What makes Relaxin' with The Miles Davis Quintet by Miles Davis Quintet notable?

The album is notable for its critical acclaim and is often referenced as a quintessential example of cool jazz. It has been hailed by publications like DownBeat and JazzTimes, and remains influential in shaping modern jazz standards. Released in March 1958, this album came during Miles Davis's pivotal period with his second great quintet, following the acclaimed 'Round About Midnight'. At this time, Davis was solidifying his reputation as a leading innovator in jazz, experimenting with modal concepts and pushing the boundaries of the genre.

How many songs are on Relaxin' with The Miles Davis Quintet?

Relaxin' with The Miles Davis Quintet has 9 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Relaxin' with The Miles Davis Quintet

Miles Davis Quintet · 1958

36 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A relaxed yet intricate blend of improvisation and melody, capturing the essence of late 1950s jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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If I Were a Bell — This track showcases the quintet's seamless interplay and features Davis's lyrical trumpet lines that evoke both joy and introspection.
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Oleo — An upbeat composition that highlights the group's dynamic improvisational skills and rhythmic interplay, making it a standout performance on the album.
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Woodyn’ You — This piece exemplifies the quintet's ability to blend complex harmonies with a light-hearted feel, showcasing their versatility and musical chemistry.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

79 /100

Summit

Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

This album exemplifies cool jazz with its intricate improvisation and cohesive sound, making it a significant work in the genre.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent mid-tempo groove, with each track allowing for extended improvisation that showcases the musicians' interplay.
Tracks often begin with a clear melodic statement before devolving into intricate solos, creating a dynamic contrast between structure and freedom.
The use of studio chatter between tracks adds a conversational element, enhancing the relaxed atmosphere of the recording.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 [studio chatter] 0:13
2 If I Were a Bell 8:09
3 [studio chatter] 0:30
4 You’re My Everything 4:51
5 I Could Write a Book 5:11
6 [studio chatter] 0:26
7 Oleo 5:55
8 It Could Happen to You 6:38
9 Woodyn’ You 5:02

What to play next

Listen next

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Cookin' with the Miles Davis Quintet

1957

Full Miles Davis Quintet discography Artists like Miles Davis Quintet

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata