Wow. Absolutely loved this album. I'm not a massive jazz fanboy, but this modal jazz stuff really gets me going. I love how all of the instruments feel like individuals talking to each other, each one saying something unique yet still talking about the same stuff. This is what I want when I want jazz. True Feelings: 5/5
This is the definition of a classic! What a flawless album from side A to side B. But that's to be expected with such a rockstar cast of performers. Everything is just solid. The songs are all jams, they transport me to a rainy city, a sunny island, a dream world. No trumpet has ever sounded as good as when Miles Davis plays on this album, it has such a rich and gorgeous sound that feels almost transcendent. I can't think of anything else to say, it's hard to put into words how amazing this album is, and how much of a joy it is to listen to. Favorite track: Blue in Green
Iconic, classic album in the history of music. Whereas the bebop before this is exhilarating like a rollercoaster with it's speed and complex chord progressions, this is like surrendering yourself to waves of key modulations as the most beautiful melodies swim around you. Hipster that I am, this isn't actually my favourite Miles Davis album but this Aussie still gives it five slices of avo toast for brekkie out of five.
This is what they should have played when Peter Parker said, "Now dig on this". You can always count on Miles Davis to create such a beautiful but fun jazz album. Honestly, I wish I could have plopped on a zoot suit before diving into this album, would have made the experience much more authentic. But, even without the zoot, still fantastic. All instruments pairing with each other at all times and I'm used to listening to a lot of Herbie Hancock so most of my jazz listening is very chaotic and the instruments pair together by being all over the place, but this time, It's much better hearing them all fight the good fight altogether. Overall amazing, nothing else to say. (also quick quip for my Tim and Eric boys, anytime I listen to jazz now, I can't help but think of the jazz session bit, "Imma throw this atcha. RRA DOO-J RA JOOJ RUBBADY SA") https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCzq-uCSvfY&ab_channel=JignishTheMarvel
Forget for a moment that the Wikipedia article says "Kind of Blue has been regarded by many critics as the greatest jazz record, Davis's masterpiece, and one of the best albums of all time." This is music we have heard our whole lives. There is clearly a reason for this. This is music that is composed, not just a jam session. This is technical art. You can either listen intently or just have it playing in the background. This is an album that has been STUDIED for decades. In the end, your opinion of whether you like it or not is completely irrelevant.
Outstanding jazz masterpiece. A referential and milestone record of the XX century. Not a jazz connoisseur but I keep coming back to the vinyl every now and then, and every time is a great experience
The idea of my adding something to the words written about Kind Of Blue is beyond ridiculous, so I'll just observe (which I'm sure is also far from original) what a hash ass mistress jazz seems to be in that era (I don't know about now, hopefully it isn't still cutting off geniuses in the prime of life right and left). Of the six musicians who accompany Davis on this album only 2 made it past 50, Bill Evans barely so, and among the whole crew only Jimmy Cobb reached what could reasonably be called old age.
This is one of the most versatile albums of all time. You want a great record to listen to with your full attention, eyes closed with $3000 headphones on? Kind of Blue! You want a record playing in the background while you work door at a dinner party? Kind of Blue! Coffee bar? Kind of Blue! End of the evening on a date and you're sitting on the couch and you want the perfect soundtrack while make your big move? That's right, Kind of Blue!
The man, the myth, the legend. Looks like the List God(s) heard my rant on the Beastie Boys review loud and clear. This isn't my favorite album from Miles Davis, but it's a welcome change of pace nonetheless. This is widely regarded as one of the all-time great jazz albums, and I think that's mostly about influence and what it represented in the '50s. I watched a couple videos explaining the birth of modal jazz that this album represents, which is huge. It's hard for me to hear it as revolutionary though, considering I worked sort of backwards through Davis' catalog. But it's a fantastic album either way. Not as engaging to me as Sketches of Spain or Bitches Brew (both of which BETTER be on this list), but it is very smooth, very cool, with fantastic solos from everyone involved. Big names in the ensemble too, John Coltrane and Cannonball Adderley especially. Miles Davis was a creative force like no other. Favorite tracks: So What, Flamenco Sketches, Freddie Freeloader. Album art: Instantly recognizable because of how famous this album is, but pretty tame. Granted, many jazz albums had boring covers like this back in the day, but even compared to older Davis albums like Milestones or Porgy and Bess....there's room for improvement. I do like the font choice, though. 4.5/5
“Kind of Blue” by Miles Davis (1959) Classic jazz, with exquisite performances by Davis (trumpet), John Coltrane (tenor sax), Cannonball Adderly (alto sax), Bill Evans (piano). Listening today, we can recognize the roots of much of what was to come in music. Don’t look for chord structure or melody. This is pure improvisation by the above named musicians, taking turns leading the adventure, seeing how scales can be elaborated. It’s beautiful. That’s not to say that every note is perfectly attacked (or even chosen—surely the musicians would have improved details on a subsequent take or a dub, but that would violate the integrity of a jazz performance). Focus on the leading scales. The recording is unfortunately marred by distortion (especially on Coltrane’s feed), and the use of a minimum number of microphones results in a lack of definition, especially for the drums, which are very subdued in the mix. But overall, this album is an essential piece of our musical culture. Listen. Seriously. 4/5
