"Oleo" is a blazing rendition of Sonny Rollins's rhythm changes classic from Miles Davis's 1956 Prestige album Relaxin' with the Miles Davis Quintet. Built on the chord progression of "I Got Rhythm" in a 32-bar AABA form in B-flat at approximately 271 bpm, the tune tests the soloists' ability to improvise coherently at extreme speed. Davis opens with two trumpet choruses of remarkable economy, his spare phrasing and strategic use of space creating maximum impact with minimum notes. John Coltrane follows with four intense tenor saxophone choruses that demonstrate his growing command of the instrument, his sheets-of-sound approach beginning to emerge in rapid-fire passages through the changes. Red Garland contributes two hard-swinging piano choruses, and Davis returns for two additional trumpet choruses before Philly Joe Jones trades fours with the ensemble. The rhythm changes form at this tempo demands total command of harmony and rhythm, and every member of the quintet rises to the challenge. This performance captures the competitive energy that drove the first great Davis quintet, with each musician pushing the others to higher levels of creativity and technical achievement.
