Miles Davis’ first classic quintet was formed in1955 and is widely regarded as one of the greatestcombos in jazz history. Relaxin’ was the second in aseries of four albums featuring the group recordedbetween May and October of 1956. It containsMiles’ first version of “If I Were a Bell” from theplay Guys and Dolls, a tune he would include in hisconcert repertoire until 1965. “Hearing the manyvariations that he comes up with throughout thesong”, wrote Lindsay Planer, “conveys how intriguedDavis must have been by the tune, as it stayed inhis performance repertoire for decades. Trackssuch as ‘You’re My Everything’ and ‘Oleo’ highlightthe synchronic nature of Davis and Coltrane as theycarry each other’s melodies while trading off solos.The steady syncopation of Philly Joe Jones keeps therhythms tight and the delicate interplay all the moreconspicuous.” Two tunes from the first Prestige LP bythe quintet have been added as a bonus.

MILES DAVIS, trumpetJOHN COLTRANE, tenor saxophoneRED GARLAND, pianoPAUL CHAMBERS, bassPHILLY JOE JONES, drumsHackensack, New Jersey, May 11, 1956 (B2 & B3)& October 26, 1956 (A1-A3, B1).Original sessions produced by Bob Weinstock& recorded by Rudy Van Gelder.*BONUS TRACKS:Same personnel. Hackensack, New Jersey, November 16, 1955.From the LP The New Miles Davis Quintet (Prestige LP7014).

• 1. If I Were a Bell
• 2. You're My Everything
• 3. I Could Write a Book
• 4. How Am I To Know
• 5. Oleo
• 6. It Could Happen To You
• 7. Woody'n You
• 8. Stablemates