Birth Of The Cool

Like it says on the tin. I prefer fucked-up coke-and-wah Miles but this cannot be denied.

Great

I love this album. It’s one of my favorite “just drank a cup of coffee albums.” The opening track “Move” has a great caffeinated energy. I’ve listened to this album countless times and I’ll listen to it countless more times in my life. It’s always a great pick-me-up. A fantastic driving album too. And one of the best album titles of all time too. Sometimes, the phrase “Birth of the Cool” pops into my head and I think, damn what a great title.

Love this. Got a few Miles Davis records but never listened to this. Wish I was around in that era to see this type of jazz in its peak. Often gets a bad rep as musically its allover the place, but thats what I love about it. There’s no containing it, they just go with it. As someone who makes most things up as I go along, I find this reassuring. Always found something really comforting about jazz and Miles Davis in particular. I’ll be adding this to my ‘go to’ list for when I’ve had a shit day

Leaps and bounds better than anyone... You could say he's miles ahead

I understand that this is influencial and innovative but I can't connect to it emotionally. I need to listen to it several more times to let it sink in.

Vad ska man säga? Det är ju Miles.

Classic small ensemble defines a new style of Jazz. Always in my top 20 of essential listens.

Me gusta porque pasa rápido

The opening track sets up exactly how cool this album is going to be. Sophisticated yet relaxing, complex but with enough melody to hang onto; the songs seem to float along morphing from mood to mood. Miles Davis and an all star line up in their prime charting an exciting new path. The Birth of Cool is aces, and is exactly the kind of groundbreaking album this list is for.

Just an absolutely beautiful and perfect record. The classic Blue Note releases are as good as they get.

wicked licks and rapid jazz. dynamite.

With the exception of Kind of Blue, nothing tops this. Birth of the Cool is a flawless album. Intamite and immediate while also challenging

A nice collection of jazz. I prefer his later stuff, but this can't be sniffed at.

Reading other reviews here, some people are confused by the 1957 release date of this compilation. The tracks on this album were recorded in 1949/50 and originally released from 1949 on 10" 78rpm vinyl. The first of Miles Davis' collaborations with Gil Evans, and with Gerry Mulligan, John Lewis and Lee Konitz playing on all the tracks. Beautiful arrangements that are beautifully played.

Very good chilled morning music. Would be perfect with a coffee on a Sunday morning

Wow! Venus De Milo. I think I'm starting to get this jazz thing.

Not a jazz fan, but I am now.

Classic

Does what it says on the tin. One of the greatest recordings of all time. What more do you want?

Dope!

This album represents a transition between bebop and cool jazz in the late 40s and early 50s. As always, Miles Davis, a master of phrasing and dynamics, is one of the drivers of this change. The music certainly contains elements of both styles ranging from the high energy, virtuosic bebop, to the slower understated cool jazz. This album looks forward to the 1959 releases of Davis' Kind of Blue, and Dave Brubeck's Time Out.

Just incredible, obviously

In the world of jazz this is the album with which I'm most familiar, because when CD players were new it was one of the first CD my dad got.

This is the second Miles Davis album I’ve reviewed. I remember the first one surprising me as I generally consider jazz to be outside the boundaries of what I tend to enjoy, but I rather enjoyed it. I’m excited to listen to more today! Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Jeru, Budo, Boplicity You might be wondering about the very high score. I listened to this album this morning and have been thinking about it all day. This album has changed my stance on jazz. I’ll admit that I haven’t heard much jazz outside of a few albums, but this had got me wanting to find more. There wasn’t a moment when my foot wasn’t tapping and I wasn’t lost in the music, and that is quite the statement considering the genre and my personal preferences. Overall, a definite recommend regardless of whether you are already familiar with jazz or not.

Bello, bello bello. Aiutatemi a dire bello.

Some good music at last!

Definitely lives up to its name. Layers upon layers of the very smoothest jazz, delivered as only Miles and his band can.

What a great talent and mind. Personally think Kind of Blue was his greatest album. This one is right up there.

a lot more listenable than some other Miles Davis albums I can tell you that.

One of my all-time favorite albums. Fabulous.

какими-то мотивами так напоминает светлые смешные советские комедии

A classic through and through. In many ways this defined modern jazz and set the stage for the decades that followed. This is quintessential mood music and a singular achievement. It also is one of the first jazz albums I purchased (a thanks to my Uncle Marty) and has been played consistently since then.

It’s Miles changing music for the first time. Landmark. Beyond that, I’m not qualified to comment, but I will keep listening.

