“E.S.P.” and Miles Davis’ Second Great Quintet (110)

Standards Rating 5, Difficulty Rating 7

“E.S.P.” stands as a defining statement of Miles Davis’ Second Great Quintet, featuring Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams. Written by Shorter, the tune captures the group’s concept of “time, no changes,” where pulse remains steady but harmony feels fluid and constantly shifting. Its 16-bar A and A’ sections, filled with syncopation and chord tensions (#11s, 9ths, altered dominants), create ambiguity rather than predictable resolution. The half-step root motion and unresolved cadences reflect the band’s conversational style—each member shaping form in real time. Williams’ elastic drumming and Hancock’s harmonically suggestive comping free the soloists from strict harmonic boundaries. On the original 1965 recording, the quintet achieves remarkable cohesion, balancing structure and risk. “E.S.P.” exemplifies how this ensemble reshaped post-bop into a more interactive, modern language.

Miles Davis

Joey DeFrancesco

The Jazz Real Book Playlist Vol. 2

Few Of A Kind is a boundary-blurring chamber ensemble bringing together five fearless musicians from strikingly different musical worlds, united by a shared spirit of curiosity and collaboration. Fronted by acclaimed singer-songwriter Vienna Teng alongside violinist and vocalist Ben Russell, the group blends lyrical storytelling with improvisation and the tonal richness of contemporary classical music. Trumpeter Brandon Ridenour contributes dazzling virtuosity and genre-crossing flair, while percussionist Yousif Sheronick adds global rhythmic textures shaped by decades in modern classical and world music circles. Grounding the ensemble’s sound, Grammy-winning reedist Andrew Gutauskas brings warmth, depth, and unexpected color on baritone saxophone and bass clarinet.

Their self-titled debut album, Few Of A Kind, captures the ensemble’s electric chemistry and adventurous spirit. Built on democratic arranging and collective improvisation, the record moves fluidly between cinematic chamber passages, folk-influenced songcraft, and bold, spontaneous interplay. Each musician’s distinct voice remains clear, yet always in service of a unified, deeply expressive sound. The result is a modern, genre-defying cabaret—intimate, daring, and alive with possibility—announcing Few Of A Kind as an ensemble with limitless creative horizons.

“Equipoise”and Stanley Cowell (109)

Standards Rating 3, Difficulty Rating 7

“Equipoise” is a perfect title for Stanley Cowell’s composition—everything about the piece feels balanced, even while the harmony and rhythm are in constant motion. Set in F♯ minor with a medium, quasi-Latin groove, the tune blends space, syncopation, and subtle tension. Its unusual 28-bar AAB form and shifting root movement—often by half and whole steps—create a floating sense of tonal gravity. Stanley Cowell’s touch as a pianist mirrors the composition’s design: lyrical, poised, and harmonically rich. A pianist with deep classical training and broad jazz experience, he had a gift for making complex structures feel natural and expressive. “Equipoise” captures that artistry—intellect and feeling held in perfect balance.

Stanley Cowell

Max Roach

Jazz Real Book Playlist Vol. 2