Most jazz fans know that during his early peak years, Miles Davis went to Paris to record a soundtrack for the French film noir Acenseur Pour L’echafaud with the local team of Pierre Michelot/b, Rene Urtreger/p, Barney Wilen/ts and ex-pat Kenny Clarke/dr. But, did you know that Miles and company also did a concert before going into the studio? Interested yet?
Recorded in surprisingly good sound in November 30, 1957 at the Olympia in Paris, this twelve song concert is a wonderful missing link to Miles Davis career. He’s in wonderful sound on the horn, and tenor saxist Wilen, who sounds like a mix between Hank Mobley and Sonny Rollins, is up to the task of being Davis’ foil. The tunes are Davis’ comfort food at the time, with the team dreamily hip on “Solar” as Clarke assuages the brushes, and bouncing with clarity on ”Four”. Most interesting is rare read of Sonny Rollins’ “No Moe” which has Wilen blowing smoke rings, and a take of “ Bag’s Groove” that has Clarke digging in under Davis like he’s creating a gullet of groove. Miles is in a soulful mood on ”Walkin’” and delivers an aria for “’Round Midnight” and “What’s New” that would make Pavarotti envious. Davis reaches back in the past for a sublime “Lady Bird” and a bouncy bluesfest for “Now’s The Time”. If this is not the find of the year, I don’t know what you’re waiting for. Miles’ Rosetta Stone has been discovered.
https://www.freshsoundrecords.com/miles-davis-albums/56770-in-concert-at-the-olympia-paris-1957.html