I don't understand Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue"

Recorded in one take ? Who cares.

It's one of the best pieces of music I've heard. Absolutely brilliant. Hearing that album was the entry point to jazz music for me. I never 'got it' until I heard KOB. I find the spontaneous creativity of the album to be it's major strength. The solo's just lock in and come out 'like magic'.

Question/Note: I have a version that has the original and an alternate take of flamenco sketches at the end. I prefer the alternate take. Other's ?

Ben-Campbell, I've listened to more than one album, Don't love them either. It's just my personal preference don't take it personally. You are right about the one take though, I was thinking faster than I was typing.

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.

Please understand that I am not trying to be a wiseguy nor do I seek to belittle you. I play jazz (badly) and have been listening for over 30 years.

To cut to the chase, I would recommend that you take a Jazz History or Jazz Appreciation class at your local college. You MAY not like KOB because you don't undertand what Miles is saying. Alternatively, Miles may rub you the wrong way. Or modal improvisation may drive you crazy.You need to geet in an environment where you can hear the development of imrovisational music (jazz) and benefit from another person's knowledge and experience.

Also, do yourself the favor of a lifetime and go to live jazz so you can see the artists play. Ask questions of the person next to you during the break in the performance. No question is too dumb-even "What is that instrument he is playing?" Knowing the instruments goes a long way towards greater enjoyment.

Finally, be patient with yourself. The joy of this endeavor is that you will learn forever. No one knows everything.

I'm sensing you've not experienced Jazz live. To truly appreciate this style of music, you need to find a performer doing it live. Terrance Blanchard, Dave Douglas, somebody who is influenced by the Miles Davis school of music.