KIND OF BLUE

Many Jazz aficionados agree that this is one of the best jazz albums, if not THE best. It is easy to see why. Composition-wise, Davis really struck a creative chord and came up with some truly brilliant stuff. The opening riff to 'So What' should be enough to validate my case.

But this isn't completely Davis's doing. His all-star cast of musicians plays a very big role in the sound. Coltrane is regarded as the best sax player, and Cannonball Adderley has plenty of chops as well. Bill Evans can solo and function as rhythm equally well, and the rhythmic duality of Chambers/Cobb is flawless as well.

Though 'So What' is probably the most well-known song, the rest are just as good. 'Freddie Freeloader' is a bluesy number with a fantastic opening piano part. 'Blue In Green' and 'All Blues" serve a beautiful contrast, with the former being subdued and quiet, and the latter being more up-tempo and aggressive. 'Flamenco Sketches ends the album with the first half dominated by sax and trumpet, with the second half showing off Bill Evans' gentle touch on keys.

There you have it, one of the best jazz albums in history. Though this has little to do with prog, I still believe it is a cornerstone album in jazz and deserves an appropriate rating.

9/10