I'm on the road tomorrow thru Wednesday, so once again I find it necessary to post this before Monday. This week's entry is the first of its genre, and one that was somewhat expected, although I know it will garner some negative responses based on comments made about it on RR in the past. I happen to like it very much and believe it was quite influential in the world of jazz, and it would be Miles Davis - Kind of Blue (1959)

A rare example of revolutionary music that almost everyone liked from the moment they heard it. Its cool, spacey, open-textured approach marked a complete break with the prevalent 'hard bop' style. The effect, based on simple scales, called modes, was fresh, delicate, approachable but surprisingly expressive. Others picked up on it and 'modern jazz' has been part of the language ever since. The album also became the media's favourite source of mood music. Without this there would be no ominous, brooking, atmospheric trumpet behin a million radio plays and TV documentaries.

This one is still among my favorite jazz recordings, along with Giant Steps, Heavy Weather, the Wes Montgomery Trio, and a number of others, and will always find its way to my cd player.

Swish