Incredible. Probably the easiest 5 star album so far for me. And that's despite that weird last song that is worth negative 10 stars.

Track 1: Great fast paced start with the horns section rhythm. Awesome light and quick trumpet solo into the sax solo. Incredible speed of the bass on this; the bassline is absolutely moving. Perfect drum fills and solo break. Track 2: Nice pace on this song with the cool off-beat rhythm. Lil Poly thing going on. Incredibly crisp chord changes in the horns. Smooth trumpet solo. The off-beat melody now with the drums are super crispy. Sax solo is good a lil lackluster at times. Once again really tight changes on the ending and slowing it down a bit. Track 3: Slow and beautiful Start. Silky smooth progressions that feel like a walk through a park on a warm dark night. Bassline relaxes a bit in the background and provides just enough to keep a loose structure. Wow incredible note hold by the trumpet, and then busting right into these minor chords. Nice soft finish at the end. Track 4: Very tight walking bassline. Nice soft horn hits on the main section. Light and playful trumpet solo on top. Very airy sax solo but keeps smooth. The off rhythm hits and fills from the drums are great. Track 5: Fast pace song with light kit drums. The runs in the trumpet solo are nice and together. Lightning quick melodies. Great drum fills right at the end. Track 6: Nice trumpet lead on the melody right off the bat. A bit scattered with these solo sections but drums hold it together. Oh lord a very pretty trombone/euphonium solo super slick. Track 7: Incredible main melody led by the low brass and sax line. The drums accompany the horn hits super well. The trumpet joining that low melody line after the solo is a nice touch. Nice reach for the high note at the end. Track 8: Personal favorite song off the album. Great splashy cymbals. The main melody is just so catchy the way they toy around with the notes. The sax solo is just perfectly placed and light on the top. The trumpet solo brings some beautiful airy runs. Piano solo quickly brings it back to the main melody. Song just feels so laid back and relaxed. Track 9: light and playful with the intro melody. Great rises and falls of the song. Trumpet and sax solos were okay; felt a bit forced. Great dynamic shifts in the high and low parts. Track 10: fluid sax right off the bat. Nice 3 over 4 melody line. Trumpet solo was crispy and then slowly fades back into the backing track. Sax solo is an absolute highlight. Good lord the sax runs are insane in this. Was not a fan of the Forced ending. Track 11: clean and smooth melodic line. Nice percussive cutoffs for effect. Best piano solo on the album for sure; perfectly placed. Piano solo goes right to sax with some beautiful fast paced runs. Solo to solo transitions are incredibly smooth. Drums have some nice fills but I wish there was more. Brings back the main melody line at the end. Album is incredible and pretty much individually kicked off the cool jazz genre. I love Miles Davis, and I'll hold the uncommon opinion that this is my favorite album of his.

Miles Davis is truly the goat of jazz.

While I like this album because Miles Davis is a GOAT, it is a compilation album and lacks the unity of a complete, focused album. All the songs are really good, but it just feels as if it is missing that album feel.

Classic, really really enjoyed this look into early davis.

Based

jazz perfection

One of the most important albums in Jazz history.

I love jazz, so that one's is a definite yes for me. -- I really enjoyed listening to it, one of my favourite jazz albums. This kind of music can instantly lift up my mood.

Great ambient sound. One of the classics.

Uvodni miles. I odmah jebeni zakon

One of the perfect trio of Miles’ records.

I really do need to sit down with more albums by some of these great jazz musicians. This album was such a fantastic listen. I will definitely circle back to this one someday and really listen deeply. There's so much subtlety in there that there's a lot you can miss.

Love me some Miles Davis

Assez incontournable merci. On ne réinvente pas la musique tous les jours. Il y a Darn that dream qui me met sur mes gardes à chaque fois. C’est peut-être la seule pièce qui fitte moins.

Short, sharp and punchy as fuck. Listened to it twice through and loved every second.

Five stars. Tempted to deduct a quarter of a point for the vocal jazz on track 12, but really can't complain.

So very good.

It really is cool

Budo, Move, Jeru

Great miles album.

The first of what would be many of Miles' groundbreaking stylistic changes in jazz, leading the genre through some uncertain yet inevitable shifts that would eventually lead to it being the status quo for music. Don't miss out on the Royal Rooster live set from this time period as well, it captures the songs too well in its warm, steady quality.

Cool, but not yet Blue

birth of the drip

impecável

Cool

This album was the first work of jazz that I appreciated. It is so involving and revolutionary. With it, Miles changed history.