Every music writer and listicle has told you this is the most iconic jazz album of all time. You brought a nice fillet of king salmon home. You're gonna cook a nice dinner for your sweetie. Take the night off sweetie, I got you, you deserve it. You cook the salmon too perfection - medium rare, still semi-translucent in the center, tender, simple salt and pepper. Exactly as specified in the recipe you found on The Spruce Eats. You've lit the candles - a 50 pack of tea candles from Amazon - and for the last two weeks have ritualistically consumed Cordyceps powder for sexual stamina. Bellies fulll. Romance is alive. Kind of Blue is dancing through your Sonos. You and your sweetie softly lock eyes, sensing something deeper. You remember the first time you met. Something feels different this time. Something is getting in the way. Something is obscuring the air between you. There's a trumpet playing. The carcass-like salmon skin fills your nostrils. Fish is not sexy! The medicinal mushrooms spike your pulse skyward. There's a trumpet playing! The cheap candles flicker and struggle to burn the mass produced wax. Amazon Prime! There's a trumpet playing! You hate jazz! You never loved your sweetie! B
‘So What’ and ‘Freddie Freeloader' are truly momentous, the gateway to new aural worlds no matter how many times you've listened. Their engine is joy. You can hear it in Coltrane’s sax and Miles' trumpet as they crest and lilt. But most of all, it resides in those goddamn drums. Oh boy. They’re irrepressible. It'ss impossible not to tap your foot to them until your shin ache. They subside in 'Blue in Green'. Once that happens, somnabulance takes over and I find myself a little lost. It's still undoubtedly beautiful, but never as revelatory as that opening one-two.
12/21 Masterpiece. Standout Tracks: Blue In Green, All Blues, Stella By Starlight, Love For Sale, Fran-Dance (alternate take), So What (Live at Kurhaus, The Hague)
I think it's overrated, with my current gold standard of jazz being Black Saint and The Sinner Lady. But that said it is amazing and I would feel bad giving it 4 stars.
The sticking power of Kind Of Blue isn't exactly due to "timelessness". The entrance to Blue In Green, in particular, seems very much of a time. The magic of the tune, and the rest of the record, is the ground everyone is able to cover. Thus, a recording that compares favorably with any of the music released after it. There's fast playing, bluesy licks, and a high degree of freedom in playing. Often all in the same track, and all easy to listen to and just fit-together enough. The first two tracks, especially, go lots of places but always come back home. I'm not a huge fan of the subdued B side, where I hear the most minimal compositions. But many compositions would be improved if players of this caliber picked them up and spun them into something new.
If peeing your pants is cool, call me Miles Davis. Great album, great vibe, a Sunday in a chair sipping on a drink with a jazz cigarette
Platte ist bekannt. Ich bleibe dabei: das Album ist dort am stärksten, wo Miles NICHT zu hören ist! Und trotzdem: wegen der Mitspieler ein großes Album.
Truly a masterpiece. Amazing clash of personalities of some of the best jazz players of all time recorded on a truly timeless album.
2 horas escuchando la versión de "legado" no noté cuando terminó pero también es de entender que este disco tiene 61 años, ya pasa por música de fondo
GREAT for relaxing and cooking or doing other housework...or even just sitting around and listening to fantastic music. Easy listening.
Ch-ch-ch-Chanclas in the mix, here to judge them tracks and count them stacks, today were diving deep into that Jazz, with “kind of blue”. Chanclas likes the jazz, and after talking to Chanclas Batman, who also enjoys a nice jazz, we’ve agreed that this meets our criteria for “perfect” album. We’re giving the album 5/5 not in the sense that it’s filled with bangers but in the sense that the songs flow well into each other and keep you in the same kinda groove start to finish. Pairs well with a joint. True feeling: 4.2/5 stars Saved tracks: 3/5 Noteworthy note: 45:45 runtime (nice) Standout tune: all blues
I think it's hard to rate jazz on the same scale as popular music but it's really good. 9 I guess
Well Stevie…look at the album we manifested. Our anger yesterday at the lack of black musicians was heard. This album also answers a lot a questions. Namely, this is the first album on this list I have on vinyl and this is the first album on this list to get five stars. Kind of Blue is one of my favorite Jazz albums. I’ve listened to it going to sleep. I’ve listened to it while road tripping to Texas. I’m listening to it right now on vinyl as opposed to Apple Music. This is one of those albums with a shorter track list but longer songs. They are all great and perfect to listen to at any time. Whether you are happy, sad, or just kind of blue. Miles Davis quickly became one of my favorite Jazz musicians a few years ago with this album and Bitch’s Brew. I can’t express how happy I am to finally have an album of this caliber on this list. The album cover is simple enough. The songs are magical. I was worried a five star album would take forever to arrive with the content we have been given but here it is. And it’s Friday.
