 While most
of this music on Miles Davis at Newport 1958 has appeared on either the Miles
and Monk At Newport compilation or the Newport Jazz Festival Live album, this
is the first time that the material has been presented in its entirety. The
personnel in the sextet had changed slightly by this time. Red Garland and
Philly Joe Jones were replaced by revolutionary pianist Bill Evans and newcomer
Jimmy Cobb on drums. Especially notable in this performance was the way
Coltrane's abilities had progressed. But even though the group was bursting
with musical inspiration and fresh ideas, Miles was still the undisputed heart
and soul of the band. Several of the tracks performed here came from 'Round
About Midnight and Milestones; but in the live setting, the music soars and the
interaction between the artists is remarkable. Unlike Jazz at The Plaza,
recorded just two months later, this album was intended for commercial release
and the sound quality is much better as well.
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