My Funny Valentine
Miles Davis · 1964
120 min · 15 tracks · jazz
A masterful blend of intimate balladry and dynamic improvisation, showcasing Davis's innovative approach to jazz performance.
Top tracks — play these first
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My Funny Valentine Start here — This rendition features hauntingly beautiful phrasing and emotional depth, illustrating Davis's ability to transform a well-known standard into a deeply personal statement.
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All Blues — The track encapsulates Davis's modal approach, blending complex rhythms with melodic simplicity, making it a cornerstone of modern jazz repertoire.
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Stella by Starlight — Davis's interpretation of this classic reveals intricate layers of improvisation and emotional nuance, showcasing his mastery and innovation within the genre.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong compositions and masterful performances, blending traditional jazz with avant-garde elements.
What we noticed
- The album features extended improvisations, with several tracks exceeding eight minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes.
- Trumpet solos are often accompanied by sparse yet intricate piano and bass lines, creating a haunting atmosphere.
- The running order alternates between more familiar standards and less conventional pieces, maintaining listener engagement throughout.
- 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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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- haunting emotional trumpet explorations
- patient unfolding of melodies
- deep listening for intricate interplay
- late-night introspection and reflection
- extended tracks for immersive focus
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tunes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Cited as a quintessential jazz live album, showcasing innovative arrangements and mastery.
- Themes
- emotive trumpet lines· avant-garde jazz experimentation· haunting standards reinterpretation
- Career context
- By 1964, Miles Davis was at a pivotal point in his career, following the critical acclaim of his album 'Kind of Blue' (1959) which had solidified his status as a jazz innovator. 'My Funny Valentine' captures live performances that highlight his evolving sound and deep emotional expression, demonstrating a shift towards more experimental and modal jazz forms.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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My Funny Valentine
The performance shifts from soft, delicate passages to powerful climaxes, embodying a conversation between vulnerability and strength.
This dynamic range demonstrates not just technical skill but an emotive storytelling approach that deepens the listener's engagement with the music.
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Introduction by Mort Fega 1:40
- 2 My Funny Valentine Start here 14:55
- 3 All of You 14:40
- 4 Go-Go (Theme and Re-Introduction) 1:45
- 5 Stella by Starlight 13:02
- 6 All Blues 8:51
- 7 I Thought About You 11:13
Disc 2
- 1 So What 9:12
- 2 Walkin' 8:07
- 3 Joshua 9:30
- 4 Go-Go (Theme and Announcement) 1:44
- 5 Four 6:28
- 6 Seven Steps To Heaven 7:46
- 7 There Is No Greater Love 10:02
- 8 Go-Go (Theme and Announcement) 1:21
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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