In celebration of my son Miles’ birthday today, I’m continuing my “Dear…” series with a Miles Davis recording. This jazz rendition of a centuries old folk song is a remarkable exercise in restraint. It’s strikingly minimalist despite featuring absolute legends in Davis, Coltrane, Red Garland, among others. Every instrument has its own delicate moment on this recording—from Philly Joe Jones’ steady snare brushes to Garland’s chord splashes to the masterful improv meanderings of Coltrane and Davis.