Ultra rzadki jazzowaty pick jednego z najwazniejszych albumikow w davisowej dyskografii, jesli mozna mowic tutaj o waznych i wazniejszych, bo przeciez davis to ikona jazzu od hardego bopa, po modalne jazzowanie, malo ktory artysta tak zmienil swoje brzmienie na przestrzeni lat, a kind of blue jest wlasnie pierwszym materialem w pelni modalnego jazzowania, plyta nagrana w 59, w dwoch sesjach, jedna sesja jedna strona krazka, jak to w tradycji milesowej, zbyt duzych przygotowan do nagran nie bylo, powiedzial tylko ekipie jak maja grac, ale bez wyraznych nakazow, stworzyl sekstet z najbardziej wplywowymi jazzmanami tamtego okresu, w sklad tej ekipy wchodza takie nazwiska jak coltrane czy evans, wiec kocury z najlepszych kocurow na swoich instrumentalach, chociaz preferuje bebopowanie, to jednak taki modalny jazz pozwala takze na dowolna interpretacje co slychac na tej plycie, zwlaszcza na pierwszej stronie i trakach jak blue in green gdzie blyszczy evansowanie, nie wrzucam pojedycnzych trakow, bo i tak mam caly album na dope shietach, wiec leci tylko do listy albumikowej gwiazdkowej
Dentro del universo del jazz está considerado uno de los mejores álbumes de la historia (y dentro del mío también). Cómo no considerarlo así teniendo en él no sólo a Miles Davis, sino a John Coltrane, Bill Evans y Cannonball Adderley, JO-DER. Con 5 temas, cada uno de ellos mejor que el otro y todos juntitos en mi playlist de jazz desde su creación. Eargasm asegurado.
Like green olives, blue cheese and red wine this album is better every time. If you want to know what Jazz is this is it.
an album worth all it praise it gets, crips and clear sound, all instruments solo or in ensemble are just magical
My introduction to classic jazz, and what an album. I have a very good vinyl pressing, containing 2 albums one of which is the original release, the second record includes the corrected speed version of side 1, which apparently was cut at a slightly too fast speed as well as an alternate version of Flamenco Sketches. This sounds just so amazing and the music is so brilliant. It really belongs in the collection of anyone with even a passing interest in jazz. A no-brainer 5 🌟album
Favorite jazz album. Listened to this on a rainy day in 2018 summer when I had a job. The mood and the vibe this gives is just untouchable. 10/10
Know this album well. One of my favorites from the Genre. 5/5. Standouts: So What, Freddie Freeloader
This was my first jazz album. I had heard plenty of jazz before, but this was the first jazz album I sought out, bought, and listened to on repeat. I studied it. I learned it. I could hum along with basically the entire thing. It is no longer my *favorite* Davis album, I think that goes to Sketches of Spain, but it is still probably objectively his best one, and holds such an important place in my heart.
Beautiful jazz album that ranges from fun and uptempo to emotional. Layering of bass strings, piano, trumpet and sax all keeping time with drums and cymbals. Covers multiple tempos that can feel like a fast conversation or argument like in So what to a somber reflection of blues in green. Amazing musicianship across the board. So what, All blues, flamenco sketches
It had been awhile since I listened to this album. Worth revisiting, some peak level Miles
- long songs + short attention span = no bueno i will tough it out since im trying to get into jazz - good study music tho
This is probably the greatest jazz album of all time. It is also the best statement of cool jazz. The addition of John Coltrane makes this album also one of the greatest jazz collaborations to exist.
I have 4 different pressings of this album on vinyl and two on CD so I may be biased. So What (sorry) happens when you assemble a crack all-star ensemble led by Miles at his technical and artistic peak? You get an iconic, genre defining album for the ages of course. I'm pretty miserly about handing out 5 star ratings and have only given out a few so far, but this is a no-brainer for me.
There’s nothing not to like about this album. The lineup and the compositions (tracks 1, 2 & 4 especially) are stellar. I like the decision to do the saxophone solos back-to-back, contrasting the warmth of Adderly and the edgier sound of Coltrane. This is the greatest selling jazz album of all time and the album most critics would put at or near the top of their all-time list, and I won’t disagree.
