JLC: I'd like to recommend a book to you. It's called "What Jazz Is," and it's written by a pianist named Jonny King. It's a great, accessible introduction, and includes an analysis of 10 cuts from 10 classic Blue Note recordings that straddle KOB. You won't like all of them, but if you pick up a few, you'll get a great education in jazz.
Compare, for example, Hank Mobley's Soul Station (which was recorded about the same time as KOB, and wasn't really influenced by it) to Herbie Hancock's Maiden Voyage, which is impossible to imagine without Miles & Evans. Then you'll see why KOB deserves its reputation, even if it's not to your taste.
Compare, for example, Hank Mobley's Soul Station (which was recorded about the same time as KOB, and wasn't really influenced by it) to Herbie Hancock's Maiden Voyage, which is impossible to imagine without Miles & Evans. Then you'll see why KOB deserves its reputation, even if it's not to your taste.