Miles Davis – Cookin’ – Vinyl LP

High Quality, Gatefold Sleeve, Bonus Track(S)

“There is an undeniable telepathic cohesion that allows this band to work so efficiently both on the stage and the studio. This same unifying force is also undoubtedly responsible for the extrasensory dimensions scattered throughout these recordings.” (Lindsay Planer)

Miles Davis’ first classic quintet was formed in 1955 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest combos in jazz history. Cookin’ was the first in a series of four albums featuring the group recorded between May and October of 1956. The program presents some tunes the quintet had been playing live, along with others that appear to have been improvised on the spot and which had never been previously recorded. Sonny Rollins’ “Airegin” had been recorded by Miles with Milt Jackson and Rollins on June 29, 1954, for the album Bags’ Groove. Credited to Miles and Red Garland, “Blues by Five” is most likely a blues created on the spot. Cookin’ contains the earliest existing version of Miles performing “My Funny Valentine”, a song popularized in jazz by Chet Baker, and which Miles would maintain in his repertoire until at least 1966. Two tunes from the first Prestige LP by the quintet have been added as a bonus.

1. My Funny Valentine
2. Blues By Five
3. Just Squeeze Me (Bonus Track)
4. Airegin
5. Tune Up
6. When Lights Are Low
7. S’posin’ (Bonus Track)