Frogman, before I could only compare the different versions of a tune, but now that we have you to give us a new perspective from a "nuts and bolts" point of view; maybe you could compare these two versions of "My Favorite Things".
I know you're tired of hearing this, but I'm going to tell it again. When I saw Trane live, this is what he played; try 45 minutes of "My Favorite Things". Miles said Trane played for himself on live performances; I saw Miles and I had no idea what he was playing; talk about the pot calling the kettle black, that's the best example yet; but Trane worked the tune so many different ways. I was at a table with some professional musicians, and they were in a Trance; to be honest, I was lost; but I'm sure you would have enjoyed it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33o32C0ogVM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWG2dsXV5HI
Enjoy the music.