I've been busy the last couple of days with little time for listening to the music sent to us. There was no way I was going to slap a "did not listen" on this bad boy so have adopted the "better late than never" adage. A well played but not too loud trumpet played over subtle rhythms is magical. I could listen to a song like Blue in Green all night long and not get tired of it. The trumpet playing would be enough, but we also get to enjoy sax playing that is arguably as good.
One of those jazz albums that anyone, including people that don't normally listen to jazz, can listen to and appreciate. The only other Miles Davis record that I've listened to extensively is his aggressively eclectic 'Bitches Brew', which I'm inclined to argue is, at the very least, more memorable than 'Kind of Blue'. With all that said, this album is still incredible, and is the sort of thing that everyone should listen to at least once. Even non musicians can appreciate the exceptional musicianship on display here.
The soundtrack to a movie that doesn't exist. Monster of an album. Everyone should own a copy. Best Tracks: So What; Blue In Green; Flamenco Sketches
Modal jazz was fundamentally a reaction to bebop's stereotypical pattern: a rapid succession of chords. Miles, Coltrane, Adderley, Chambers, Bill Evans on piano, Jimmy Cobb on drums improvised in the studio, without any rehearsal. Four lengthy jams, So What... (9/10) FT: So What, Blue in Green
Tout le momde qui s’interesse de pres ou de loin a la musique connait kind of blue. un chef d’ouvre tout simplement. 5
Of all the jazz works we had so far, of which I disagree with being on this list alongside pop, rock and hip hop albums, this one is no exception. But this was magic. This was such emotion and feel, with such a grand list of performers held together by the greatest ever. It deserves its place on any list. I have to give this a perfect rating.
This is just an amazing album. Very mellow but still interesting. The talent on this one album is unbelievable.
This is my favorite album of all time. It's one that I listen to rarely because I'm worried that if I listen to it too many times, I won't be able to appreciate its stark beauty. It's sad and sweet one moment, upbeat the next. What makes this album so great is that it is always absolutely painting a mood. You're meant to feel something with every song, and I always feel it. The instrumentation is exquisite. The compositions are sublime. Even the mistakes and imperfections, like the drummer hitting the cymbal a little too hard when Miles comes in on the first track just work. Put this album on a rocket ship and send it out into space. That way, if it's ever encountered by intelligent life, the aliens will get to see us at our absolute best 5/5
my favourite album - timeless, works for any mood. a marvellous band charting new territory and creating beautiful music
MQA Studio 192 kHz (TIDAL) Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm
An absolute classic. This might actually have been the first time I've listened to the album in full but I've been aware of every single song, some in different versions. What a quality in songwriting and musicians on this one album.
I've listened to this so many times, it's hard for me to come to it with a fresh, untouched opinion, but I think that this is a masterpiece of an album. Normally I don't like albums that are just instrumental, but Miles Davis et al. really show their mastery of music here. Some of the best jazz out there, no question about it.
There aren't many jazz albums I sing along with--because they're instrumentals!--but this is one. I just find my voice singing whatever. I'm not sure why. It's only with this jazz album. Maybe it's because the music is just so damn smooth and melodic. Maybe it's because I've listened to and loved this album so much. Whatever the case, I drink this music. If music was a slushy alcoholic drink on a hot summer's day, the liquid would be blue, and the bottle from which the concoction came would have this album cover as a label.
A stunning achievement, the great American album. Evocative, moody, transformative, the playing here is superlative. Peerless. An album for the ages.
I can find no flaws or imperfections across decades of listening. 5/5. Serious candidate for best of album of all time in any genre.
Probably the easiest 5 out of 5 I’ll ever give. The jazz album for people who hate jazz. Timeless, definitive, straightforward in sound but deceptively complex at the same time. A masterpiece and one of the greatest albums off all time, jazz or otherwise.
Everyone's favourite jazz album, with good reason. Pretty much set my own tastes in jazz, such as they are.
Long ago in a lifetime far away I took a college jazz course for my music studies - very early in the semester our homework one weekend was this album. Just that - listen to this album. My previous exposure to jazz was probably anything random from a movie or tv show. I knew I didn't enjoy jazz singing so I assume that's probably what I thought I was getting into. I'm not sure the word or term "jazz" is accurate (too widespread) because this album blew me away literally the first time I heard it. The mysterious almost creepy no-time intro to "So What" sets everything up before that classic call and response between bass and piano and gradual build... it's awesome. There's a *space* to this album - I'm not sure how to describe it well, but that space gives the mystery. There's no overload of sound; it always feels like something's coming around the corner and retaining the uncertainty. The entire album feels like that - every track. I love it. Again, I'm probably still speaking out of ignorance but this album might be the one cliché jazz album that everyone knows. To use my words carefully here...so what. Nothing I'll write here will be new - jazz is a little down the list of my preferred genres and I'll still not pretend to be able to know more than the next person but this kind of jazz is what I love and this album is perfection - I'm primarily a rock fan but after >200 albums this is my first 10/10. 10/10 5 stars
Probably the best jazz album of all time, accessible to jazz newbies and dearly loved by jazz connoisseurs. Features one of the great jazz lineups at the top of their game, Miles leads them on an improvisational masterclass. Genius, 5 stars all the way.
