The 1958
Jazz Track LP compilation is made up of two unrelated studio sessions. The first side is devoted to ten songs composed by
Miles Davis for the soundtrack to the French film L'Ascenseuer Pour l'Echafaud, with pianist
René Urtreger, tenor saxophonist
Barney Wilen, bassist
Pierre Michelot, and drummer
Kenny Clarke joining the trumpeter. Unfortunately, the music isn't particularly memorable, in spite of the best efforts of the musicians. The slower numbers seem rather sterile; while even the fast pace of "Sur l'Autoroute," featuring the leader's muted horn, leaves little in the way of a lasting impression.
The second side represents only a portion of the May 26, 1958, studio session with
Bill Evans,
John Coltrane, and
Cannonball Adderley that has since been reissued in full on CD. The softly stated treatment of "On Green Dolphin Street," with
Davis' muted trumpet,
Evans' impeccable accompaniment, and
Jimmy Cobb's tasteful brushwork is masterful, though
Adderley and
Coltrane quickly shatter that mood following their respective entrances. The waltz-time treatment of "Fran Dance" (
Davis' recasting of "Put Your Little Foot Right Out") is fine, though the clear highlight of the record is the gorgeous arrangement of "Stella by Starlight," which
Adderley sits out. This LP is now a mere historical footnote since more complete editions of both sessions have been reissued on CD.
–
Ken Dryden, Rovi