What do you think?
Rate this book
Kind Of Blue: The Making Of The Miles Davis Masterpiece
This critically and commercially acclaimed tribute to the most popular jazz album of all time is now available in paperback. With transcriptions of the unedited session tapes; in-depth interviews with musicians; freshly discovered Columbia Records files; never-before-seen photographs; and a foreword by the last surviving member of the band, drummer Jimmy Cobb, Kind of Blue is a vital piece of music history—and will be essential for fans and scholars for years to come.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
49 people are currently reading
1,514 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Kahn
25Ìýbooks31ÌýfollowersAshley Kahn is an American music historian, journalist, and producer.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
March 25, 2018
As a fan of rock, folk, reggae, even classic country, I have dabbled in jazz. I guess what would be called smooth jazz mostly. But a friend loaned me this book along with the CD. At first I balked, but hey, I'm older now and it is time to expand my horizons. I listened to the CD before I started reading the book. Interesting, but no wows. In truth, I wouldn't know modal jazz from a nodal biopsy.
The author is extremely knowledgable and starts with the state of jazz before Kind of Blue is made. The group Miles Davis assembles to record Kind of Blue turned out to be a jazz supergroup. John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderly, Bill Evans among others. Most went on to jazz superstardom, if they didn't let drugs ruin their life. When jazz musicians are mentioned, you think marijuana was the drug of choice. But for most in the book, it was herion. Even Miles Davis kicked the habit before getting serious and recording jazz masterpieces.
The recording of each track of Kind of Blue is discussed in length. And after each chapter, I would listen to the CD again. Hey, I'm beginning to hear different things. What is happening to me? There's a touch of blues, a bit of funk, a Latin influence to one. I can hear the brilliance of Miles Davis' trumpet, the experimentation of John Coltrane's tenor sax, the barely suppressed funk of Cannonball Adderley's alto sax, the complex way pianist Bill Evans holds it all together. I have listened to the CD about twenty times now. I may never be the same.
The author is extremely knowledgable and starts with the state of jazz before Kind of Blue is made. The group Miles Davis assembles to record Kind of Blue turned out to be a jazz supergroup. John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderly, Bill Evans among others. Most went on to jazz superstardom, if they didn't let drugs ruin their life. When jazz musicians are mentioned, you think marijuana was the drug of choice. But for most in the book, it was herion. Even Miles Davis kicked the habit before getting serious and recording jazz masterpieces.
The recording of each track of Kind of Blue is discussed in length. And after each chapter, I would listen to the CD again. Hey, I'm beginning to hear different things. What is happening to me? There's a touch of blues, a bit of funk, a Latin influence to one. I can hear the brilliance of Miles Davis' trumpet, the experimentation of John Coltrane's tenor sax, the barely suppressed funk of Cannonball Adderley's alto sax, the complex way pianist Bill Evans holds it all together. I have listened to the CD about twenty times now. I may never be the same.
September 10, 2024
"Perhaps those that hear well will find something captured which escapes contemplation."
Bill Evans
Bill Evans
March 13, 2017
This book is great for so many reasons, but I'd have to say the best reason is because of how good a writer Kahn shows himself to be. Out of all the books on music I've read, this is the most crisp clear, fluidly written book. He explains a little music theory and Miles' modal method of thinking with no pretention and such precision that the quality of the writing itself rivals the excitement of the Kind of Blue recording process, which he also details very, very well. Very worth reading for any jazz lover or someone wanting to understand jazz.
December 24, 2010
I have read this book twice. I am going to read it again this coming week. I came across it when I was weeding through some books to donate to the library after the holidays. This is one of many books I would never let anyone borrow. Kind of Blue was one of the first jazz LP's (before CD's) I purchased at a very young age.
Read
January 27, 2025If you love Jazz, read this.
April 2, 2012
This extensively researched book opens a big window into a decade or more of American popular music, when Top 40 charts embraced everything from novelty songs to Elvis and Doris Day, and jazz performers commanded their own share of a vast audience. Sound recording technology had recently introduced LPs and stereo to consumers, and the music industry was booming. It was at this point, the late 1950s, that the young trumpet player Miles Davis stepped onto the stage and emerged as an influential innovator and eventual jazz giant.
