What makes Quintet / Sextet by Miles Davis notable?

'Quintet / Sextet' is notable for its critical acclaim and its role in solidifying the cool jazz movement's influence. The album received positive reviews upon release, contributing to Davis's artistic legacy and earning recognition as a significant work within his discography. When 'Quintet / Sextet' was released in early 1956, Miles Davis was in a transformative phase, following the success of his groundbreaking album 'Birth of the Cool'. This album continued to establish his reputation as a leading figure in jazz, showcasing his innovative approach and setting the stage for future works that would further redefine the genre.

How many songs are on Quintet / Sextet?

Quintet / Sextet has 4 tracks, running approximately 30 minutes.

Released 70 years ago

Quintet / Sextet

Miles Davis · 1956

30 min · 4 tracks · jazz

A sophisticated interplay of cool and hard bop, blending intricate melodies with rhythmic complexity in a seamless sonic landscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dr. Jackle — This opening track exemplifies the album's blend of complex rhythms and melodic improvisation, establishing a captivating atmosphere that invites listeners into Davis's innovative sound world.
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Bitty Ditty — Featuring intricate solos and a playful interaction among musicians, this track highlights the lighthearted yet sophisticated essence of the session, revealing Davis's ability to balance depth with accessibility.
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Minor March — The use of a minor key creates a moody backdrop that showcases Davis's lyrical trumpet style, making it a standout representation of his emotive playing during this period.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate melodies and strong improvisation, marking a significant moment in jazz evolution.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a strong, syncopated rhythm that sets a lively pace, while the subsequent tracks explore varying tempos and moods.
Each piece allows for extended solos from different musicians, highlighting their individual styles while maintaining a cohesive sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album marks a key transition in Davis's style, gaining wider recognition.
Themes: jazz innovation· cool vs. hard bop· intricate melodies
Career context: When 'Quintet / Sextet' was released in early 1956, Miles Davis was in a transformative phase, following the success of his groundbreaking album 'Birth of the Cool'. This album continued to establish his reputation as a leading figure in jazz, showcasing his innovative approach and setting the stage for future works that would further redefine the genre.
Stylistic neighbors: John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter