Birth Of The Cool

Can't think of a better album to have playing in the background while I got my classroom and assignments ready to go for the week. Upbeat, catchy, and smooth as hell. Might even go ahead and listen to it again since its short and sweet. As always, still learning the difference between 'Good' and 'Great' jazz, but this is Miles Davis and has been touted as a groundbreaking moment in the jazz scene, so its gotta be in the Great category, right?

In my music listening history, I’ve only dipped my toe into the world of Jazz. I’d focused mainly on the work of three artists John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis. Birth Of The Cool is one of the albums of Miles that I’d checked out with my Jazz curiosity. I really enjoy the around three minute runtimes on each of the songs. I’m also a sucker for a stand up bass. I can’t speak intelligently on Bebop vs Cool Jazz or the importance this record had at the time. I just know I do enjoy it, so I’m giving Birth of the Cool a strong 4. 4/5

Nice jazz album

Det er interessant å høre på tidlig Miles Davis, til og med før Kind of Blue. Innspillingen har en myk og klar kvalitet. Vakkert spilt. Beroligende og samtidig engasjerende.

What's not to like! Accidentally listened to the birth of blue first...

Ok so first of all, it's pretty risky to state that something is "cool" publicly, haha. Even if you happen to be right, and folks agree at the time, how long will it remain cool? Is this cool now? Eh. I mean it's jazz, which in my head brings with it a bit of inherent coolness. But not enough. I don't really think this is cool. Right now. Like right now I can picture Al Jolson whistling over this. But it doesn't take much mind bending to retrofit it. In 1957, I can imagine this being pretty cool. Especially if you're in some low-lit, smoke-hazed basement bar late night on some side street in the city. The "birth" though??? Lol. Come on 😅 Cool-factor aside though, Miles Davis is a rock star and this is indeed an excellent album worthy of this list. Just stop marketing things as cool please.

Good jazz

While I prefer Davis’ later, more experimental stuff, this one really holds up among the typical jazz big band(?) swing from the 50s. In particular, the solos and arrangements are supremely done. Every band note is a different unique chord with its own flavor and tone. I would’ve liked to hear the band overall a bit tighter, but perhaps Davis wanted a looser feel on this one. Jazz is what you make it and I appreciate this one nonetheless.

Deilig palate cleanser. No comments.

really good

Very familiar as I own this one on vinyl. Smooth.

For me, this is what I thought classic jazz would sound like. It is cool and if anyone tells you different they're too young to understand. My younger self would have passed this by, but if I see this record for sale, I'm adding this to my collection. Definitely, in essential territory.

Miles always had the best album names.

A pretty solid Jazz album. I feel like it would be a lot better with fewer but longer songs like his later albums do. I don't think that 3 minutes is really enough time to explore this ideas thoroughly enough. Low 4.

Everyone say thank you to miles Davis for inventing being cool

Jazzy

cool as hell.

Loved this. One of the true jazz masters at his best.

Loved this. Complex yet accessible. Exciting.

After the first one I was hooked, though I think that was also the best track of the album so it set crazy expectations for the rest. It was still real good stuff.

Интересный джазовый альбом, хорошо подходит под определённое настроение. 7 из 10.

If peeing your pants is cool, then consider me Miles Davis

pretty good, I love me some miles. not my fav miles album by any means.

I think the thing with jazz, more so than most other genres, is that listening to it is very much in the moment. So while I don't really remember much from this album after listening to it, it was great while it was on. This album in particular is historically important as well, given that it basically started the whole Cool Jazz sub-genre. It does feel a bit far away from what Dave Brubeck would be doing later on, but I'm not really prepared to make an argument one way or another. All I can say is I liked listening to this and would listen to it again.

31/1089 - I never could get into Miles Davis. He for sure is an important person in jazz music, being a pioneering many styles (cool jazz, modal jazz, fusion, etc.), but his trumpet technique wasn't as good compared to his contemporaries, and I personally prefer proficiency a lot of the time over "new sounds." That being said, this album was influential to jazz and enjoyable to listen to (despite some occasional rhythmic sloppiness in the large ensemble).

Jazz is awesome :D

cool really was born w this album. 4.5

Jazz is never anything but "simple." It's hard to believe this is almost 70 years old, almost 15 years before I was born. And yet, it is definitely something I find myself gravitating towards. A number of the songs seem kinda short, to the point. But I imagine live, the songs were stretched out greatly. And I mean... come on, it's Miles Davis. Top tracks: "Budo," "Boplicity"

Miles may have not of fathered Cool, but he was there at the baptism. Nice early, if not tame, Miles

I don't even like jazz

Although I wouldn't consider myself a jazz/bop enthusiast or a specific fan of Miles Davis, I understand that this was one of the early fusions of bop and big band that came to be known as cool jazz. Nevertheless, I found these songs to be quite catchy, featuring many great hooks and outstanding instrumental performances that draw you into the music. For a collection that wasn't initially intended as an album, the songs are arranged well together, creating a truly enjoyable and fun listening experience. I particularly liked "Venus de Milo," "Boplicity," and "Moon Dreams." This is a great starting point if you're looking to delve into the artistry of big band bop/jazz.

Jeru Boplicity Israel

Birth of the Cool is a solid listen from start to finish, with a smooth, laid-back vibe that’s easy to enjoy. Nothing in particular stood out above the rest, but the overall experience is still great. A good album that lives up to its name.

Not the most cohesive album, but then it’s not designed to be. The title suggests exactly what was going on. This album will always have a place in jazz history.

classic jazz album what can i say

I like a jazz album as much as the next guy

7/10

Not being much of a jazz lover I was surprised how enjoyable it was. Will listen to more

Who am I to rate Miles Davis 4/5. Oh well, it’s a 4/5.

It's a great album, but I don't find myself returning to it often.

Really solid jazz record. Miles Davis is one of the greats for a reason.

Cool

Disfrutado una noche de día de mucha lluvia caminando solo por la calle

Oh, now this is jazz that's melodic enough for me to actually get with. Feels a little disjointed at times thanks to being a compilation, but yeah, enjoyed this a lot.

Truly the birth of

Would listen again - a truly most pleasant surprise. Maybe in my old age, I’m becoming comfortable with the idea of treating jazz as a journey and not a destination. Favorites: Moon Dreams, Venus de Milo, Israel.

Solid jazz album

Our seed is savage for picking Miles Davis, arguably the most famous trumpet player of all time, right after Hugh Masekela. USA! USA! USA! But what a random album to pick, Blue Note was already in its heyday by 1957 and 'Round About Midnight came out the same year which is much better. If Silver Horace doesn't come up before the end of the year, I'll be fussy. Either way, still a good album. 4/5

This was a really cool album to check out, especially knowing the tracks were recorded between 1949 and 1950. From what I’ve learned, this album was a key part of starting the ‘cool jazz’ movement. Cool jazz was a response to the energetic big band bebop sound of the time. It’s more minimal, restrained, and laid-back, making it a smooth and relaxing listen. For its time, this was a big shift in jazz, and it’s fascinating to hear how it all started.

If peeing your pants is cool then call me Miles Davis. 4 stars

If peeing your pants is cool, consider me Miles Davis! Some earlyish Miles Davis, and another jazz album with that striking big ol bass in the background. Idk if it was the birth of it, but it was certainly cool.

Great listen.

So What 4.4 Freddie Freeloader 4.2 Blue in Green 4 All Blues 4.5 Flamenco Sketches 4.2 Score: 4.26

title is apt - jazz is cool, miles davis is cool, this album is cool.

All instrumental. Big band-y upbeat jazz. Each track was really short. A fast and enjoyable listen.

Had to do a little research on this - found it really good just wasn't quite what I was expecting from Miles Davis. I think it's the "cool jazz" vs modal or jazz fusion that I'm more familiar with (granted I'm not a student of jazz and all it's forms). It's not a 5 star for me not because of Miles but because it still has the big band sound that really doesn't inspire me.

Favorite Track: Rocker

Nice!

Very cool

The thing is compared to the majority of jazz albums on here I really see the vibe of this one in full force, like it’s still only been a decade after the war there’s problems with the world but your smiling through and you want something that’s not lyrical and could bog you down, just something nice for the grand old American nuclear family, 4/5

cool piece🤝🏼

This was good. I mean it's really good. But it's also what it is: Jazz. I like it. But it's not something I want to hear every day.

80/100. Impressive and smooth. I usually enjoy more modern jazz records, but this one is superb. Created in 1957, the sound still holds up remarkably well—a true achievement.

Proper jazz

I haven’t listened to a straight jazz album in a really long time. Miles Davis was the best way to bring this back into life.

Took a second but I eventually came to appreciate the perfect density of the album. Loved the few moments where the kick drum distorted. After reading about cool jazz, it was easy to notice elements of big band and more traditional compositions.

Classic Jazz album- I bought this in university expecting another kind of blue and was initially disappointed but had grown on my over the years. Ahead of it’s time and set a template for many jazz albums after it.

Birth of the cool isn’t as cool as teenage cool. A little too big band. But you can hear the music starting to move. And it is still a damn good album.

Love you Miles

Nice...not too wild. Big band-y.

The greatness of Miles is over the course of his long career, he had no interest in creating art that was what was expected by his audience. It may be apocryphal, but the story that a fan approached Miles at a hotel to say that they loved his music, but some of it was too "out there" and if he'll be making more music that fans can "get". Miles' response said it all: "What, I'm supposed to wait for you to catch up?" And that's the power of this essentially compilation album. It's fascinating to hear where he was at this time, especially concerning the sound he was chasing. Here we have more traditional bop, but you can hear that his Magnus opus Kind of Blue was on the horizon. This is special for the time it was created, the musicians playing with Miles at the time, and the simple quality of the songs. A mini-classic.

Cool jazz with hints of bebop lingering on the palate. Bon Appetite!

this one is much better than the other album i previously reviewed from him, effortless rhythm.

12/30/24. Hard hitting Jazz right here, sounds amazing. Each instrumentalist brings it.

solid

swanky and fun. the musical pop definition of "cool" would soon evolve very rapidly huh. This was especially good to practice melee to

Although a great and very important album in terms of history of jazz, it is and never will be one of my favourites. The pieces are short, the solos therefore not so interesting solos. It kind of flows by in a nice way but does not leave a lot to remember. But that is written in 2025, and the situation was surely a completely different one fifty years ago.

Enjoyed the atmosphere of this album. I listened to it while cleaning up the kitchen the morning after Christmas.

Good listen overall, though nothing stood out too much to pick a fave.

A very nice, chill Jazz record. Feels perfect chucking on whilst you're working or having it in the background. Miles Davis is great and this is a solid album!

Smooth free-flowing jazz from Miles Davis. I was surprised to see this was a compilation because the album transitioned from song-to-song so seamlessly.

Non so valutare bene il jazz ma in ogni caso mi è garbato deh.

Definitely know this musician. I do love me some jazz but I can only listened to it for so long. I have heard of this album, not sure if I have listened to it. This is so good. Really wish I was able to catch him alive. Every song is so intriguing.

Third stream classic nonet recording, immensely important in its day, somewhat of a timepiece, as Jazz moved in different directions afterwards, largely due to the influence of a number of these participants

A cool album, nice in the back ground, pretty laid back and enjoyable.

Miles Davis, always an artist!

I dunno, I think I like jazz a bit maybe.

Not my favorite, but still a great album.

ooh miles davis yeah its cool. he wasn't lying

It was Miles Davis's worst release on the 1001 list, but it's still one of the best albums on it.

Приятно

Is there a single missed note on this whole record? If there is, one can't hear it. Still, to be clear, this is far from peak Miles -- it's not Kind of Blue, In a Silent Way, Milestones or any of the great Quintet records. The influence is undeniable of course, and it's a pleasure to hear, if a little on the dry side and museum piece-y. "Boplicity" was among the first jazz tunes one ever loved so there's that, too. Easy 4.

Compiling Davis’ most progressive efforts into the start of the 1950s, there could be no better title for this than Birth of the Cool. Littered with jazz staples such as Moon Dreams and the first release of Boplicity, if finding the transition from Bop to Cool Jazz, why look further than what this album tells you in its title? So, with nothing over three minutes and the recordings preceding Kind of Blue by ten years, Davis’ playing can easily be seen to be fully-fledged, even in the years prior to his landmark albums. He didn’t just birth the cool, he embodied it.

Been listening to this one for years. Great record!

Betyg 4+ (Det svänger ju katten!)

It was awesome, miles davis is awesome.

Very good.. very.. cool!! Honestly, far from the best thing I’ve heard from MD, but really smooth and a great time nonetheless!

is there such thing as being too cool? hold your horses miles!

I do really like Miles Davis and I guess I hadn't heard this album before, being earlier than Kind of Blue. While this was really good, it didn't grab my attention like other recordings of his but overall a 4 for me.

Just Miles inventing a subgenre of Jazz. Not my favorite Miles, it’s still great. 4 stars.

Cool indeed. First time hearing this album. This seems to be pretty accessible during the first listen, but it’s full of complexities that I’m looking forward to exploring during future spins. Amazing instrumentation and orchestration throughout.

Really good.

Lived up to the album title

This is indeed when cool was born

This shit absolutely slapped, Miles just GOES for it.

Brilliant trumpeter. Classic album but for afficionados

Perfect name for this album. Miles Davis is the coolest.

Birth of the Cool is undeniably cool, and a very good example of skilled and accessible jazz. Jeru and Venus de Milo are my favourite tracks, it's quality as background music but also as a focused listen. A solid 4, it's not outstanding enough or lasting with me enough to get a 5 but it's really really good.

Lidt mindre cool end Kind of Blue, men man kan godt høre at det er en forløber for den lyd. Nogle steder er rytmerne dog stadig lidt for hektiske

Sublime.

Far from Davis' best work but still effortlessly cool in a way only he knew.

Maybe I like jazz now

Just quality jazz. Nothing else to say. As someone who only dabbles in jazz, it was interesting all the way through.

Very good. Great jazz album that wasn’t too long, but had great music.

Has sehr guet gfunde, finds aber bitz komisch dem die glich note geh wie fatboy slim. Has au nöd sehr aktiv glost glaub

move mega schöni melodie mega geil arrangiert. sehr cool haha. Jeru tönt wieder meh so big band. aber au nice. moon dreams isch huuere dissonant hey, aber s isch so schön schliichend warm. venus de milo au wieder soo schön arrangiert und so fiin gspielt (sehr cool). budo mit geilem miles solo piano comping geil sax solo so uf chiiiillo. drums au uf chillo aber mit groove. deception wieder super geil arrangierti melodie und d drums gönd mit de kick so geil mit. godchild (göttichind) cute. aber ha d idee vom album checkt es lost sich sehr eifach aber s chan au eifach a eim verbizieh. boplicity isch en haaaarde titel. JA BARISAX TÜÜF. ha freud. israel mega cool (nöd ihm de land). rouge au coooooll. sie hend echt nöd gelogen de scheiss isch extreeem cool. afoch smooth understated geschmeidig. i like. VIAAAAAAAAR

geburt derrrr kühle hahaha drummer gaht dumm suscht ischs ener chli "reduziert" und fokus uf blösomat finds huere krass wie alt das isch, die hend sit 4 jahr kei weltchrieg meh gha wos das ufgno hend und für das findi d ufnahmequalität au uuhuere guet, es isch mega warm und passt zude musig au wenn jz s schlagzüg zB nur verhalte ghörsch ja es isch morge und ich bin müed, drum losi nöd mega aktiv, ich finds huere schön au wenns chli vor sich her plätscheret VIA

i liked this jazz album, the songs weren’t too long but they were really enjoyable, quality music

Fina minnen

If you like jazz, this is great. Good background music, just nice.

As the title says, it's cool. Miles, the legend, one of my favorite jazz trumpet player. I even like the piano track. Love this album.

-ah yes delightful. Not my absolute favorite by Miles but still really good. I’ve listened to it a few times already now and appreciate what jt did for cool jazz as a genre though -Definitely best enjoyed as a cohesive album experience rather than as individual tracks imo -Favorites are Move, Rocker, and Israel

It's all that

i'm cool bc i listen to jazz now

Really interesting and propulsive while staying smooth and groovy throughout.

Nice breakup from the bebop style that Davis was known for at the time. The big band touches make it very interesting

Cool but somewhat unremarkable on the first listen.

I prefer a bit more room for exploration in jazz, and additionally, I generally prefer a more stripped back group. The stylings of and arrangements for the nonet lend this to sound like it still has one foot in the big band era of old, which I like fine enough but is rarely something I want to listen to in larger doses. That said, it’s awesome to pick out the aspects of it that are clearly pushing the envelope for the time. I love the unexpected dissonance in the harmonization of “Moon Dreams” in particular, and although Miles doesn’t sound totally like himself as a player yet (still great, of course), “Deception” sounds distinctly like a Miles composition. “Move”, “Godchild”, and “Boplicity” are additional highlights for me. I think Konitz, Mulligan, and Roach shine in particular, and I loved discovering that both J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding were featured in separate sessions years before recording their duet albums. A light 4 stars for me. 4/5

Really nice textures with the french horn and tuba, but this has never been a go-to Miles Davis album for me.

Love the more intense songs, but that is more a personal taste. all-in-all great

Good jazz album

I liked this way better than kind of blue. Not sure why.

Nice easy listening jazz album, miles Davis always slaps

Very relaxing to listen to while working

Nice jazz

Seminal album. Great playing but not my cup of tea for jazz.

have listened to lots of Miles before but haven’t listened to him this early (pre Kind of Blue) as a bandleader. really lyrical playing. i guess miles was sick of bebop and was slowing things down compared to the bebop standard of playing 1000km/h over super fast chord changes and he wanted to make it less of a “jam” and more like a composition. really interesting and a good listen. shows how much he was experimenting and changing the game in jazz even before he dropped Kind of Blue later on which was a real shift. hard not to give it a 10/10 on the historical importance basis but assuming we’re going off of personal enjoyment i’ll say like a 7/10. enjoyable but i think i just enjoy the whackier side of miles’ discography (and jazz in general) more than earlier more traditional jazz stuff.

A very important jazz album. Not one of my go tos but I'll throw it on occasionally and be happy

It sounds like jazz from the 50s. Still engaging, but more a foundation the further work to re-define jazz for the rest of the century.

I would definitely say this is the best representative for this period of jazz. Fire all over. 8/10 Cool

Album starts with an absolute banger, probably my favorite song on the track. Beautiful solos throughout, loved Boplicity, but wasn’t wowed by anything specific. A lot of the solos felt a bit similar, while they were obviously spectacular.

Birth of the Cool is right

Lovely

Good vibes, I don’t have the most discerning jazz ear

Bombic

"Birth of the Cool" is a solid Miles Davis album, showcasing his early experimentation with a more laid-back, orchestral sound. It's interesting and well-played, but not my top pick from his discography.

Great, but very background.

This motherfucker right here

Loved it. 4/5

Miles davis.

Very cool, very jazzy, very fun to listen to. Four stars.

If someone asked me what jazz music is who had never heard it before I might show them this album. A lot of people say that Kind of Blue is a good album to start with when first listening to jazz. I feel like this one is much more accessible. Maybe Time Out would be another good one, but I think this is a contender. It’s not that it’s like beginner jazz, the musicianship on here is phenomenal. It’s just that it’s all very straight forward songs, they never go anywhere too experimental or weird like other Miles Davis albums.

Really cool (haha pun) to listen to. Moon Dreams was probably my favourite just because it was more ominous/slower paced. But each one was a joy.

I’ve been wanting more jazz! Glad I finally got it. From what I understand, this list generally avoids compilation albums. This makes sense; a compilation album is designed to be incredible. It wouldn’t be fair, and then the list would be boring if it was full of compilation albums. So why this is here is interesting to me. But hey, I’m not complaining. Give me Miles Davis in any form and you know I’m here for it. This is no exception. The man exudes a swagger, a confidence, a powerfulness in his music. Every single track is a masterclass in mood and tone in jazz. Beyond his technical proficiency lies a this emotional being that takes over his sound and produces music that just hits the spot. There really isn’t much more to be said. He’s one of the giants in jazz and music in general, and this is something to marvel at. The only reason it’s getting four stars is because it’s a compilation album and it wouldn’t be fair to give it five. Standout Tracks: Move, Venus de Milo, Budo, Godchild, Rocker, Rogue

Yeah, nice jazz, but not 'Kind of Blue'.

My experience with jazz is minimal. I have listened to "Kind of Blue", by Miles and like that very much. This is a collection of songs that for lack of a better word are "jazzier", than KOB. I still like KOB better, but enjoyed this very much. The musicianship is truly on point.

I prefer later stuff in Miles Davis’ catalog, when he gets more experimental. But this is still a straight up fun jazz record.

I mean, it is pretty cool.

Obviously a great album, but a little basic as far as Miles Davis goes.

If listening to Miles Davis is cool, then consider me peeing my pants. 3.7.

Always a fave.

🎧I don’t really know “cool jazz” from “bebop” or really an other jazz styles for that matter, but what I do know is this is excellent.

Lovely album

Talented. Not my cup of tea, but high quality sounds

Just now learning of the musical genre “cool jazz.” If anyone personifies that moniker, it would be Miles Davis.

He pissed his pants. Adam Sandler told me so.

Pretty damn chill and fun

Hey all you hep cats…dig this! You’re now…hip! Good stuff.

I am generally not a fan of Jazz but I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would, more upbeat than expected

Lovely stuff

Not his best album but still really good.

Fine cool jazz

Coisas boas da maturidade chegar foi a capacidade de realmente achar legal escutar jazz.

*{nod, nod}* That's some cool jazz alright. I mean, I'unno. I'm no expert on what makes this jazz specifically so cool, but it's real good shit, at any rate. Gets me exicted to hear the other Miles Davis that're no doubt on here. Well, excited as I can anyway for an album as cool as this.

Just some cool ol' jazz from one of the best to do it.

Miles Davis giving me hope with Jazz. Another good one from him.

Definitely cool.

Day171 - gimme that cool jazz. i wish i would have got this album on a sunday morning but im glad i got it.

I used to listen to this album on rainy nights, haven't had one of those in a while, but I need to keep this album in mind for the next one.

Cmon now this is beautiful music, you cant even deny it. Even if it’s not your thing or you hate jazz, you can still tell that this is it at its peak. I do feel like you have to be in the right mood/setting for it to hit best though. Now excuse me while I light this cigar.

Laid back, mellowed out, straight up cool fuckin' jazz. Perfect for the golden age of post modern classic jazz. The swing tempos and floaty movements borrow from classical music, calm and composed movements of soloing and bridge sections allow the band to show off a big but it isn't quite a risky move sonically. Miles is notable for dictating jazz with a lot of feeling while keeping it cool to the ear. The Birth of Cool is certfiable gold.

It's Miles Davis, I mean come on. Of course it's good!

Cooooooool Jazz. Squidward would be proud

Classic Miles

Not a real album, sorry. Still cool as hell. Best enjoyed with a glass of whiskey by a fireplace. I had half of that.

The sound of the ensemble is very unique as there isn't often you have this group of instruments. I like the way each provide a different texture to the overall sound. All the tracks are good, the limitation is the shorter tracks not feeling like the experimented too much.

Pretty good, I like this better than the other Miles Davis album.

Favourite song - deception

Very cool indeed

Buen rollazo de Miles Davis y su banda. Parece hacerte viajar a un Pub en el que te encuentras tomando algo escuchando la música de fondo. Es muy cool, quizás ninguna es memorable y eso le resta el poco que para mi le quita valor, por lo demás el sonido aunque suene antiguo, es muy chulo, y tiene todo un swing flipante.

It's hard to imagine in 2024, but when this was released it was something new an different than "mainstream" jazz at the time. Its a great jazz record, even if its not my favorite style of jazz, or my favorite Miles Davis album. It has a lot of great material to come back to.

Lovely jazz album, smooth and light.

Niet zo goed als Kind of Blue Maar wel prima

Great jazz album, reminded me of La La Land (actually the other way around)

Jazz is not always my jazz but I usually enjoy it. And this is no exception. Crisp and dynamic. I'm thinking 4 just cuz there's nothing wrong with it.

Gotta love that trumpet!

4+

Cool Jazz. 4/5

good album

4.5

I don't really 'do' jazz, but enjoyed this. So much I played it twice. Not much meaningful to say about it, but I loved the energy of this, and it feels 'important'.

The perfect music for a sunny spring afternoon. Light touches, short durations and a backing band worthy of Miles. The music leads to internal stories and scenes in your own mind. It's pretty cool when creativity leads to creativity. I've not been BOOZING btw.

Never been big into jazz but this album was great and enjoyable

cool

Le cool est né

I really loved this! This was so easy to listen to, exciting, and refreshing. Plus it was great study music. I love vocals though, so that is why it is not getting 5 stars.

Instrumental albums have to be very very bad before I have nothing to say about them Did not like the surprise vocals in the last song, was a good album otherwise

A tight collection of bebop. The instrument pairing and memorable melodies shine through. It doesn’t speak to the emotional palette the way later Davis albums do, but it is a simple sharp record of songs that could easily be surmised as jazz standards.

Nice jazzy album with great trumpet, trombone and sax solos/improv.

This feels like some dinner jazz I should find really boring, but you know what? It's actually really good. It still remains interesting and doesn't drag on or do the same thing all the way through constantly.

ótimo álbum, pouca versatilidade mas a constância faz as melodias rápidas do trompete se destacarem bem. O timbre do trompete de Miles Davis é emocionante e escuro mas ainda sim consegue encaixar bem em músicas alegres como "move". Recomendaria apenas para um amante de jazz, esse álbum pode ser um pouco monótono e não é uma boa primeira experiencia para alguém que esta sendo introduzido ao mundo do jazz.

Not one's favorite Miles, as this is nowhere near Kind of Blue and even the four great quintet records, which are looser and more fun. Still this is awfully influential, not to mention tuneful, polished and highly sophisticated. More like classical music in its loveliness and (occasional) dryness.

nice, but impossible not to compare to Kind of Blue which it falls short of

Really solid jazz album, I do love me some Miles Davis.

i would agree this is cool.

Miles got even cooler from here. But this goes down like a fine bourbon, and just as quickly.

Miles Davis never disappoints

Good, but not as great as Kind of Blue was

This is a pretty interessting album, given that it serves as a connection between bebop and the following cool jazz. Some of it is pure bop, some of it is miles ahead of its time (ba-dum-tss).

Talented, relaxing.

I have previously been a Miles Davis hater on here but I liked this. These songs had melody and felt like songs. Maybe that rejection of musical conventions is what draws others to something like Bitches Brew, but that's exactly why it wasn't for me. This was.

Classic Miles. Miles brings the cool.

Lovely jazz. I don’t know enough to parse the differences between this and prior Davis releases, I just know that I like it.

A classic, beautiful flowing jazz collection. Provided good background music and nothing stood out specifically.

Miles davis what a legend. This album is class.

Does what it says in the tin, it's cool as fuck.

Nice, happy jazz

Never was there a more appropriate album title.

I really went into this album underestimating the "Cool" but I'll be darned if this 70 year old album isn't indeed Cool. I didn't keep track of track names as it all just kept flowing pretty smoothly until the last track with the vocals. I'd maybe take that out of the playlist, but other than that I was pleasantly surprised by this. Favorite track "Move" 4/5

Birth of the Cool ushered in a new era: "cool jazz." This contrasted with the frenetic energy of bebop, the dominant style at the time. Davis' nonet (a nine-piece ensemble) employed a more relaxed, introspective approach. Shorter compositions (averaging around 3 minutes) focused on melody and mood rather than extended, virtuosic solos. Tracks like "Jeru" and "Moon Dreams" showcase this beautifully, with muted trumpet lines weaving through airy textures created by French horn and tuba. Gil Evans' masterful arrangements provided a foundation that was both sophisticated and accessible. However, the album wasn't simply a chilled-out affair. Tracks like "Move" retain a driving rhythmic pulse, and Davis' understated trumpet solos still pack a punch. The interplay between instruments is a highlight, with unexpected harmonies and counterpoint melodies keeping listeners engaged. While some might find the overall mood subdued compared to bebop, Birth of the Cool offered a captivating alternative. Production: A Flawed Experiment The album's production history is as fascinating as its music. Recorded in 1949 and 1950, the sessions were shelved by Capitol Records due to their unconventional sound. Released years later with some edits and overdubs, the final product doesn't always flow seamlessly. Some argue that the edits disrupt the original cohesion, while others see them as minor blemishes on a groundbreaking work. Regardless, the sonic quality itself is excellent, capturing the warmth and intimacy of the small ensemble sessions. Themes: Coolness and Beyond The "cool" aesthetic permeates the album, evident in the music's relaxed feel and Davis' own persona. However, Birth of the Cool isn't simply an exercise in coolness. Tracks like "Venus de Milo" hint at a darker undercurrent, with dissonant harmonies and a brooding atmosphere. This complexity reflects the social and cultural anxieties of the postwar era, making Birth of the Cool more than just a stylistic departure. Influence: A Legacy of Innovation Birth of the Cool's influence is undeniable. It paved the way for modal jazz, a style that emphasized scales and modes over complex chord changes. Artists like John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk were heavily influenced by Davis' pioneering work. Furthermore, the album's focus on melody and atmosphere resonated with musicians outside jazz, influencing artists in rock, pop, and even film scoring. Pros and Cons: A Balanced View Birth of the Cool isn't without flaws. The production issues and occasional pacing problems can be minor detractors. However, its strengths far outweigh these. The innovative music, groundbreaking style, and enduring influence solidify its place as a jazz masterpiece. The Final Notes Birth of the Cool stands as a testament to Miles Davis' restless spirit and artistic vision. While lacking traditional lyrics, it speaks volumes through its innovative music, thoughtful production, and exploration of themes beyond mere coolness. Its influence continues to be felt across genres, solidifying its position as a landmark album and a must-listen for any jazz enthusiast or music lover seeking a taste of groundbreaking innovation.

Pretty cool.

Cool like an iced tea on a hot day.

Extremely good album. Very easy listening but also very complex at the same time. loved it.

Great vibes here. Kind of reminded me of the Dave Brubeck Quartet album on this list, Time Out. I typically don't listen to jazz too much but I wouldn't hesitate to queue this album up when the mood next strikes.

JAZZ !!

smooth jazz

Demasiado 🚬🚬🚬

Awesome album. Rarely expect myself to enjoy this era of jazz but, again, pleasantly surprised. quite different from later Davis records, too.

I hadn't heard any of Davis' work with his nonet, so this was a treat. Highlights: Moon Dreams, Venus De Milo, Godchild, Boplicity, Rouge

It's always a good day if you get to listen to Miles Davis, even if you're (like me) not all that well-versed in his huge arsenal of songs and albums. It's a little weird that we got a compilation album (mainly because I thought that wasn't part of the criteria for including in the 1001 Greatest Albums collection), but I'm not complaining at getting to hear a variety of tunes from a shifting band composition, and apparently getting to listen to the birth of a new style of jazz (or as the critic Sargent apparently described it, "not really jazz"). Not bad at all!

a classic jazz album. Miles Davis is the king, never disappoints, fits so many moods/settings.

Verrrry good

Classic music...only two songs to listen to but great anyway. Relaxing and soothing.

Can’t lie, this slaps and will continue to slap. Do your thing Mr. Davis ! 🎶 🎺 🎶 Great replay value and calm, soothing tracks for any given day.

It's funny to consider that this comp was released only a handful of years after the somewhat unorthodox songs on it were recorded. In the intervening time (~7 years), he recorded and released like two dozen albums that revealed him to be the future of jazz, making this album's title neither premature nor a misnomer.

#1/1001 Haven't gotten into older jazz music very much, but I think this was a nice introduction. The instruments sound like they are trying to talk to me, I love it, lol. I think it's interesting that it's a compilation album recorded over a few years AND spanning over the beginning of new eras of jazz, so that was quite cool! I *love* the horns on this. Overall: I like it! Might not be something I listen to everyday, but if I had a long but fulfilling day, I might come home, pour a glass of whiskey and read a good book in my huge leather office chair (like the movies yk) and just let the sounds fill the room. Favorites: Move Venus De Milo Godchild <3 <3 Rogue Darn That Dream (however, it did scare me for a sec because I was Not expecting lyrics lol)

It's Miles Davis, what can you say?

It was godd

Of course it is good, and fundamental, and infinitely listenable, but I must say it suffers hard from comparison to other works by Miles Davis that I find much more engaging. I would never pick this over Kind Of Blue, or Bitches Brew, but I suppose that is not a detriment to the quality of this record in a vacuum.

Not my style of jazz but i thought it was a very pleasant listen. definitely prefer Miles Davis’ more abstract type of jazz such as Some Kind of Blue and Bitches Brew.