Just love the 50s jazz

Indeed

Very good! Can’t go wrong with a bit of Miles Davis.

Enjoyed it - need to hear it more…

It's Miles Davis.

I love this album! I used to own this album! I don’t know what happens to this album, but I feel like John Hillery stole this album from me! If I see you on the streets John Hillery imma ask you if you have my album and if so, lights out son! That being said, this album gives me life. The energy is outstanding while contained. Had my blood flowing and air playing all the horn section. Perfect for a gathering with some friends or some solo nerding out in your living room. I actually have it on in my office now!

Come on. Five stars. I have nothing to add that hasn’t already been said about this album. Come back to me when we get to the harder stuff, like Bitches Brew.

Classic. The wellspring of Cool Jazz which was hugely influential.

Cool.

Cool

Paired well with early Sunday morning coffee and studies.

A CLASSSIC MANNN

Inventions for new music dating 70 years from now. And those are surprising us yet.

Brilliant

Delivers what is promised

Lovely

One of best Jazz album of all time.

Lovely, calming and uplifting, ‘Some like it hot’ vibes

An Absolute Classic

Incredible.

Come on it is Miles Davis, what else would I rate it?

Excellent! Amazing performance

I mean, it's Miles Davis. This is like hitting a first-pitch home run.

A great band is behind this, but Miles(🐐) is here to lead and crack the whip. Consequently there is a sense of perfection to this record.

Exactly what it says on the tin

Loved it. Great relaxing and thinking music.

Miles is the king baby

It is absolutely appropriate for the band to be called The Cool.

Klassiker

love jazz

Cool.

Excelente

Funky as hell. Really drifted off in the bathtub to this one. Inspiration to be had.

Super great work time listening. Will do again

You already know

Hadn’t heard this Davis album but just like his others, I love it. These are shorter songs than his longer, later albums but they are still fantastic to listen to. I’ll have to listen to this album more as time goes on to find my true favs but I love the entire thing. The album cover is very basic but it’s what’s inside that counts. Great way to start off the week!

Miles Davis is a Jazz classic

Greate

Essential

holy fuck, this album made me feel things.....one of the best pieces of musical composition I've ever, and will ever listen to.

Cool Jazz!

miles davis is so damn good

Interesting choice this one. No, it's not as iconic as Kind of Blue or Sketches of Spain but it's still a really influential recording. There are some absolute classics on here. But, I still prefer later Miles than earlier.

just beautiful

At the age of 22, Miles Davis would release a record that captured his first recorded sessions as a band leader of a group of musicians, all of whom were absolute masters of their instruments. This album would ultimately become highly influential in transforming jazz away from the Be-Bop sounds into something a little smoother, more relaxed or 'cooler'. What made this sound unique was the transition from traditional blues chord progressions to modal progressions. This, along with somewhat slower timing, provided space that could be filled with music that was more relaxed than the hot, angular “hot” jazz of be-bop. Davis and other innovators also incorporated counterpoint, a technique borrowed from classical music made possible by Davis’s formal train at Julliard, to combine multiple melodies creating more complex and sophisticated harmonies. This cooler vibe all resulted in a resurgence in jazz popularity, leading to more innovations in jazz and other forms of modern music. The release of “Birth of the Cool” is credited as being one of the most important catalysts in getting this process moving. I mention all of this because my enjoyment of seminal albums like this increases with a better understanding of what it was that made the album significant. This is not to say that one must understand these things to enjoy this record. Just pour a scotch and listen deeply and fall into a trance from the compelling, surprising rich harmonies generated from music that is this chill. When you come out, you’ll find yourself feeling decidedly cooler. At least I did. This is not Davis’s best album, in my opinion, but it is a seminal album that everyone should listen to before they die. There is something special about hearing the beginning of a musical genius who ultimately became among the most import voices in modern music.

I'm not really sure how to talk about or interpret jazz, but I liked how varied and emotional this was. I feel like this would be really great live.

Put this on during a run not having ever really listened to Miles Davis. I won’t hesitate to be back for more.

Great album all-around. I think it lacks the extra something from Kind of Blue that I can't quite figure out, but another great from Miles Davis.

A 4

4.0 Bit more swing than what I would think of miles davis

Jazz, bebob, cool jazz, 1957 -> 4

The title says it all. This album is just cool. Seeing Miles just continue to evolve as a musician is kinda mind blowing.

