Davis, Miles
Round About Midnight (clear)
The first of Miles LPs for Columbia, Round About Midnight is the landmark that broke a new talent-heavy backing band, with Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones as the rhythm section supporting the understated pianist Red Garland, and a then-unknown John Coltrane. An album of uncommon beauty that veers between cool jazz and hard bop, the version of the title track with Miles muted trumpet is arguably more distinctive than Monks original, the adaptation of Birds Au Leu-Cha is equally great and there are non-standard renditions of Basin Street Blues, All Of You and Bye-Bye Blackbird. Absolutely essential Miles!