Hard to pick this one apart. Sufficient perhaps to just say that this is one of the greatest jazz albums in the history of the genre - and maybe on of the greatest albums, full stop?
This is that kind of album where everything is exactly where it should be. Every note of it. It can play in the background or it can play in the foreground. It's whatever you want it to be.
Greatest jazz album of all time. No matter how you feel about jazz normally, this one will pluck your heart strings and make you appreciate something new from it.
Still don’t know why this is one of the greatest albums of all time, but I’ll keep listening and trying for my more years. Love this album
This is a tough one to rate. I absolutely love swing-era jazz and have danced countless hours to it. As jazz moved to other styles, it kinda lost me. I dig this album, but I have to be in a certain mood for it. Nonetheless, this album deserves its spot in history.
oh hell yeah, one of the greatest jazz albums ever made Miles Davis’ the mf GOAT I heard the whole 2 hour legacy edition of Kind of Blue and it’s so good all the way through - 10/10 kind of bebop at some points but mostly a cool, slow jazz album I prefer Bitches Brew, but I think it’s great to hear the classic jazz that got him to where he ended up, making incredible psychedelic experiences
Easy 5 stars. Wild to think that Davis, Coltrane, and Adderly all combined on this. If you like jazz at all, this is it.
Not normally a jazz person, but I thoroughly enjoyed this. Amazingly smooth and great listening.
Alt schpeller. Perfekt jazz. Denne kjøpte jeg på CD på tidlig 2000-tallet. Har den enda. Jeg Hører på dette albumet i snitt 1gang pr mnd. gjør seg enda bedre på et godt stereoanlegg.
I am 100% biased when it comes to this album being a trumpet player. But this album is smooth, it’s calming, it’s technical. The addition of Coltrane amps this up to even further. Love, LOVE this blues record.
I afraid most of my exposure to jazz has come from Pink Panther and Charlie Brown cartoons. Listening to this album, I feel like this is what I think of when someone says jazz music. It has made me realize jazz music is quite a nice addition to my life. I feel a bit ill-suited to offer a meaningful review, but this sounded great to me and I loved listening to it. A cool way to chill the night away. I love it!
It is evident from the moment it starts that we are in some very capable and caring musical hands. Listening to Kind of Blue feels like lying in a raft gently rocking on a calm sea. So soothing, so laid back. My soul feels lighter. Each track is its own subtle mood and the shift from one to the next creates a clear arc through the whole piece. Absolute perfection.
For much of my life, I just couldn't get into jazz. When I decided to really give it a shot, it was Miles that I first went to. This is one of the albums that I now pull out every so often. It is a beautiful jazz album! I also think that it is one that is quite accessible, even for one who is not so much a fan of the genre.
This was not an immediate favorite but it has really, really grown on me as I let myself go with it, listening over the day. (Maybe jazz isn't meant for 6:00 a.m.) It worked much better on a lunchtime walk, although my surroundings kept transforming into a wet night with neon lights reflected on the sidewalk. After that first encounter I tried to figure out what I was supposed to be hearing. I read a lot of Wikipedia trying to understand just what "modal jazz" is. (Boy, that's a technical article. Is this how the musicians communicated about their work?) My very fragile understanding is that Miles Davis created a canvas that allowed for improvised, unrestrained solos. When I had that in mind, it became more remarkable, because, at its worst, jazz can sound like unbearable chaos to me. A bunch of random, screeching saxophone is my nightmare. This, however, was always lovely and harmonious despite flowing freely. It was something to "feel" more than "hear" and I loved how it felt.
Mer klassisk jazz jämfört med hans andra i listan. Inte lika roligt men perfekt som bakgrunds-musik.
I dont know jazz well enough to differentiate it from other jazz. Case in point, I didnt realize the album had finished and Spotify had started playing Freddie Hubbard. It's all very pleasant though.
Very Beautiful, one of my first full jazz album listens. Very peaceful on rainy day drive with Cassie
I had this album in regular rotation back in high school but it's been a couple decades since I've listened to it. Today is now a jazz day and I'm listening to all sorts of old favorites
7. Quite good, but I don't like Jazz enough for anything to really stand out to me about it
Am amazed I knew the first song “So What”. He has several songs in the detective show”Bosch”. Very smooth...felt like I was at an old blues bar listening to him play through the night. The cupped trumpet was amazing. If you have ever tried to play a trumpet it is even more impressive listening to this album. Loved “Stella by Starlight”. Great change to have No Lyrics.
Incredible musician(s), hugely influential, a huge power of social and cultural importance, ticks all the 1001 boxes. Feel like I should give 5 but, on a purely personal level, it's not entirely my bag as something I would consciously sit down and listen to. 9/10
Sick album reaaaaaaally caught some awesome vibes off of it, will defo listen again! It's defo more than a 4, but can't give it a 5 because of other albums which have played a huge role in my life and connected with me on another level. Still really sick though!
Like lounge jazz music. A lot of Miles on the trumpet. Don't really listen to this kinda stuff but it has a real classic/important feel about it, oozes class, undeniable. Boujee. Late night whiskey drinking cigar smoking feel. 4 stars just cos it sounded so classy
On Day 1, my album was Birth of the Cool, and I said neither of these classics ever clicked for me. Well, I'm definitely enjoying Kind of Blue this time around. I always saw the skill... but first few times I heard it, I was just getting into jazz and was listening to it alongside Miles's fusion albums, which made it sound a little sedate. But it just has an energy of a different kind - a sort of rolling boil that never bubbles all the way over. I love how it's effortlessly laid back compared to bebop. My favourite jazz style is hard bop, and this has the same attention to clear melodic lines. Sidenote: I must be a hopeless ignoramus, because I still can't get my head around what "modal jazz" is in layman's terms. I gather that bebop used virtuosic chord progessions, whereas this uses modal scales for calmer, more expressive and melodic palette? However, I barely know what a chord is, and I can't get my head around what a mode is. It doesn't matter as long as I can enjoy the record, but it would be nice to work out what is happening, and be able to spot how it works in other jazz albums too. (I like a lot of Bill Evans, but again I couldn't tell you what exactly makes it modal...) Anyhow, this album is all quality. But I find it tapers off in excitement, beginning with the amazing "So What", then getting slightly less gripping with each track. 4/5 - glad I finally appreciated this one.
A quintessential jazz album and amazing experience. It was edited in a way where all of the tracks blend together into a great experience with every instrument helping punctuate Davis' skills. Gotta love Bill Evans too!
Enjoyable and something I would not usually listen to. Not sure I'd be able to tell bad Jazz from good Jazz honestly but this seemed like good Jazz
Love the trumpet, and enjoyed it all overall. Preferred "a silent way", but this was still a great listen.
esse tipo de som é fácil de gostar...... não terminei mas deixei na lista de favoritos do youtube
better than the other miles Davis album. honestly could see myself listening to this every once in a while
Maybe the most celebrated jazz album of all time. Are we not supposed to talk about the missed notes? Feels like I'm going to get in trouble for bringing it up. Best track: Freddie Freeloader
Miles en John Coltrane, volgens mij de enige twee jazz-mannen waar ik wel van kan genieten.
This takes me back. It got overplayed somewhat, making it a bit hackneyed, but going back to listen to the full album again is a treat.
2nd December 2021 Listened on my way in to the office on a grey London morning. Setting seemed perfect for this album, always liked the thought of jazz without actually liking it. But this is very atmospheric, and feels like new York.
Jim KavanaghBlue heart @Jimbokav1971 · 16s Replying to @Jimbokav1971 87. Kind of Blue - Miles Davis 5 tracks, This is great, (it really is), but it's not something that you can listen to at any time. It's basically a buzz-killer after Little Richard, (and I don't want my buzz killed!) 4/5
If you've stumbled upon my review of "Kind of Blue" while scrolling through, you don't need me to explain it's a classic. A quick look at this album on any corner of the Internet reveals a unanimous outpouring of praise: it cemented modal jazz as a definitive form of improvisation, influenced generations of jazz and rock musicians alike, and stands outside of its genre as one of the best albums ever made. Its place as an all time classic in musical history is safe, and objectively it's without doubt a 5*. That said, I'm trying to be as subjective as possible in these rankings, and jazz has never been my favourite genre. In the past I've struggled to stay engaged, to give the music my full attention, to appreciate the depth of feeling and talent on show. With "Kind of Blue", this hasn't been the case: the virtuosic talent and unbeatable expression of the soloists is inescapable. Their lines are often dazzling, frequently captivating: it's definitely the best jazz I've heard. "So What" is the album highlight. Just listen to that iconic piano and double bass conversation that kicks things off: anticipation slowly builds via subtle modulations and variations on one figure, before the trumpet solo bursts in as the cymbal crashes in and the bass starts a-walking. We then cycle through the soloists of the album (including John Coltrane on tenor sax) and all of them lend their own distinct flavour to the proceedings. In particular, Davis gives the trumpet more street cred than I ever thought possible. The other songs progress in the same way: alternating solos, instruments wrapped in dialogue with one another, variations in dynamics and accompaniment to keep things fresh. "All Blues" and "Freddie Freeloader", being more tied to blues structures, feel more familiar and less groundbreaking: to me, they come off as the most repetitive, even if the musicianship remains excellent. The two ballads are notable for their sparsity, as well as their beautiful melodic lines. In "Flamenco Sketches", I stopped trying to analyse and just let the mood sweep me away to some distant horizon: a perfect way to close. Because I still need to go further to "get" jazz, I'm keeping this at a 4 for now, but the work required is all mine: one day I hope I can fully appreciate the beauty Davis and co. have to offer.