Author Kahn traces the steps of Davis' early career, focusing on the man, the musician, and the jazz artists who were his contemporaries, including the six men who joined him in creation of the album "Kind of Blue." Then listening to the original session tapes he recreates the recording of this album in 1959 in CBS's 30th Street Studio in New York. He wraps up his book with an interesting account of the marketing and release of the album and an analysis of its impact on music and musicians who followed, as well as its continuing popularity among listeners.
Most interesting for nonmusicians among readers is his explanation of modal jazz and its implications for the jazz performer. Also fascinating is the account of how these gifted, strongly independent jazz musicians came together for a brief period of less than two years to perform as a group, culminating in this classic album. The book is illustrated with numerous photographs, many taken at the recording session, and it ends with a bibliography, discography, copious notes and ample index. Altogether it's a generous and informative appreciation of one of the great jazz recordings of the last century.
Author Kahn traces the steps of Davis' early career, focusing on the man, the musician, and the jazz artists who were his contemporaries, including the six men who joined him in creation of the album "Kind of Blue." Then listening to the original session tapes he recreates the recording of this album in 1959 in CBS's 30th Street Studio in New York. He wraps up his book with an interesting account of the marketing and release of the album and an analysis of its impact on music and musicians who followed, as well as its continuing popularity among listeners.
Most interesting for nonmusicians among readers is his explanation of modal jazz and its implications for the jazz performer. Also fascinating is the account of how these gifted, strongly independent jazz musicians came together for a brief period of less than two years to perform as a group, culminating in this classic album. The book is illustrated with numerous photographs, many taken at the recording session, and it ends with a bibliography, discography, copious notes and ample index. Altogether it's a generous and informative appreciation of one of the great jazz recordings of the last century.
March 29, 2011
Kind of Blue has sold 7 million copies (albeit in 50 years), making it the best-selling jazz album of all time. Far from being a safe commercial work, KoB broke new ground by introducing new structures to jazz. Perhaps the trick was that Miles discarded complex chord structures for simple vamps that frame endless (yet hypnotic) solos by John Coltrane, Bill Evans and Cannonball Adderly. Kahn recreated this session blow by blow although the only living player on the scene was drummer Jimmy Cobb, who is not known for an accurate memory. Nonetheless he puts you in the studio and recreates this session with documentary detail while providing listen-long insights into the music. My favorite detail: What the musicians were paid (other than Miles, who took royalties). It was union scale for a brief session, max two takes per song. As I recall (I read this some years ago) they made something like $58 each.
December 2, 2015
In a perfect world, every album I love would receive the sort of treatment that Ashley Kahn gives to Miles Davis' Kind of Blue. Kahn's book is 200 pages of impeccably well researched liner notes to one of the best jazz albums of all time. It's full of wonderful anecdotes, interviews, session tape dialogs, photos, and every other sort of historical context that brings Kind of Blue to life in a quite unprecedented way. Like all truly good criticism, Kahn's study leaves you with an enhanced understanding of its subject, and with the desire to set it aside and explore the original with new enthusiasm.
March 28, 2010
A very attractive book which was well constructed. Providing the background for the seminal work was quite engrossing and the description of the work itself very interesting. I thought the chapter on the long lasting influence of Kind of Blue was also well done. All in all a very useful book for fans of the album.
January 28, 2024
This (kind of) thing is way more fun in the era of Spotify - you can actually listen to the music and all the music (kind of) that influenced it and all the music it (kind of,) influenced - and Khan makes the case that music that isn't influenced by it isn't really worth knowing.
Like all music books it (kind of) suffers from not having enough of the things I really care about and too much of the stuff that I don't. But that is the joy that music nerds get from these sorts of books/ opinions, we can Oh No It Isn't!
It (Kind of) needed to be coffee table size and ALL THE photos of the session should have been reproduced in glossy finish.
So I treated myself to the original hardback edition - so cheap! - and got bigger pictures!!
My nerdy complaint now is 'what no mention of recording 'Somethin' Else' ???!!!'
But you can't have everything!
Like all music books it (kind of) suffers from not having enough of the things I really care about and too much of the stuff that I don't. But that is the joy that music nerds get from these sorts of books/ opinions, we can Oh No It Isn't!