For Miles Davis and cool jazz genre in general, these tracks are especially economical in length. I attribute this to the format they were released originally but what each of them do, is really elevate the impact of the "small combo" approach of Davis' ensembles in this era. Really appreciating that it doesn't sound like more than a handful of players per track, allowing each instrument some freedom to stand out in it's own right. This post-WW2 genre will always strike a chord with me, and Miles was the best to do it. It's the best of big band and bebop without the brash aesthetic blasts associated with either, leaving pure, clean, cool improvisation-- allowing the listener to examine each musician's approach unassaulted by punctuated blasts of 25 simultaneous horn players.

Jazz, jazz, jazz. Smoother than a baby’s bottom.

First

Would love to have this on vinyl to have on in the background when I’m in my mid 40’s and I’m really into espresso

jazzy

Although I don't like Jazz this album was enjoyable for me

I remember having a professor teaching the history of jazz and he mentioned this album specifically as a groundbreaker. I can't say I have a whole lot of experience in jazz music to be able to pinpoint any innovations here, but it certainly wasn't enjoyable listen

Jazz is always good.

Pretty cool...

Jazz ... Bop di du dah!

endlich weiß ich, was sie wirklich sagen, wenn sie unterkühlt meinen

Great album! Love this Jazz

Clearly this was the birth of cool

I went in expecting a good 50’s jazz album. That’s what I got. David is just good. One of the greats.

I get why it's a big deal and the music is cool and complex, but it also all sounds sooo similar and just not my thing.

February 6, 2024 HL: "Moon Dreams", "Venus De Milo", "Godchild", "Move" I found this in a used CD store for 5 smackeroos after recognizing the title from the 1001 list. It would take over a year for me to actually have this on the website, thus making me listen to it in full (I've definitely heard the odd track throughout the year tho) Complete world away from the last Davis-- Bitches Brew-- particularly due to its accessibility and short tunes. Whereas that one felt somehow rejuvenating but also totally exhausting, this breezed by and was over before I knew it. Maybe there's a happy medium between 3 minute and 27 minute songs :0 *eyes Kind of Blue expectantly*

Nice sound

I love Miles Davis and this May not be his best but its certainly really good

music: cool. (⌐■_■)

It really rattled me to read that this was recorded in 1949/50. Is this literally the birth of coolness? Is this the first time something was ever cool? I think it might be.

😎

This is definitely a lesser Miles Davis album, I’m not sure it would even be in his top 10. But lesser Miles is still better than 99.9% of other musicians.

Miles Davis' "Birth of the Cool" is an incredible and innovative album. In this, Davis is credited with directing the projection of cool jazz.

Des chansons cool :D

The first couple of listens passed me by, but over time I've been enjoying this more and more. Great stuff!

Very chill

decent listen

I feel like I've said similar things with other jazz albums that have come up, but this settles it -- I'm getting more jazz records

I can’t fully understand what this music is about, but I still like how it sounds and how it makes me feel

Good background jazz

Nice album!

Not the most challenging album but I like the vibe of it. Just some friendly on the ear background jazz

Þessi á ég á disk ofan í kassa. Get ekki þóst vera djassgeggjari en þessi er skemmtileg, gott stuð og töff.

nice album ... soothing music

Even as a person who doesn't listen to a lot of Jazz, its obvious that Miles Davis is an excellent musician. The band sounds great in this recording.

Seductive mix of jazz, swing and Las Vegas show tunes. Easy to listen to and get lost in. Great to listen to on a lazy Sunday afternoon

This wasn’t as exciting to me as In A Silent Way. I can’t pretend to be knowledgeable about jazz really—but it felt more like background music than anything that demands you Pay Attention. That being said—I loved Move, the first track on the album.

Miles Davis and his comrades do a lot of a interesting stuff in these songs but it makes you wonder why this list has a compilation album like this in its ranks? Like many albums of that type it is a bit disjointed and allover the place. Miles David has a lot more interesting releases in his catalogue that actually work as an album. It's still a great listen though.

Enjoyed it. Easy to listen to and would listen to it again.

Instrumentals are not what I look for in albums, as I am a big lyrics person. But miles is an all time great and he’s an amazing musician. For what it is this is great and it doesn’t seem aged for something older than my parents

Chill and cool

I think cool did exist before this. But that does diminish the coolness of this.

I gotta hand it to you Mr. Davis, this is pretty cool.

Boplicity is such a great sound; definitely one of my favorites from the album.

4.5/5

Move - discordant Jeri - recognized oft used chords Moon Dreams - sweeping, peaceful Venus de Milo - bosa nova? Meh Budo - love the lower register Deception - ? Godchild - ? Boplicity - nice background Rocker - ran right into Israel - upbeat, light Rouge - blush? Nonconformist? Still not a Jazz fan

Moon Dreams

Jazz

Cool jazz and easy listening

This felt nostalgic to me because it made me realize a lot of the 90s-00's cartoons would use jazz in their scores. I was immediately reminded of Tom and Jerry, Seth McFarlane's cartoons, and other Hanna Barbera animations. Obvioulsy, these shows used Jazz for their scores but listening to this album for the first time, felt like I had always known it.