-I am well aware of this album's importance, but am not smart enough to analyze jazz -I like the doo doot part in "So What"
I'm not usually a fan of smooth jazz, and I don't particularly love albums with no stand out tracks. It is therefore bizarre how much I enjoyed this, I felt relaxed and much more focussed throughout. Is it one of my favourite ever albums? No, but it's close!
So easy to listen to, I ended up listening to the spotify radio for this album all day. Fantastic.
This is the kind of thing I could have on in the background all day. Incredibly pleasant but not the kind of thing I'm ever going to be thinking 'damn, I must listen to this right now'. Very nearly a 5 because it kicked off the chillest album radio for the rest of the day
I put this on while making dinner tonight and I have never felt more classy. Also I was making chicken fingers
I can understand why people claim this is one of the best jazz records in the world and a most have for anyone who loves jazz. It’s not my go to genre but it is nice to listen to as a chill out/easy listening to groove.
Just when i was ready to throw out all jazz... this is subtle, soulful, cool and enjoyable. It does not venture much into the territory where is seems like the instruments are frantically sparring with each other creating stress and frenzy. Big thumbs up.
You guys pretty much covered it all on this one. If I can go one step further, I almost think you could take 30 seconds from "So What" - the 15 seconds before the trumpet comes in, and then the 15 seconds after - and play that to any human being on Earth as a gauge for their tolerance of jazz. I really like a lot of Duke Ellington and that swing stuff, but there's no question that when people think of jazz as a genre they're thinking of the kind that's on display on this record. So, if you don't like that trumpet intro, then this ain't for you. If you do, then please drive through the gate. It's also nice that jazz is popular with audio nerds and these albums always tend to have really good remasters. Listening with headphones, I could hear what I assume is the reverb of the actual room they recorded in at times (especially with the sax on "So What.") Other times I could make out the faintest use of the brush on the snare drum, almost sounding like a record hiss or something. Took me a second to even realize what it was. Lastly, as someone who played trumpet in middle school and for one year of high school, I feel supremely qualified to comment that it's actually really hard to make a trumpet sound intentionally sad like it is on "Flamenco Sketches." Unintentionally sad? Yes. Daily. And I was first chair!
This was the first instrumental jazz album I really liked - it didn't sound all the same or like elevator music.
Cool. It's not my favourite Miles Davis, it's less creative than some of his other stuff. Also I think studying 'kind of blue' for music GCSE ruined it a bit for me
Never much of a fan of Davis, but this was nice. Smooth and worth multiple listens. Maybe it's the gateway album to more Miles. Added.
A bit jazzy for me. I appreciate the skill but just don’t find it super pleasant to listen to
I don't really understand the obsession with this album, maybe it was revolutionary at the time, but now it's been redone so much, it's almost generic.
Very chill and downbeat. Cool stuff, but unfortunately nothing truly attention grabbing for me.
It's good, I've listened to it many times. Not something I find myself wanting to listen to randomly but I enjoy it when I hear it.
Obvs great but not for me. I have to be fair to the system. Have saved it on my Spotify tho as maybe it’s about finding the right moments for it. If he plays live let me know guys
Jazz is not something I normally listen to, so I tried to be objective, and it's a solid album and you can tell how revolutionary it was for its time. 7.0/10
it's lovely, and heathen that i am, pretty forgettable too. i think you can appreciate it, without wanting to repeat it y'know
I know for some jazz is relaxing, but it honestly stresses me out. This album is good, and Miles Davis is a singular talent, but I can’t say I enjoyed it. I think that’s on me though because I don’t really care for the genre.
Voor de tweede keer geluisterd. Ben nog altijd geen jazz liefhebber, maar dit was best goed te pruimen.