Not something that I always want to listen to, but its an undeniable classic

What’s Israel got to do with jazz

Real nice

7/10… jazz / hard bop / *1957

Хороший альбом я его не слушал

4.2/5 - Cool, but I can only last through so much jazz. Nothing more to say than that.

Nice backround music, will listen to it again

I think I needed this. I mean, this isn't Miles’ later rock-tinged fusion or even his classic Kind of Blue, but Davis was never not a compelling player. This is early era, so it's not revelatory or anything. It's just strong Jazz from the 50s. Arguably a starting point or a turning point between eras. This feels like the standards era, but there's a lot more tentative resolution, harmonic tension, etc. I don't think I'd need that… this could be fine as just a very straight-ahead album, or picked apart even more so it leans further away from classic structure. But that transitional vibe does feel exciting when you can sort of pick it out from the future. One wonders just how it felt at the time, too. Light ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

So influential. How can you not appreciate this?

I love A Kind of Blue, but never wandered past that into Miles' back catalogue. Clearly a mistake as this album is also superb... But not quite as superb as Kind of Blue, it just wasn't quite there, fell a little short. Repeat listens will help, but for the moment it'll 'only' get a 4.

dosta dobro, baš mi se dopalo, želim još slušat. petstoti album :O

What this guy said "Those slow things sounded strange and good. I didn't always know what they were doing, but I listened, and I liked it." I generally prefer higher intensity stuff but this is nice, chill. +1 for historical significance.

As cool today as it was when it was released

Great playing, but no songs... Great background music, but that's not necessarily a compliment. In the right mood, with a nice glass of wine, this could work. If you want to know what to expect, pick any track and skip the rest, you'll know. Still, 3.5.

I'm so used to jazz songs being 5+ minutes long that the shorter times of these songs caught me off guard.

Fun and cool jazz. I like how lively it was. And it made me feel like an intellectual while reading my book

Classic jazz album by one of the greats. I love this album. 4/5

This a good album but it isn’t equal or close to Kinda Blue

just a beautiful jazz album

Yup - this is cool

It’d never be my go-to miles, but there are some absolutely thrilling moments on here and a sense that he was moving forward melodically.

Just a great listen. Guaranteed to make you tap your foot.

I've never listened to a full jazz album before. I love the solo trumpet sections. Has the feel of being in a speakeasy with cigarette smoke all around you and a martini in hand waiting for a handsome stranger to ask you to dance. Makes me think of 20s short hair and flapper dresses. Boplicity was my favourite track (mainly because of the name). Jazz has a really easy vibe to it, cool and breezy.

una joya

Still excellent, of course. THough not among my favourite Davis records

He can really toot.

Beautiful Miles🙌

Very smooth ,haven't checked this one out yet but liked it! Accessible and not too long which is a plus for me

not the best miles davis

rym 3.73 Cool Jazz/Bebop 轻松，自在，点到为止。没有任何乐器试图刻意彰显自己的魅力，一切都恰到好处地组织在一起，形成潮湿的雾与梦乡。有几首真的很像猫和老鼠会用的bgm，轻巧的戏剧张力，贯穿始终的安宁。悠长的旋律，琐碎的鼓点，总让人不得不想起生活中还有一大堆待解决的问题，但那又如何呢，就像他开创的这个流派一样，just be cool. pick: Moon Dreams, Boplicity

Above average jazz

3.5

A very pleasant listen from beginning to end. But my brain is too smooth to understand why one track should have 82k plays on YouTube Music, and why another has 4 million. To me it's all just jazz. Worth listening to, but I don't have the kind of appreciation or understanding of it to give it anything higher than a 4/5.

Den ER meget cool

4/8

Was fine until that last song with vocals.

I've always enjoyed this album. I don't see it as the masterpiece that is "Kind of Blue," but super solid. The last track, "Darn that Dream," is kind of goofy.

jazzy

Very influential very joyful but beautiful! Also a great album name in my eyes - however I suppose I love when jazz gets a bit less controlled and more intense?

It is just sick

Glorious and...........wait for it.......COOL!

Creates a great vibe. While I prefer a Kind Of Blue, this was a great listen.

Very much enjoyed working to this. Discovered I quite like jazz albums.

If pissing your pants is cool, I’m miles Davis. Yeah he’s talented or whatever, but no lyrics is bonkers.

It was good. That’s all

I liked the description of Miles Davis on Spotify: A monumental innovator, icon, and maverick, trumpeter. He is so inspiring, this album talks to me without talking. Favourite songs of the album: - Jeru: puts me on a good mood, added to my coffee shop playlist. - Moon Dreams: aligned with the full moon today: very romantic. - Venus De Milo: the vibes and the name of the song makes me feel sensual - Darn that dream: the only one that has voice, and felt it!!

