I only own Relaxin' out of the four at this point but I have one thing to say to the Trane bashers. He was searching for his sound and his solos are fine. As for the comment about Trane not fitting that's just stupid. Trane's restlessness was an excellent counterpoint to Miles' relaxed playing. If you had a cool saxaphone player with him it could have been boring even. Basically, even though Trane was on drugs, he still had a pretty good sound.

This CD was in excellent condition--and, of course, it is a classic. It was a joy to hear.

my favorite of the four great little albums recorded by the Miles Davis Quintet in 1956. quite simply, Workin' just has the best selection of tunes with the sweet openings of "It Never Entered My Mind" to the steamrolling performance of "Trane's Blues." this is a landmark release not only of Miles' great composition and power in musical direction, but also of John Coltrane's formative years honing his creative talent. the remaining members Red Garland, Paul Chambers, and Philly Joe Jones all round it out with absolutely wonderful performances. the best record from this outstanding quintet.

The set of albums on Prestige, [Workin', Steamin', Relaxin', and Cookin'] has always been a favorite of mine. These albums were made in marathon sessions over a weekend so that Miles could be free to record under heavier promotion and a far more lucrative contract on Columbia Records. Albums like "Kind of Blue" and "Miles Ahead" that are traditionally thought of as the peak of Miles' art benefit from the increased budget of Columbia for recording and studio time as well as the opportunity to higher the best arrangers [like Bill Evans] or keep the best musicians together on the road for an extended period of time. The best albums on Columbia are not always known for hard-swinging [with the exception of Milestones] or conventional interpretations of hummable standards.

These Prestiges [Workin', Steamin', Relaxin', and Cookin'] are some of the hardest swinging albums in Miles' discography thanks to the tremendous rhythm section of Philly Joe Jones, Paul Chambers, and Red Garland. Besides Miles' own fabulous playing on the ballads, the work of that rhythm section is what makes these albums so much fun to listen to. Even Miles wants to listen to them. Miles sits out on Ahmad's Blues and allows the rhythm section to play as a trio in a tribute to Ahmad Jamal, whose delicate chamber jazz and reinterpretations of standards inform the swing of this group.

I'd recommend any of the Prestige's equally as five star albums although I realize many people won't have the budget to splurge for all four and those that do may go all the way and purchase Miles' complete Prestige albums, even though some of that material is not up to the consistently high standard here.

Workin's is best thought of as "a plays the blues set". It gives a feel for what a club date might have sounded like. They record two versions of "the theme" to close out each side of the original album, just like they used the tune to close out club sets on the road. "In Your Own Sweet Way" and "It Never Entered My Mind" are buttery ballads ideal for a romantic mood or just for savoring Miles' muted trumpet. "Four" is a standard tune that Miles wrote or borrowed that's given a solid reading. "Trane's Blues" is interesting for the gospel reference to "If you do't go don't hinder me" taken from Charlie Parker's "the hymn" before the melody is repeated at the end of the song. "Half Nelson" is a solid swinger with some nice work by Philly Joe Jones. "Ahmad's Blues" depends on what you think of the rhythm section. I dig it because I like Red Garland and enjoy the spotlight on a rhythm section that can be underappreciated. Little things like Philly Joe Jones work on the hi-hat stick out more in a trio setting. Others who just listen to Miles may prefer an album like "Steamin" in the series instead.

I'm amazed by the 'Trane bashers who are reviewing this album. If you are listening to any 'Trane before "Giant Steps" you will be hearing a man who has not fully matured as an artist and you have to take the good with the bad. No, 'Trane isn't at his best here. That's part of what jazz is. The thrill is hearing him struggle with ideas and trying to find where the seeds of greatness for his later work. To trash this album because 'Trane isn't a master yet is to kind of miss the point of purchasing this album. You get it for a focused Miles [unlike some of his fusion stuff or late Columbia stuff] and an amazing rhythm section first.

Yikes, a meandering review, but I hope this helps some folks dig an album I've enjoyed for over 10 years and come back to often.

--5 stars
SD

Admittedly I'm no expert at jazz and wouldn't know where to start with who plays what and all that ( forgive me ). But I do like this CD. I do like each of the sounds that each one contributes. They mesh well for that late-night easy listening on the radio. It Never Entered My Mind sounds so sweet and Trane's Blues does really sound good. It kinda feels a bit mournful in places but the overall effect is really lovely. Great to relax to when you've had a hard day and want an easy stress-free night.