Miles Davis and John Coltrane are American originals. Those who love jazz need no introduction to either musician, or to the music they created during their lifetime. For those whose musical interests lie in other genres, Davis and Coltrane can readily expand your world. In this bid lot are four titles that will replace an aging copy already owned, or add essential music to a music-lover's collection. 

 

"Kind of Blue": The original recording, released in 1959, is still revered as one of the greatest albums of all time. In the studio with Davis were Cannonball Adderley, Paul Chambers, Jimmy Cobb, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, and Wynton Kelly. This Legacy Edition contains the complete studio sessions on 2 CDs, including false starts, alternate takes and a 17-minute 1960 live version of "So What."

 

"Sketches of Spain" is Davis' legendary collaboration with arranger and producer Gil Evans. This edition (2009) presents the original album augmented by alternate and extra tracks, illustrating how this synergy developed.

 

"The Gentle Side of John Coltrane" is a compilation of tracks from other Coltrane sessions, and provides the listener with a gentle introduction to Coltrane's music. Appearing on various tracks are McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison, Elvin Jones, Duke Ellington, Aaron Bell, Sam Woodward, Roy Haynes, and Johnny Hartman.

 

The fourth CD in this group is "The Best of John Coltrane". While the title is a bit of a stretch, these 1963 European recordings are nevertheless classic Coltrane. Once again Coltrane is supported by McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison, and Elvin Jones.