Porgy & Bess (Mono LP)

 
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Miles Davis
Porgy & Bess (Mono LP)

[ Music On Vinyl / LP ]

Release Date: Thursday 31 January 2013

Porgy & Bess (1958) is the interpretation of Gershwin's work by Miles Davis and composer Gil Evans, a point where the collaboration between the pair came to full fruition. With Evans's intimate knowledge of Gershwin, and it's prime performer Davis, their renditions of the work was propelled into the musical stratosphere.

Accompanied by fellow musicians Cannonball Adderley (alto sax), Paul Chambers (bass) and Jimmy Cobb (drums) this album is an essential for any serious Jazz collection! Now available on 180g Heavyweight Mono Edition LP.

Tomes are available annotating the importance of this recording. The musical and social impact of Miles Davis, his collaborative efforts with Gil Evans, and in particular their reinvention of George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess are indeed profound. However, the most efficient method of extricating the rhetoric and opining is to experience the recording.

Few other musical teams would have had the ability to remain true to the undiluted spirit and multifaceted nuance of this epic work. However, no other musical teams were Miles Davis and Gil Evans. It was Evans' intimate knowledge of the composition as well as the performer that allowed him to so definitively capture the essence of both. The four dates needed to complete work on Porgy and Bess include contributions from several members of his most recent musical aggregate: Julian "Cannonball" Adderley (alto sax), Paul Chambers (bass), and Jimmy Cobb (drums). Although the focus and emphasis is squarely on Davis throughout, the contributions of the quartet on "Prayer (Oh Doctor Jesus)," "I Loves You, Porgy," and "There's a Boat That's Leaving Soon for New York" are immeasurable. They provide a delicate balance in style and, under the direction of Evans, incorporate much of the same energy and intonation here as they did to their post-bop recordings.

There is infinitely more happening on Porgy and Bess, however, with much of the evidence existing in the subtle significance of the hauntingly lyrical passages from Danny Banks' (alto flute) solos, which commence on "Fishermen, Strawberry and Devil Crab." Or the emotive bass and tuba duet that runs throughout "Buzzard Song." The impeccable digital remastering and subsequent reissue -- which likewise applies to the Miles Davis & Gil Evans: The Complete Columbia Studio Recordings box set -- only magnifies the refulgence of Porgy and Bess. Likewise, two previously unissued performances have been appended to the original baker's dozen. No observation or collection of American jazz can be deemed complete without this recording.
5 / 5 All Music Guide.

Tracks:

SIDE A:
1. BUZZARD SONG
2. BESS, YOU IS MY WOMAN NOW
3. GONE
4. GONE, GONE, GONE
5. SUMMERTIME
6. OH BESS, OH WHERE'S MY BESS

SIDE B:
1. PRAYER (OH DOCTOR JESUS)
2. FISHERMEN, STRAWBERRY AND DEVIL CRAB
3. MY MAN'S GONE NOW
4. IT AIN'T NECESSARILY SO
5. HERE COME DE HONEY MAN
6. I WANTS TO STAY HERE (AKA I LOVES YOU PORGY)
7. THERE'S A BOAT THAT'S LEAVING SOON FOR NEW YORK