What makes The Compositions of Al Cohn by Miles Davis notable?

The album is significant for highlighting Al Cohn's arrangements while also featuring prominent musicians from the era, which contributed to the cool jazz soundscape. It received positive critical reception and is often cited as an essential piece within Davis's discography, demonstrating his versatility and willingness to explore different stylistic avenues. Released in 1953, The Compositions of Al Cohn arrived during Miles Davis's transition into the cool jazz movement. At this point, Davis had solidified his reputation following the success of his Birth of the Cool sessions, demonstrating a growing interest in blending structured compositions with improvisational freedom.

How many songs are on The Compositions of Al Cohn?

The Compositions of Al Cohn has 4 tracks, running approximately 19 minutes.

The Compositions of Al Cohn

Miles Davis · 1953

19 min · 4 tracks · jazz

A blend of cool jazz sophistication and bebop improvisation, showcasing intricate arrangements and virtuosic solos.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Tasty Pudding — This track opens the album with a playful melody that sets a light-hearted tone, showcasing both rhythmic complexity and melodic inventiveness characteristic of Davis's style.
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Willie the Wailer — Featuring intricate interplay between instruments, this track exemplifies the collaborative spirit of the session while highlighting Davis's distinctive trumpet voice.
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For Adults Only — With its more mature themes and sophisticated arrangement, this track represents a deeper exploration of jazz's emotional range, reflecting the evolving landscape of post-war American music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album features strong compositions and skilled execution, solidifying its place in cool jazz.

What we noticed

The album maintains a consistent cool jazz aesthetic, with smooth melodies and harmonies throughout all four tracks.

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

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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: Deep Cut — This album showcases unique arrangements but lacks major recognition.
Themes: cool jazz sophistication· mellow lyrical compositions· 1950s jazz evolution
Career context: Released in 1953, The Compositions of Al Cohn arrived during Miles Davis's transition into the cool jazz movement. At this point, Davis had solidified his reputation following the success of his Birth of the Cool sessions, demonstrating a growing interest in blending structured compositions with improvisational freedom.
Stylistic neighbors: John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter