'Round About Midnight
Miles Davis · 1957
39 min · 6 tracks · jazz
A lush tapestry of moody melodies and intricate improvisation that defined the sound of modern jazz.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
'Round Midnight Start here — This titular track presents a haunting interpretation of Thelonious Monk's classic, featuring introspective solos that showcase Davis's ability to convey deep emotion through subtle phrasing.
-
→
Bye Bye Blackbird — Davis’s version transforms this standard into an exploration of longing and nostalgia, highlighted by expressive trumpet lines that linger long after they fade.
-
→
All of You — The interplay between the instruments creates a dialogue that exemplifies the tight-knit arrangements typical of this period in Davis’s career, balancing complexity with accessibility.
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 improvisation, defining the cool jazz sound.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow, moody rendition of 'Round Midnight, establishing a reflective atmosphere that persists throughout.
- Each track features extended improvisation sections, allowing the musicians to explore themes rather than adhering strictly to written melodies.
- The instrumentation is primarily centered around trumpet, piano, bass, and drums, creating a rich interplay between melodic lines and rhythmic support.
- 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
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
- intimate late-night listening experience
- steady melodic journeys throughout
- soulful improvisation that captivates
- reflective moments of calm
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — 'Round About Midnight' marked Davis's first Columbia release and solidified his role in cool jazz.
- Themes
- late-night jazz intimacy· Columbia Records debut· sophisticated improvisation
- Moods
- Introspective· Nocturnal
- Career context
- Released in 1957, 'Round About Midnight marked Miles Davis's first album for Columbia Records, a pivotal moment that set him on a path toward mainstream success. Following his earlier work with the Birth of the Cool sessions, this album showcased his innovative approach to jazz, blending bebop with more lyrical and atmospheric elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter
Tracklist
- 1 'Round Midnight Start here 5:55
- 2 Ah-Leu-Cha 5:53
- 3 All of You 7:03
- 4 Bye Bye Blackbird 7:56
- 5 Tadd's Delight 4:29
- 6 Dear Old Stockholm 7:51
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.