This is the one jazz record owned by people who don't listen to jazz, and with good reason. The band itself is extraordinary (proof of Miles Davis's masterful casting skills, if not of God's existence), listing John Coltrane and Julian "Cannonball" Adderley on saxophones, Bill Evans (or, on "Freddie Freeloader," Wynton Kelly) on piano, and the crack rhythm unit of Paul Chambers on bass and Jimmy Cobb on drums. Coltrane's astringency on tenor is counterpoised to Adderley's funky self on alto, with Davis moderating between them as Bill Evans conjures up a still lake of sound on which they walk. Meanwhile, the rhythm partnership of Cobb and Chambers is prepared to click off time until eternity. It was the key recording of what became modal jazz, a music free of the fixed harmonies and forms of pop songs. In Davis's men's hands it was a weightless music, but one that refused to fade into the background. In retrospect every note seems perfect, and each piece moves inexorably towards its destiny. --John Szwed

2008-10-07 -- 5/5:: A Game Changer
This album was part of Miles' "Second Coming." Cut with only "one take" and no practice sessions. They just walked into the recording studio and "did it." What they created "on the spot was not only fresh, but also "leading edge" for a very fertile period in Jazz. And it still remains virtually unsurpassed as improvised creative arts go. As Miles said in his autobiography, "I play what I know, and then I go above it."

That is what is done here: The whole group "goes above what they know" individually and collectively; and what they create here becomes a seminal event in the cohesion of the Jazz idiom itself; one that has left an indelible imprint on Jazz history.

All of the hard work that this group had engaged in up until this album (which was considerable) was but prologue for "Kind of Blue," which was a serious "game changer" even for Miles -- who was never happy with his work unless he was" changing the game."

Not only is this exquisitely beautiful music, that is mature, and deep in its creative vision, but music that also expands the previous structures of Jazz.

Although Miles presaged his turn to modal music in both "Milestone" and "My Prince Will Come," no one could have anticipated what a surprise this album would be: as in one fell swoop, it stripped away both a dependence on strict chord structures and on a strict time, tempo or beat.

The music's cohesion is centered on, and relied solely on the mature synergy and chemistry that had developed among the players. Throughout his career as band leader it was well known that Miles asked for everything that his sidemen had: He "milked" them for every morsel of creative substance and would accept nothing less.

On this album, he got it all. Amen and

100 Stars

2008-10-06 -- 5/5:: Utterly Sublime
Some Kind of Blue is the ultimate example of jazz as defining mood. The music is utterly sublime and the album historical with performances by Bill Evans, Cannonball Adderley, Jimmy Cobb, John Coltrane, Paul Chambers, Wynton Kelly and, of course, Miles Davis. These names resonate with jazz aficionados, which along with its accessibility, is precisely the reason why this album is a perfect introduction to anyone interested in jazz and essential to one's collection.

2008-09-15 -- 5/5:: The End of an Era
With a line-up including Cannonball Adderley, Paul Chambers, James Cobb, Bill Evans, Wynton Kelly, and of course, the magnificent John Coltrane (all of this besides the one and only Miles Davis), how could this album be anything but incredible? With all of that remarkable and diverse talent, it's a wonder this record isn't a bit more ostentatious, or at least a little self indulgent. However, listening to Kind of Blue, one gets the distinct impression that the musicians involved in this recording felt were less concerned with wild solo work than with creating a pleasant atmosphere for the listener. They seem to be at ease with one another, and the record flows marvelously well. The pacing is cool and calm and lures you into a state of relaxation unlike few albums I've ever encountered. This edition of the classic release adds a bonus alternate version of "Flamenco Sketches" which to my ears may even better the original. This is a very logical place for the uninitiated jazz listener to start, as it is a staple of every jazz collection and one of the most accessible jazz works ever recorded.

2008-08-21 -- 5/5:: The all time jazz classic with great remastered sound!!!
I'll keep this short and sweet,this is an all time jazz classic,hands down!!! This awesome reissue features incredible remastered sound,a treat to listen to!!! A must for any serious music collection!!! Recommended!!! Timeless!!! A+

2008-08-01 -- 5/5:: My raving review is almost non-essential!
I'm not the master of jazz, nor the expert in jazz listening. But this is one of the most recordings in any music library. The all-star lineup on this recording is unbeatable, and the beautiful sound quality makes it a pleasure to listen to.

For the bridging of avant-gard jazz, free jazz, and traditional blues, this masterpiece provides a wealth of historical and stylistic information and musical inspiration.

What else can I say? Get it!