Huge fan of Miles Davis, especially the Columbia years. In a Silent Way, Bitches Brew and On The Corner. Birth Of The Cool is not in my list of favourite albums by Miles Davis, but this is an important album in the history of Jazz, so 4/5

Previously reviewed Bitches Brew and described Miles’ sound on that like some kind if warlock’s ladle mixing the cacophony potion. This album is the opposite. Laid back, subtle and beautifully intertwined. This band is so so tight. My favorite of Miles’? Maybe not so wont give it full rating but damn the playera on this are good.

Really enjoy this style of music when I’m in the mood for it.

nice and simple

splendid

smooth yes

Really enjoyed this one :)

Pretty cool stuff

It’s cool but falls a bit flat for me, this one just doesn’t shine man. Would not consider this groundbreaking, just chill jazz 3.6

YEAHHHHHHHHHH miles davis forever

Jazz is not really my vibe but this album was upbeat and had a great feel to it.

Drums sound classic Tom and Jerry falling down the stairs. Definitely feels more be-bop and city living busy then the gliding cool of kind of blue, but very intruiging and a lot less deliberately hectic or abrassive than some Coltrane or Thelonious Monk. Makes me love my life.

This record is probably better than I even realize. It’s not really my style of jazz though unfortunately.

Great stuff before Miles when all experimental modal free jazz.

You like jazz (pt2 electric boogaloo)

Birth of the cool is to the recent string of albums on the project what Only Built 4 Cuban Linx is to Clairo’s discography

Really good, completely changed my perception of miles Davis, beforehand I only known kind of blue which has slower jazz which I enjoy less. "Move" is a really good introduction

Delightful album. Amazing musicianship. But the songs sound more like the end of an era than the beginning. They reflect an irrepressibly positive jazz that dominated the form until Coltrane & Davis explored much darker, more serious vibes in the albums that were to come. Still, the music is lovely and the playing is top rate. A 4.

Awesome jazzy boppin for a lively ride to work! A little too busy and jazzy for easy listening but it's much more accessible than Kind of Blue (the only Davis album I've tried before this one) Strong 7

As is usual for Miles Davis, it makes me feel rather intellectually inadequate.

I respect the artist but I just can’t get behind music that sounds like it belongs in the background of a Charlie Brown or Tom and Jerry cartoon. This is good for what it represents. There really is no other in that sense but I just can’t make it through complete songs. My rating is based on quality not the music

Favourite Songs: Move

Such e refreshing album! I felt jazz was underrepresented here, but now I gladly got a nice break to just relax, not trying to find some emotional state. It was all so good, I can’t even pick some favourites like I usually do, this album is worth it as a whole. But I guess if I have to pick a top 3 it is: Moon Dream, Rocker and Jeru

In a Silent Way by Miles Davis is probably my favourite album that I've discovered so far through the generator. I didn't fall for this quite as hard (at least on first listen), but it did confirm that I might well be a Miles Davis fan. Who knew? Not me.

Many different vibes. Great solos. Love how the trumpet really sings.

I’m going to give this a review… because, while I was listening to it, I wasn’t having one of my best days! And this is something you really need to listen to in a quiet, relaxed setting—probably with a glass of whiskey or a good red wine! Hey, this might be a huge cliché, but I challenge anyone to listen to this without picturing a very Hollywood-esque scene—like Philip Marlowe, a smoke-filled bar, and a good bourbon thrown in! Come on, I challenge anyone… and I’m not American, nor do I want to be, mind you :-)

🎷🎶🥰

Miles will forever be cool - but he has better groundbreaking albums

the birth of cool is right

12 songs WOO-OOH MAMA!!! Now this, THIS is Club Penguin coffee shop music! Yes, sir, indeed! Nothing else compares! Smooth like butter, a sonic taste most sublime! Top 3 Club Penguin soundtracks right here!

This compilation brings together the groundbreaking 1949–1950 studio sessions alongside rare live radio broadcasts, showcasing the legendary nine-piece band's meticulous, relaxed arrangements that departed from the frantic energy of bebop. Boasting improved remastering that highlights the intricate tonal balances of the ensemble, it stands as an essential, deeply influential masterpiece for any jazz collection.

Very accessible and listenable, early Miles

Miles leads a big band toward bebop..he wasn't ahead of his time, but he was right on time.

