We have six tracks today (February 18th) from the Miles Davis Nonet’s “Birth
of the Cool”. The compilation album released in 1957 marked a major development in
post-bebop jazz. One of the largest influences on the sound of these tracks, recorded
over the course of three separate 1949 and 1950 sessions, was Claude Thornhill, whose
orchestra was known for its impressionistic overtones, innovative use of instrumentation
(including the French horn and tuba), and no-vibrato playing style.