It may only be four tracks totaling thirty-three minutes, but don't let any of that fool you: this is a varied and engaging hard-bop listen. That should come as no surprise considering the likes of Davis, John Coltrane, and Paul Chambers play the trumpet, tenor sax, and bass respectively. With its smooth and memorable piano intro and outro played by Red Garland, "My Funny Valentine" starts things off excellently, segueing into "Blues By Five", a group jam featuring a wonderful bass solo by Chambers. "Airegin" speeds things up, with Davis and Coltrane each getting two minutes to show what they have over Philly Joe Jones' quick drumming. Everything culminates in the strangely catchy but wonderfully composed closer "Tune Up/When Lights Are Low", which shows a more subdued quintet similar to the second track, but with arguably the best playing on the entire record. This record is quite interesting and beautiful despite its short runtime, and is immediately accessible and enjoyable. Needless to say, fans of jazz should definitely listen to this one.
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