It (Kind of) needed to be coffee table size and ALL THE photos of the session should have been reproduced in glossy finish.
So I treated myself to the original hardback edition - so cheap! - and got bigger pictures!!
My nerdy complaint now is 'what no mention of recording 'Somethin' Else' ???!!!'
But you can't have everything!
November 17, 2018
Classic album. It is often considered the seminal Modal Jazz album. I have seen it mentioned as the best selling jazz album of all time.
Check out Kahn's body of work. He knows the subject he writes about. He interviewed who he could on the making of the album and its impact. He gives one of the few explanations of what modal jazz is that I have read. He has good knowledge of the players and there impact.
This is a great book. Half the book is a biography of the players and times and half is the making of the record and it's influences. The subject matter is a must read for jazz fans. Kahn deals with the subject with an impressive command.
I liked it so much that I am now reading Kahn's book about the making of Love Supreme by Coltrane.
Check out Kahn's body of work. He knows the subject he writes about. He interviewed who he could on the making of the album and its impact. He gives one of the few explanations of what modal jazz is that I have read. He has good knowledge of the players and there impact.
This is a great book. Half the book is a biography of the players and times and half is the making of the record and it's influences. The subject matter is a must read for jazz fans. Kahn deals with the subject with an impressive command.
I liked it so much that I am now reading Kahn's book about the making of Love Supreme by Coltrane.
Read
June 27, 2016Ashley Kahn's excellent book is like one of the 33 1/3 series of books on steroids. Kahn does an excellent job of presenting the climate in which Kind of Blue was recorded; gives details of the recording and impact of the album and does an excellent job of explaining who the major players were, not just the musicians but engineers, producers, etc.
Kahn spends a lot of time exploring modal jazz and the role it plays on the album. He also discusses the thorny issue of who wrote and who received credit for what.
All in all, an excellent examination of an album, an age in jazz and a work of art that continues to grow in influence.
Kahn spends a lot of time exploring modal jazz and the role it plays on the album. He also discusses the thorny issue of who wrote and who received credit for what.
All in all, an excellent examination of an album, an age in jazz and a work of art that continues to grow in influence.
December 10, 2022
Of all the books I’ve read in my lifetime this has to be one of the best. After reading it completely I felt an insatiable desire to keep reading it and started picking it up and flipping through pages and stopping and rereading various random pages again and again. To me it feels like a bible of jazz focused on the greatest jazz album of all time. On several occasions I’ve found myself with Kind of Blue playing in my headphones while I’m reading the book. I actually feel like five stars is not enough. Such a beautiful work of art. Thank You Ashley Kahn!
October 2, 2018
This was such a fascinating book. If you're a fan of the album it's a must-read. But even if you're just jazz-curious, you will enjoy it. The author does a great job of sketching the musical and political environment that Kind of Blue was created in. And the details of the recording itself is riveting. My favorite part was listening to each song on repeat as the book explains how it was recorded. Highly recommended.
April 19, 2008
Strange enough (due to my perverse tastes) not my favorite Miles album, but still a classic, and this book nails down the history and the thoughts behind this specific album. Beautifully designed and well-thought out, this is a great volume on a particular piece of art and it's appreciation of that work.
January 10, 2012
A very enjoyable look at the most revered jazz album of all time. I think the author did a nimble job at making the material accessible for non-musicians, though it does get technical from time to time. When I finished the book, I had a pretty good sense of why Kind of Blue was so important.
December 12, 2016
A fulfilling narrative walk-through of the complete 'Kind of Blue' recordings. I enjoyed the little anecdotes about the studio ad-libs that you don't get on the official release. Also the descriptions of Columbia's historic studio. Nothing particularly astounding, but a good read for any Miles fan.
December 1, 2009
came with complimentary, trial-size bag of heroin. Strangely, so did my vinyl copy of A Love Supreme.
April 18, 2012
HIGHLY recommended. A stunning account of what is arguably the most famous Jazz album of all time. Will read again.
