, alto saxophone

John Coltrane, tenor saxophone
Wynton Kelly, piano
Bill Evans, piano
Paul Chambers, bass
James Cobb, drums

Track Listing:

01. So What
02. Freddie Freeloader
03. Blue in Green
04. All Blues
05. Flamenco Sketches

Click here to listen to samples on YouTube.com ♫