Trumpeter Miles Davis has had such a prolific career, that it would be nearly impossible to satisfyingly summarize his career in a mere five CD-length playlists. But here I am, trying.
I have made no attempt to be comprehensive here, just to highlight some of the key moments. Many classic albums are omitted entirely, including Birth of the Cool, Miles Ahead, Milestones (pictured above), Ascenseur Pour L’Échafaud, Porgy and Bess, Sketches of Spain, and everything he’s done post-1970, where my playlists stop.
But there’s enough here to satisfy most fans, and more than enough for an introduction. Kind of Blue has the reputation of being the jazz album you play for someone to introduce them to the genre, so playlist 2 might be where you want to start if you don’t know Miles. (That holds true at least for people with generally mainstream tastes. Avant-garde folks might start with playlist 5, or perhaps 3. Or you might try Ornette Coleman instead.)
Playlist 1 – The Classic Quintet
Five musicians: Miles Davis (trumpet), John Coltrane (tenor saxophone), Red Garland (piano), Paul Chambers (double bass), Philly Joe Jones (drums). Two recording dates: 1956/05/11, 1956/10/26. Four great albums.
Playlist 2 – Kind of Blue
The classic album, just as it was released. I’m not one of those people who insist that it’s the best jazz album of all time, even though it very well might be. There are many albums I prefer to listen to, within Davis’ catalog and outside it. I think it’s successful partly in that it thrills both dedicated jazz-heads and folks who don’t ordinarily listen to jazz, alike. Myself, I like my jazz a little more fiery. But the greatness of this album cannot be denied.
Playlist 3 – The Second (Even Greater) Classic Quintet
Miles Davis (trumpet), Wayne Shorter (tenor saxophone), Herbie Hancock (piano), Ron Carter (double bass), Tony Williams (drums). Listeners are encouraged to check out At Plugged Nickel, Chicago, a live album from the same quintet (on Spotify), or the modified reissue, Highlights from the Plugged Nickel (as my CD is entitled).
Playlist 4 – A Step Toward the Electric
Davis enhanced his second classic quintet with electric instruments (piano, bass, guitar) on Filles de Kilimanjaro and In a Silent Way, two landmarks in the evolution of fusion.
Playlist 5 – Bitches Brew
The classic jazz fusion album, in slightly condensed form to fit on a CD-length playlist. Jazz fusion’s greatest moment was this first, giant step.
Additional Playlists – ?
I might do another playlist, but not likely.
Cover Art Citation:
- Milestones: Source, Discogs.com
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