Great additional context from Mark Stryker, posted with permission:
Great stuff, thanks! Silver, Heath, and Clark were indeed a truly special rhythm section. The "Bag's Groove" LP is on my personal list of 10 favorite Miles records.
Worth noting that this threesome was a part of five other recording sessions in 1954 in addition to those with Miles. They first came together under Art Farmer's name for Prestige on January 20 with Sonny Rollins also in the front line. This is a favorite track of mine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8eGisuHu2Y
Then there's a Savoy session co-led by Bob Brookmeyer and tenor saxophonist Phil Urso on April 30 and another Art Farmer date on Prestige on May 19 with Gigi Gryce. After that, they appear on a few tracks on the quirky Leonard Feather-produced "Cats vs Chicks" recording for MGM that pitted men against women in an adjudicated cutting contest on June 2. Finally, there's a Milt Jackson 4qt date on Prestige on June 16.
And that's it. The trio never recorded together again as a unit -- so eight dates in six months. Is there any evidence that they played together as a unit outside the studio on a gig?
—VS; in the Hennessy KC bio he mentions Horace subbing for Lewis at an MJQ gig at Newport!!!!!
Horace Silver's original comping and time feel is something I wish received more attention when it comes to this period of music. It dances and at times chugs along like a locomotive racing down the tracks.
The groove on Solar sounds similar to brush grooves I've heard Art Blakey play on a couple of recordings. I would also point out that the subdivision of Mr. Clarke's brush pattern when he leaves the straight/even groove is almost a 16th note grid or subdivision. One might think that wouldn't swing, but it does like crazy!
Astonishing how music and performances so familiar can suddenly become hugely fascinating all over again. Almost like hearing for the first time. Great piece.
This is great. I love Kenny Clarke and I think any recording with him stands a good chance of being one of the best in the headliner’s catalog. I’m looking forward to digging through your observations while listening to these records.
Davis and Clarke also did the asencion to the gallows movie soundtrack ( there is some documentary film of the sessions ) , and the movie band has at least two recorded European concerts .
Great additional context from Mark Stryker, posted with permission:
Great stuff, thanks! Silver, Heath, and Clark were indeed a truly special rhythm section. The "Bag's Groove" LP is on my personal list of 10 favorite Miles records.
Worth noting that this threesome was a part of five other recording sessions in 1954 in addition to those with Miles. They first came together under Art Farmer's name for Prestige on January 20 with Sonny Rollins also in the front line. This is a favorite track of mine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8eGisuHu2Y
Then there's a Savoy session co-led by Bob Brookmeyer and tenor saxophonist Phil Urso on April 30 and another Art Farmer date on Prestige on May 19 with Gigi Gryce. After that, they appear on a few tracks on the quirky Leonard Feather-produced "Cats vs Chicks" recording for MGM that pitted men against women in an adjudicated cutting contest on June 2. Finally, there's a Milt Jackson 4qt date on Prestige on June 16.
And that's it. The trio never recorded together again as a unit -- so eight dates in six months. Is there any evidence that they played together as a unit outside the studio on a gig?
—VS; in the Hennessy KC bio he mentions Horace subbing for Lewis at an MJQ gig at Newport!!!!!
This is criticism at its best — now I want to listen to these all again with your notes in mind. Thank you.
Horace Silver's original comping and time feel is something I wish received more attention when it comes to this period of music. It dances and at times chugs along like a locomotive racing down the tracks.
Good point John…
The groove on Solar sounds similar to brush grooves I've heard Art Blakey play on a couple of recordings. I would also point out that the subdivision of Mr. Clarke's brush pattern when he leaves the straight/even groove is almost a 16th note grid or subdivision. One might think that wouldn't swing, but it does like crazy!
Astonishing how music and performances so familiar can suddenly become hugely fascinating all over again. Almost like hearing for the first time. Great piece.
Thanks Bill…
This is great. I love Kenny Clarke and I think any recording with him stands a good chance of being one of the best in the headliner’s catalog. I’m looking forward to digging through your observations while listening to these records.
Right on Karl! Enjoy…
Fantastic, Vinnie, thank you
Don't forget about this [my favourite reissue of 2023]:
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/in-concert-at-the-olympia-paris-1957-miles-davis-quintet-fresh-sound-records
Love that record, thanks for sharing!
Davis and Clarke also did the asencion to the gallows movie soundtrack ( there is some documentary film of the sessions ) , and the movie band has at least two recorded European concerts .
Yes, I link to “Diner au Motel” in the coda to the essay…
Amazing work, beautiful! Thank you Vinnie.
Thank you Rob!
Well done! I’ve lived with this music for 60 years and you’ve brought out new things to hear. Thanks 🙏