The Unissued Japanese Concerts

Miles Davis toured Japan for the first time during July 1964. George Coleman had left Davis’ Quintet around April 1964, leaving Davis once again without a saxophone player. Tony Williams recommended Sam Rivers, a fellow Bostonian, and he is the tenor saxophonist heard on these Japanese performances. Although several Japanese concerts were booked, only three performances are known to have taken place: the well-known July 14 show at Kohseinenkin Hall, in Tokyo, which was issued on LP, and the lesser known July 12 & 15 concerts presented on this set. No other recorded collaborations between Miles and Rivers exist apart from the three shows in Japan! Also featuring Herbie Hancock (p), Ron Carter (b) & Tony Williams (d)

LP1: Tokyo, July 12, 1964 Side A 1 Autumn Leaves 11:08 2 So What 8:41 Side B 1 Stella By Starlight 10:58 2 Walkin’ Into The Theme 9:47 LP 2: Kyoto, July 15, 1964 Side C 1 If I Were A Bell 10:44 2 Oleo 5:22 3 Stella By Starlight 8:56 Side D 1 Walkin’ 7:21 2 All Of You 10:11 3 Seven Steps To Heaven 2:56