This week’s Jazz On The Beach playlist features three Miles Davis related tracks. There’s the trumpeter’s live version of Walkin’ recorded in 1964 at Kohseinenken Hall from Miles in Tokyo, first released by Sony Japan in 1969. The lineup of Miles, Tony Williams - drums, Ron Carter - double bass and Herbie Hancock - piano, was completed by tenor saxophonist Sam Rivers, who was only with the band in the brief period between George Coleman’s departure and Wayne Shorter’s arrival.
There’s alto saxophonist Cannonball Adderley’s gorgeous Dancing In The Dark from Somethin’ Else released by Blue Note in 1958, one of the few albums featuring Davis as a sideman although he doesn’t play on this track.
And finally, Tony Williams’ remake of his There Comes A Time from the album Play Or Die with Tom Grant - keyboards and Patrick O'Hearn - bass, released by PS Productions in 1980 and just reissued by Moosicus for Black Friday Record Store Day.
This week’s Blues Beach spotlights some favourite blues guitar players and their distinctive tone, including Albert King (Gibson Flying V), Albert Collins (Fender Telecaster), Freddie King (Gibson Les Paul), Buddy Guy (Guild Starfire) and Stevie Ray Vaughan (Fender Stratocaster). They would all have sounded just as great on a cheap 60’s Teisco, it’s all in the fingers. But us guitar fans are notoriously nerdy after all.