Miles Davis and the Modern Jazz Giants from the same sessions by Davis's new quintet in 1956 which resulted in "Steamin' with the Miles Davis Quintet" (PRLP 7200) and three other albums to fulfill Davis's contract with Prestige. The 1954 session is essentially Davis accompanied by the Modern Jazz Quartet, with Monk in place of John Lewis. Notable as the only time Thelonious Monk made a studio recording with Davis – the two men did not get on well, as Davis felt Monk ought to be "laying out" (refraining from playing) during the trumpeter's solos. Ira Gitler, who was present at the session and wrote the sleevenotes
Workin' with the Miles Davis Quintet is in fact a John Coltrane composition (originally titled "John Paul Jones", and from an earlier session led by bassist Paul Chambers; before the closing statement of theme, Coltrane and Davis play a bit of Charlie Parker's "The Hymn"). As his star rose in 1955, Davis formed a new quintet, featuring saxophonist John Coltrane, pianist Red Garland, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Philly Joe Jones. In order to fulfill contractual obligations, he recorded lengthy, spontaneous songs with the quintet, which were released over four albums—"Workin", "Cookin'", "Relaxin'", and "Steamin' with the Miles Davis Quintet". Prestige – LP 7166: All tracks