All time favourites

 

This 1959 blues classic is not only the first in any Jazz collection, but a staple in any list of classic albums all across the board. Its instant accessibility and main stream admiration make it a true Jazz-lovers nightmare, but a casual listener’s delight. Cited by countless musicians of all genres as an overwhelming influence, Miles’ savvy sax is to blues what bread is to butter.

 

 

Famously, the whole of Kind of Blue came from a series of jamming sessions in 1958 between Miles and his band, of which no rehearsal and only a basic outline of what was expected was given. The result, a free-flowing yet remarkably tight knit sound, is astonishing. It is this improvisation that gives the album a life of its own; what could have been just a few days of friends rustling some ideas together, has become a landmark for the genre. Having survived several decades of changing format, it now flows perfectly through a computer or iPod just as it did a turnstile or cassette in the 60s and 70s (I presume. I, obviously, wouldn’t know). 

 

 

Avoiding the clichéd use of the word ‘journey’, I would describe Kind of Blue more of a session of jams than a collection of 5 songs (6 in the re-mastered edition, with an alternative take of Flamenco Sketches), which is unsurprising considering how it came about. Because of this, picking a stand-out track doesn't seem feasible. However, if I had to, it would be the almost ten minute opener. So What seems to summarise the whole of blues itself as it flirts along so easily, never faltering or dropping rhythm. On this, as on every second of the album, the backing band accompanies Miles with subtle sophistication, which constantly begs the question: who is that on the piano and how can I listen to everything he’s ever done? The answer: Bill Evans, and the internet.

 

For me, Kind of Blue is so good simply because it fits every mood, and seems to go together with everything. I listen to it at least three times a week in the library, as while it rewards a listener who gives it full attention, it can also be enjoyed as a background instrumental, perfect for listening whilst doing work. But, when he goes off on one during the last three minutes of Freddie Freeloader, don’t expect to actually get anything done.

 

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