January 25, 2021
An in-depth look at the album and its context, the process of its recording and the impact it had on jazz and music more generally over the past half century. The reader will benefit from a familiarity with some of the more influential jazz figures of the time, as well as some knowledge of music theory. These are however not needed to enjoy the book, but I feel that these (especially the former) elevate it. My highlights included the author’s description of the idea of “recording the room� in the 30th Street studio, as opposed to the later standard practice of close-miking, the meeting of Bill Evans and Miles Davis, and Bill Evans likening the album’s spirit to that of the Japanese art of suibokuga; “Perhaps those that hear well�, he writes, “will find something captured which escapes contemplation.�
Important and satisfying reading for anyone with an interest in jazz and music history.
Important and satisfying reading for anyone with an interest in jazz and music history.
March 3, 2019
Terrific. A great collection for jazz and Miles Davis fans.
August 9, 2007
Kind of Blue: The Making of the Miles Davis Masterpiece is Ashley Kahn's chronicle of the recording sessions of that great jazz album made possible when Sony opened the Columbia archives to him in 1999.
Kahn begins the book with an overview of Miles' career from his entrance into the scene in the mid-1940s to the end of the hard bop era in the mid-1950s. This is followed by coverage of Davis' early work with Columbia Records, the discovery of modality, and the departures of his drummer and pianist that would result in the change of cast for Kind of Blue. The core of the book, however, is an exhausting description of the recording process, along with transcripts of all the in-studio conversation heard on the master tapes. The reader will hear of takes that Miles didn't think were good enough and his instructions to his band members to make the performance better. After telling of the album's recording, Kahn details the creation of the titles, the album art, and Bill Evans' essay, as well as the marketing of the album and its public and critical reception. The last chapter talks about the legacy of the album, which has influenced nearly every jazz musician for over four decades.
This is a short work, and it could have been so much more in terms of musicological analysis of the album, and in fact Kahn seems to aim for a lowest common denominator of readership. His writing also approximates hagiography at times with no real criticism of anyone involved or their music. Nonetheless, if you really enjoy Kind of Blue, this book will certainly deepen your appreciation for it, and is worth checking out.
Kahn begins the book with an overview of Miles' career from his entrance into the scene in the mid-1940s to the end of the hard bop era in the mid-1950s. This is followed by coverage of Davis' early work with Columbia Records, the discovery of modality, and the departures of his drummer and pianist that would result in the change of cast for Kind of Blue. The core of the book, however, is an exhausting description of the recording process, along with transcripts of all the in-studio conversation heard on the master tapes. The reader will hear of takes that Miles didn't think were good enough and his instructions to his band members to make the performance better. After telling of the album's recording, Kahn details the creation of the titles, the album art, and Bill Evans' essay, as well as the marketing of the album and its public and critical reception. The last chapter talks about the legacy of the album, which has influenced nearly every jazz musician for over four decades.
This is a short work, and it could have been so much more in terms of musicological analysis of the album, and in fact Kahn seems to aim for a lowest common denominator of readership. His writing also approximates hagiography at times with no real criticism of anyone involved or their music. Nonetheless, if you really enjoy Kind of Blue, this book will certainly deepen your appreciation for it, and is worth checking out.
February 8, 2015
I don't remember the first time I heard "Kind Of Blue", or how many times I've listened to it since, but I do know it's become my favorite jazz album. A funny thing happened the last time i listened to it, I became intrigued with how it was created and why it struck such an emotional chord with me. When I checked out Ashley Kahn's book "Kind Of Blue: The Making Of The Miles Davis Masterpiece" from my favorite library I wasn't sure if I'd get the answers to the many questions I had about the album but I decided to read it regardless. Let me just say this, not only did it satisfy my curiosity about the music I also learned more than I'll ever need to know about jazz and some of the industry's greats who played on the album.
Interspersed with striking black and white photos of the "Kind Of Blue" second session, Miles Davis, other musicians, album covers, various cool stuff from the 1940's to the 1960's, and quotes by those who were there then, the main text is richly and deftly written by an aficianado of jazz and jazz history. I won't claim that I understood all of the musicianese presented in the book, since I'm not a musician, but I did learn why "Kind Of Blue" is so important for so many. Now when I listen to it, for the 100th or so time, I'll be able to really understand what Davis, Bill Evans, Jimmy Cobb, Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane, Paul Chambers and Wynton Kelly were trying to accomplish at the "30th Street Studio" in 1959.
