The undeniable strength and conviction present in
Miles Davis
' performance on
Walkin'
, underscores the urgency and passion with which he would rightfully reclaim his status as a primary architect of
bop
.
Davis
is supported by his all-stars, consisting of his primary rhythm unit:
Horace Silver
(piano),
Percy Heath
(bass), and
Kenny Clarke
(drums). The sextet featured on the title track, as well as
"Blue 'n' Boogie,"
adds the talents of
J.J. Johnson
(trombone) and
Lucky Thompson
(tenor sax).
' quintet includes the primary trio and
Dave Schildkraut
(alto sax). Perhaps not an instantly recognizable name,
Schildkraut
nonetheless made some notable contributions to
Stan Kenton
's
Kenton Showcase
EPs, concurrent with his work with
Miles
commences with the extended title track, which follows a standard 12-bar
blues
theme. While the solos from
Johnson
and
Thomson
are unique,
retains a palpable sense of extrication from the music -- as if the song was an extension of his solo instead of the other way around. The lethargic rhythms reiterate the subtle adornments of the horn section to the basic trio. In direct contrast to
"Walkin'"
is a full-tilt jumper,
"Blue 'n' Boogie."
The improvisation yields some truly memorable solos and exchanges between
-- who can be heard clearly quoting from
Thelonious Monk
"Rhythm-A-Ning."
"Solar"
maintains a healthy tempo while drawing the listener in to the delicate interplay where the solos often dictate the melody.
's piano solo is
Ellington
-esque in it's subdued elegance. The final track,
"Love Me or Leave Me,"
gives the most solid indication of the direction
' impending breakthrough would take. So swift and certain is each note of his solo, it reflects the accuracy of someone thinking several notes ahead of what he is playing.
Walking
is a thoroughly solid effort. ~ Lindsay Planer