Birth of the Cool cover

Birth of the Cool

Miles Davis · 1957

79 min · 25 tracks · jazz fusion · bebop · hard bop

A smooth interplay of intricate harmonies and relaxed tempos defines the essence of cool jazz.

Why listen to this

Best for
smooth harmonies for relaxation ideal for evening unwinding patient grooves that invite reflection
Context
Released in 1957, 'Birth of the Cool' was a pivotal moment in Miles Davis's career, showcasing his transition from bebop to the cool jazz movement. This album followed Davis's earlier work with Charlie Parker and marked a significant shift in his artistic direction, introducing orchestral arrangements and a more subdued sound.
If you like
jazz fusion, bebop, hard bop

Birth of the Cool is an album by Miles Davis, released in 1957. A smooth interplay of intricate harmonies and relaxed tempos defines the essence of cool jazz. 'Birth of the Cool' is widely regarded as a cornerstone of the cool jazz genre, influencing countless artists and shaping the sound of modern jazz. It received critical acclaim upon release and remains a foundational work that changed the landscape of jazz music, highlighting innovative arrangements that drew from classical music influences. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Birth of the Cool sound like?

A smooth interplay of intricate harmonies and relaxed tempos defines the essence of cool jazz. Rooted in jazz fusion and bebop.

What makes Birth of the Cool by Miles Davis notable?

'Birth of the Cool' is widely regarded as a cornerstone of the cool jazz genre, influencing countless artists and shaping the sound of modern jazz. It received critical acclaim upon release and remains a foundational work that changed the landscape of jazz music, highlighting innovative arrangements that drew from classical music influences. Released in 1957, 'Birth of the Cool' was a pivotal moment in Miles Davis's career, showcasing his transition from bebop to the cool jazz movement. This album followed Davis's earlier work with Charlie Parker and marked a significant shift in his artistic direction, introducing orchestral arrangements and a more subdued sound.

Who is Birth of the Cool for?

Birth of the Cool works well if you're into smooth harmonies for relaxation, ideal for evening unwinding and patient grooves that invite reflection.

How many songs are on Birth of the Cool?

Birth of the Cool has 25 tracks, running approximately 79 minutes.

Tracklist

25 tracks·79:23

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Move 2:34
  • 2 Jeru Standout 3:13
  • 3 Moon Dreams Standout 3:20
  • 4 Venus de Milo 3:12
  • 5 Budo 2:35
  • 6 Deception 2:49
  • 7 Godchild 3:10
  • 8 Boplicity Standout 3:01
  • 9 Rocker 3:06
  • 10 Israel 2:18
  • 11 Rouge 3:15
  • 12 Darn That Dream 3:24
  • 13 Birth of the Cool Theme (live) 0:17
  • 14 Symphony Sid Announces the Band (live) 1:02
  • 15 Move (live) 3:42
  • 16 Why Do I Love You (live) 3:42
  • 17 Godchild (live) 5:51
  • 18 Symphony Sid Introduction (live) 0:25
  • 19 S’il vous plaît (live) 4:23
  • 20 Moon Dreams (live) 3:07
  • 21 Budo (Hallucination) (live) 3:26
  • 22 Darn That Dream (live) 4:23
  • 23 Move (live) 4:49
  • 24 Moon Dreams (live) 3:46
  • 25 Budo (Hallucinations) (live) 4:21

Release Date

January 1, 1957

Genre

bebop, hard bop, jazz fusion

More albums in hard bop

Artist Origin

United States

Runtime

79 min 23 sec