Olematta sen suurempi jazz-tietäjä, niin sanoisin, että hienoa kuunneltavaa ja muutaman kerran soitin läpi. Wow-elämys jäi, mut livenä se varmaan toteutuis
I struggle with jazz. The musicians are talented, but it is not something I actively seek out. I don't necessarily enjoy or dislike it. Supposedly Miles Davis is the epitome of cool, but all I can think of regarding him is the "peeing my pants" line from Billy Madison.
I'm not fair to jazz here. It's tough to appreciate it when listening at my desk. It's either too distracting, and I have to turn it off in order to focus, or it's too smooth and blends into the background. So, here's three stars.
I don’t know. Pretty good I guess. Some great moments. I can never seem to separate this era of jazz and film noir tropes, therefore it makes it hard for me to purely listen. I felt like John Coltrane outplayed Mile’s a few times (or is that just because the sax is a more dynamic instrument?). Definitely had some moments, especially near the end of the album where I said, “wow.” 3
Nice music for the background but for today's ears, it fails to be more than that unless you are a affictionado
Listened Before? N Pros: My first Miles Davis! Great sound, very familiar and soothing as a Kansas City resident. I loved this album. Wonderful musicianship. Cons: I just have a difficult time getting into non-classical music with no vocals whatsoever. However, I may find myself getting familiar with vocal-less jazz sooner than I think. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Blue in Green
I know it makes me an unsophisticated simpleton, but my brain somehow isn't wired for jazz music. I can appreciate it, but it doesn't really resonate with me, no matter how many times I try. Having said that, I do appreciate this type of jazz more than many other sub-genres. It's listenable and doesn't grate on my nerves. I could definitely see myself in a dark, smokey lounge, sipping an old fashioned and listening to Miles Davis and crew playing these songs on stage. I know it's a classic, but for me it's 3 stars.
My first experience with genuine jazz music and I did enjoy it in the background as I worked but it may not be for me. The only other jazz I have listened to is H. Jon Benjamin's (yes that H Jon Benjamin) Well I guess I should have...(subtitle) learned to play the piano. He brought in a bunch of seasoned studio jazz musicians and then attempted to make an album with him on piano, having never learned how to play the piano. It's mildly amusing.
Well, I am not a jazz person as noted before, but this was a pleasant way to spend 45 minutes while making ramen. So What is a classic and the rest is very pleasant.
Not much of a classical blues fanatic, but this one surely was soothing to but on during a cleanup session.
It was OK. I could only find the 'Legacy Edition' of the album which was like two hours long. There was only so much that I could take but certainly the original stuff was good for working to.
Un bon album. Mention spéciale au tube « J'écoute du Navii » et à la balade romantique « Je porte du Napapiji ».
I'm supposed to love it. I've tried, it's technically brilliant but.... I don't put it on by choice.
Very impressive, and enjoyable, and creative. Instrumentals rarely move me as much as songs with lyrics.
I can't give this album a 1/5 because I'm saving that for albums I feel are actively bad and not deserving to be on the list, and this album DEFINITELY deserves to be here. I feel like most of the songs blended together and it was soothing, but it didn't really do much for me. "So What" was my favorite track. Hope we encounter more Jazz soon.
Osaahan ukot(/akat) soittaa, mutta kun genre ei muuten kosketa sielua niin kokemus jää vajaaksi.
Not the first time I've listened to this album. I didn't disenjoy it, but I don't really get it. It sounds alright. Flamenco Sketches was the best bit. On the whole though, it sounds like elevator music to me, inoffensive, mild, not unpleasant... but it doesn't move me. Again I wonder if I'm perhaps just not smart enough for jazz?
Just felt like some background music to me more than anything, didn't really do much for me.
Objectively a classic, but not my bag. Felt stuffy, although it originated as the opposite, I'm sure.
There isn't anything I don't particularly like, but it's not connecting with me for some reason. Not compelled to re-listen or seek out more.
i understand that he is an incredibly influential jazz player and his music is very very impressive but it’s never been for me. jazz in general is just not appealing because there’s nothing i can do with it. i understand why other people like it and i will hopefully grow to like it but as of now no.
I want to have a gin martini. Two olives. I want to people watch. Or have a classy conversation with a sophisticated lady. Or do my taxes. Or listen to this album while listening to this album.
I’m no jazz aficionado and the album sounded like one long track. It was a mellow sound and clearly he was a great musician but not really for me so I’m going to be hard and say 2*
So _this_ is what they play on my local classical/jazz FM station when they make the switch at 6PM. Our family always dubbed it 'noisy jazz'o'clock' and had a laugh. "Blue in Green" is an excellent noir track, but the rest of the album is stereotypical unstructured jazz with complex chords, tones, measures and bars that don't usually sound 'pleasant' while still being technically competant.
Love it.