At Newport 1958
Miles Davis · 2001
40 min · 7 tracks · jazz
A vibrant live recording blending intricate bebop improvisations with soulful melodies, capturing the essence of jazz at its peak.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ah-Leu-Cha Start here — The energetic interplay between the musicians showcases their technical prowess and improvisational skills, embodying the spirit of bebop.
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Straight, No Chaser — This track highlights Davis's signature style through its complex rhythms and bluesy undertones, offering a compelling display of the ensemble's synergy.
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Bye Bye Blackbird — Davis’s interpretation transforms this standard into a hauntingly beautiful exploration of melody and emotion, showcasing his ability to reshape traditional tunes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThis live album captures a pivotal moment in jazz with strong improvisation and cohesive performance.
What we noticed
- The performance includes extended solos, particularly in 'Straight, No Chaser' and 'Bye Bye Blackbird', which highlight the musicians' technical prowess and creativity.
- The sequencing begins with an introduction that sets the stage for the energetic performances, maintaining a lively pace throughout the majority of the tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- live performance energy
- intricate improvisational exchanges
- nostalgic club atmosphere
- engaging rhythmic conversations
Maybe skip if you
- prefer structured, predictable sounds
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Captures a pivotal live performance during Davis's peak creative years.
- Themes
- Newport Jazz Festival· 1950s live improvisation· cool jazz evolution
- Career context
- By 1958, Miles Davis was transitioning into a pivotal phase of his career marked by experimentation and the birth of modal jazz. This album came shortly after his groundbreaking work 'Kind of Blue,' showcasing his ability to captivate audiences with innovative performances. 'At Newport 1958' reflects Davis's burgeoning influence as a bandleader and innovator in the jazz scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter
Tracklist
- 1 Introduction by Willis Connover 2:16
- 2 Ah-Leu-Cha Start here 5:52
- 3 Straight, No Chaser 8:47
- 4 Fran-Dance 7:13
- 5 Two Bass Hit 4:10
- 6 Bye Bye Blackbird 9:10
- 7 The Theme 2:48
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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