Interspersed with striking black and white photos of the "Kind Of Blue" second session, Miles Davis, other musicians, album covers, various cool stuff from the 1940's to the 1960's, and quotes by those who were there then, the main text is richly and deftly written by an aficianado of jazz and jazz history. I won't claim that I understood all of the musicianese presented in the book, since I'm not a musician, but I did learn why "Kind Of Blue" is so important for so many. Now when I listen to it, for the 100th or so time, I'll be able to really understand what Davis, Bill Evans, Jimmy Cobb, Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane, Paul Chambers and Wynton Kelly were trying to accomplish at the "30th Street Studio" in 1959.
May 6, 2015
Solid and informative read about the creation of a classic jazz album. Lots of wonderful details to eat up if you are a fan of jazz. I can't really find a flaw with this book, other than that there is a slightly disorienting approach to inserting some mini-chapters about various aspects of the album's production into the flow of a larger narrative. I found myself having to read a ways, flip back to read one of these inserts, and then page forward again. It was disruptive to the otherwise engaging flow of the creation story.
Reading this is food food for thought about why this album is such a bestselling classic, whereas overall the public is disengaged with jazz. (Sales of jazz albums are the lowest they've been in decades.) Maybe it's just the album's simple beauty, the invitation to bask in melodic expressions that are not intimidatingly showy or layered. It's like singing.
Reading this is food food for thought about why this album is such a bestselling classic, whereas overall the public is disengaged with jazz. (Sales of jazz albums are the lowest they've been in decades.) Maybe it's just the album's simple beauty, the invitation to bask in melodic expressions that are not intimidatingly showy or layered. It's like singing.
September 17, 2016
A fascinating tome looking into one of the most important, beautiful records ever made.
With fresh insight and wonderful photography framing the men who recorded the music, and their various stories, this book is essential for anyone even vaguely interested in Davis & his supporting cast, this wonderful album, and even music, particularly jazz.
The writing is both fantastic and perfectly structured, delving into Miles, the early years and the years that came before the record, as well as the recording of the album itself.
Truly recommended.
With fresh insight and wonderful photography framing the men who recorded the music, and their various stories, this book is essential for anyone even vaguely interested in Davis & his supporting cast, this wonderful album, and even music, particularly jazz.
The writing is both fantastic and perfectly structured, delving into Miles, the early years and the years that came before the record, as well as the recording of the album itself.
Truly recommended.
January 30, 2018
This was such a satisfying book. I took my time reading it as I would often need to stop and listen to a particular piece of music before continuing. Sometimes the music was a song that was a precursor to the recording such as "Peace Piece" by Bill Evans. Other times, I would have to stop and listen to the songs themselves and hear all the nuances the author points out that I may not have noticed before. At any rate, it's a book that can be read quickly, it's not too long, but really living with the music was such a satisfying and delightful experience.
September 4, 2014
This a really nice background information for the Kind of Blue Album and how Miles Davis formed the band that recorded the music. And like the book says it more of tribute to an ending of an era rather than a start to a new jazz age. However, many of the modern jazz has it roots to this album and warns that young musician need to have solid music education before trying to go into modal improvisations. Would recommend this book to anyone who has interest in music, history, and jazz.
February 22, 2016
The content of this book is very good...the layout is horrendous. I have 20/20 vision but the quotes in this book are all in a ridiculously small font making them as fun to read as the fine print on your mortgage.
I'd recommend this book anyway if "Kind of Blue" means as much to you musically as it does to most jazz lovers. There is some deep content here an I'm sure even the most well informed jazz nerd will learn many things.
I'd recommend this book anyway if "Kind of Blue" means as much to you musically as it does to most jazz lovers. There is some deep content here an I'm sure even the most well informed jazz nerd will learn many things.
September 27, 2016
Excellent account of how the record was made and the personalities involved, including Miles and those around him in years leading up to 1959 and in the wake of the album's release. I learned a lot about how records were made then, and about the music itself and how they performed it. I intend to get the book from the library again in the future, and listen closely to the album while reviewing the book's commentary on individual song and solo performances.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.