Perfect classy background music, an incredibly talented man. Beautiful jazz, felt like I was in a jazz bar or something. It was a really pleasant listen, great relaxing jazz

I'm not a huge jazz fan but this may truly be the birth of the cool. Last song very slow and very 50's vibe, the only song with vocals. Brought it all down a little for me. Oh, lighten up, one song you don't like can't completely ruin an album.

7/1001 Longe de ser o seu melhor trabalho mas é uma ótima porta de entrada para o gênero Move - 80 Jeru - 80 Moon Dreams - 75 Venus De Milo - 80 Budo - 75 Deception - 75 Godchild - 75 Boplicity - 80 Rocker - 75 Israel - 75 Rouge - 75 Media: 76.8

Tasteful

Vibes

Smooth jazz

All is well when Miles Davis blows through your speakers.

This is good but it's almost weird to hear and compare to Kind of Blue. It's earlier which makes sense. I enjoyed deception.

A good listen. It just didn't dig deep into my gut and brain like his other albums on the list.

That was pretty cool. How does he sing snd play the trumpet at the same time?

This was very cool background music to the morning but since I'm not a jazz guy everything kind of bled together at some point and then it ended. Was great though and probably deserves a more serious listen

God Miles is so cool.

Would be 5 if I liked jazz more

I just don't know enough about jazz to talk about it. Like, I know who Miles Davis is, and I know he's GOATed by the community at-large. I did enjoy this, but I could genuinely say the same about any no-name jazz album, really. I'd just put it on and vibe. I will bump this up a little bit because I do love the way old jazz records sound. There's a warmth in the instrument tones and the production, a real working within the limitations of the time that I personally don't feel as much with newer records.

My least favorite Miles era, but still brilliant. Haven’t listened to this in a long time, liked it more than I remembered.

Enjoyed this

This is a tough one. It's a great album and I really want to give it a 5, but I'm not quite sure it's there. Maybe I'll go back and edit it later, but for now 4.5 rounded down

Great!

Not my favorite Miles, but still excellent. At times it sounds like background music from a TV show or a very hip cartoon. And not in a bad way.

Weird to rate an obviously 5 star Miles any less, but there's 6 or more that I get way more excited about, so call it my excitation scale.

4 i like this one a lot

Enjoyable compilation of early Miles Davis, can't go wrong.

Ya like jazz

So influential. How can you not appreciate this?

3/4

Jazz

Not a jazz fan, but you've got to like this...

Jeg kan ikke nok om jazz til å si at dette var grensesprengende i 1949-50, men til mine utrente ører, er det egentlig bare Moon Dreams som høres ut som den kom fra fremtiden. Men enten musikken er grensesprengende eller ikke, så er det fornøyelig knipsejazz. Få med en pakke sigg og en flaske rødvin, så kan det pimpes til langt utpå natta. Sval firer.

Liker alle platene jeg har hørt av Miles Davis så langt. Viber med denne også, men syns den høres ut som mye annen jazz. Kanskje fordi Miles Davis var pasient zero for alt som høres slik ut?

Interesting. I'm knew that he started with Charlie Parker playing Bebop and his style grew to be instrumental in the development of Fusion, but my first knowledge of his music starts with Kind of Blue. This is not there yet and is basically Post-Bop. It is really good and you can hear where he eventually went.

For what it’s worth, my oldest kid is named Miles. He wasn’t named after Miles Davis, but Miles Davis did come up a bunch when we were discussing the name, and we were totally okay with people maybe making that association. Personally, I prefer the directions Miles Davis went on to pursue more than his earlier works, but this is still good. I don’t really have the vocabulary to talk about jazz but I find that with a lot of jazz from this era, it works best for me as background music, but this has the fire in it that is more rewarding as an active listen.

For me just the perfect early morning Saturday listen. Wake up early, get some stretching and cardio, turn this on and do some dishes, slap some laundry in and melt into your couch.

What's cooler than being cool? Other than being kind of blue, of course…

My very first album! I wasn't particularly *moved* by the songs since this isn't the type of music that I can really get into, but I still really enjoyed my time regardless! Talented artist. Lovely music and a relaxing vibrant atmosphere.

Love this. Cool jazz. Good stuff.

I listened to this very famous album a while back because I understood it to be a big deal in the history of jazz, particularly cool jazz, and ... I'm an insufficiently sophisticated listener to really get what's so great about it. To me, it sounds like something that falls somewhere between swing and the radically modernist upstart that pushed swing out of its central position, bebop. Recorded in 1949-50, with nine piece ensembles, that tracks, even if it oversimplifies. To me, it doesn't sound very much like cool jazz as I understand it from the late 50s and 60s. The presence of Gil Evans and Gunther Schuller seems significant to me -- this to my ears has more to do with the more composed forms of jazz that I associate with those two. Soundtrack-style music rather than improvisation-based playing. I've kept the album going on repeat all morning, listening but not closely ... it's enjoyable; the excellent musicians who play on it sound excellent. I like the lyrical, extended lines I hear at points. But I'm just not equipped to appreciate what's so amazing about this album. .

He really is a cool guy

Great Album. I haven’t listened a Jazz album until today, but i always wanted because i love whiplash, the movie from jk simmons and milles teller, and i didn’t know how to start listening to jazz, and this election from the page came to me at a perfect time. In general, its pretty solid with the jazz sound, i like the vibe that transmits, but the song that i loved its the last one, Darn That Dream, specially because its the only one with voice.

Really enjoyed listening to it!!

I thought I wasn't a fan of Miles Davis, I listened to a couple of his other albums and they were too high energy and stressful for me, but this is right down my Alley of upbeat but steady jazz

I like jazz

8/10

I know the historical significance of this album. It's a great listen, but I would like it in a dimly lit bar if I was going to revisit

Super enjoyable & easy to like, even if you aren't into jazz

Made me say oouuu, so many times. Feel like a detective in a bar at night.

Cool.

Feel like the album is a conversation in itself. just not in the mood for jazz atm but nonetheless magnifique

The title says it all.

Great album.

Cool

Great background jazz. Isn't leaving a holy-cow impact, but it sounds excellent.

goede vitaminen

EXCELLENT Jazz album

4 stars

Like jazzy

Embarrassingly I went to jazz school and haven’t listened to this album!

Nomen est omen

C'est un peu comme Picasso avant qu'il se mette à peindre des affaires bizarres.

4/5

Man, 1001 albums really want you to embrace the jazz again good background music you really kept the day moving while I was working at the bar, but there’s nothing really to it. I enjoyed it for what it was background music keep it pushing I don’t know how often I will return to this album, but it was pretty good. Probably the best jazz album I’ve gotten so far.

Unrelated to this particular album, I want to say the following: I’m not sure jazz and country should be included in the 1001 albums list. Not because they are unimportant; I like both, and feel both should be well represented in any collection that claims to be a comprehensive music overview. The problem in my view is that there are so few jazz albums on the list. There are around 25 by my count (actual real jazz albums, not Steely Dan or Keith Jarrett which somehow this list includes in the jazz genre). That number is large enough to be an irritant to the jazz haters of the world (pretty easy to spot by their reviews) but not nearly enough to pretend to be remotely comprehensive in terms of giving an overview of important jazz albums and artists. I understand the omission of many important early jazz artists (Louis Armstrong and Charlie Parker come immediately to mind) since most of their seminal works were issued pre-vinyl LP. But no Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, Chick Corea — in fact, very little that could be considered modern jazz, as well more than half of the jazz albums on the list were issued pre-1965. I would advocate either beefing up the number of jazz and country albums the list, presumably at the expense of some of the (IMO) overrepresented electronica (I know, the Gen Z’ers and millennials are going to howl at that suggestion), or else do away with them entirely.

Inte helt min typ av jazz, men Miles är var ändå ett världsproffs på den genre jag kanske lyssnar mest på, så det går väl inte att hamna under en fyra.

Omlyssningsvärde = högt. Når inte upp till samma höjder som Kind of Blue

Jazz albums are always hard to rate. For me it needs to do something that stands out. This one really didn’t in a meaningful way

Fluide et mouvementé, on suit le cheminement parfaitement du début à la fin. enchainement 10/10

Cool. Liked the variety, sounded really good, don't really have any complaints. Wish I understood jazz better so I could give a better critique but alas.

8 days too early...

I'm totally new to jazz but open to exploring it. Honestly, I don't mind listening to the tracks, but none of them have really blown me away yet.

Reason this one is a standard.

Explored a lot of jazz in my college years and listened to Miles Davis. I know a few of his other albums with more familiarity such as Kind of Blue and In a Silent Way, but this will be a fun relisten, I think. Yeah definitely that more relaxed style on some of it, all very jazzy. Fun and easy to listen to. Sure is cool. Jazz for me is sometimes a challenge to tell different genres as someone who doesn’t play music, but I know I end up liking a lot of the this era of jazz. Like some of the later songs on the first half like Budo and Deception. There’s some fun soloing here. Album kind of grows. The songs seem to get more interesting. Second half starts with a great track. I definitely enjoy listening to this music. I’m not sure how to rate it as it didn’t wow me the way some other jazz records have. I think I’m leaning 4.

My rating 4.2

I’m a big jazz fam but this was a great album! Miles Davis is super talented.

Influential and ahead of it’s time, being recorded all the way back in 1949 and 1950, this early work from a loved legend possesses an obvious importance. It didn’t necessarily come off as any of sort of spectacular listen today, but it was still a consistent, enjoyable experience all the same. Davis is both an important figure and true craftsman whom I’ll have mentally earmarked with anticipation for when later works of his appear on this list. 1 listen Favorite Track: Jeru

Expectation: -> Famous Miles Davis. After listening: -> Really good jazz is probably a 3-4 for me. Little hope of reaching a 5. Considering this is the famous Miles Davis from 1957(!), this gets a 4. I will likely use this as a benchmark for evauating any future jazz albums during this project. Track ranking: Jeru Move Godchild Budo Boplicity Venus Rocker Israel Deception Rouge Moon

Yea snap

Music to do things to. It’s a bit uninvolved for me to fully get on board with it, but it’s good to have on whilst doing something overtly middle class. In fact, I’m going to get my tagine out the garage. See you later.

chill maxxing with the prince of jazz

Man I love jazz so much it's unreal. Incredible music for when I'm studying, but also just actively listening to it. Fantastic.

Miles is a genius, of course. This is a compilation of songs that ride the line between bebop and cool jazz, showing off tight arrangements and high-speed virtuosic solos from Davis and his horn-heavy nine-piece combo. The only problem I have with these songs is that the arrangements are very short, not letting any of the soloists stretch out to any extent. Still, if you like fast-paced jazz, this is a killer.

Old classic times, love the drums. If I had a restaurant on a cruise ship, then this would surely play. Avoided a great mistake of being repeatable, each song has something. Not a daily basis listen, but it is really good.

Ha sido toda una experiencia

A-side was a little hit or miss (really disliked Budo) but Moon Dreams and Deception were revelations

Had listened to individual songs. It was cool to spend the time to listen to the whole album.

It's Miles Davis, the man is incapable of making bad music.

Jazzy. Less experimental than some other Miles Davis albums I’ve heard

good

Cooooool, excelente para poner de fondo mientras cocinas

yeah it's good. its miles davis of course it's good

It’s not Kind of Blue, I suppose, but it’s not far behind in terms of quality and influence. 4.5?

Eba

Se eu lembrasse metade das músicas seria 5

o quintessencial álbum de jazz dos anos 50. Eu ainda acho que o miles Davis tem pelo menos 4 álbuns melhores do que esse, excelente mesmo assim

Absolute banger, but not quite a 5 as it lacks consistency. 'Moon Dreams' is a genuine masterpiece of composing and arranging, however.

Good album! This is great music for walking around the city. My problem with the album is that the tracks are too short and structured. I’m more of a fan of albums like “Bitches’ Brew” where tracks were given time to build and expand.

Really feels like being on the cusp of something—one foot in the old and one foot in the new.

Go on miles lad

Great jazz album.

Even better Jazz Fave track: Jeru

Can’t go wrong with some Miles Davis. 3.5/5

Jazz para comer

the most jazz jazz has ever been

3.5/5

Nice

Trop bien trop bien trop bien

4/5. Originally just a series of singles from the late 40’s and early 50’s, they would be compiled into this album in 1957, ushering in the era of cool jazz and shining a spotlight on Miles Davis as a major figure/bandleader in the genre. Due to the time it was recorded, the production is a bit dated, but the playing here is still strong. The rhythm section keeps everything moving nicely with some driving baselines and drum work, and the lower-register horn section does some solid solo-work. The biggest thing holding Birth of the Cool back is honestly just seeing it in retrospect and knowing that Miles Davis would go on to do many even better albums (I’m personally partial to his fusion era.)

Lives up to its name I guess. This was pleasant to listen to during my planning period and helped me focus at the very least.

El mejor título

Miles Davis is one of my favourite musicians. I like most of his output, but obviously I favour some of his periods over others. Whilst I enjoy Birth Of The Cool, I very much have to be in the mood for it - same for any really early, bigger band jazz. This is great, and Miles is great, but doesn’t quite warrant a 5 for me. Happy to provide my list of favourite Miles albums, but I’m not sure this would make the top twenty!