Early Milestones (Original Recordings 1945-1949) - Miles Davis

Advantages: Outrageously good! Music, playing, production, booklet - everything is great!
Disadvantages: I honestly can't think of one thing.

...-style sax battle breaking out in the Dizzy Gillespie-composed tune. Neither comes off badly - both have outstanding speed - but I give the edge to Adderley, since Coltrane's solo is almost a little bit too out-of-control. 'Milestones', a Davis original, is phenomenal. The simple theme is picked out brilliantly by the horns, and Miles' solo is one of my personal favourites. It is so clear and relaxed, he picks out the space despite the fairly lively tempo, over the sax accompaniment. The saxes also aquit themselves well, with 'Trane showing off his wide range expertly and chipping in some nice blus licks, but it's Miles who is the star of this track. Despite a clunker on the recap of the theme, he finds the mood perfectly. The rhythm section become a trio of their own on 'Billy Boy', a traditional song, with all three flexing their soloing... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Good
Disadvantages: Bad

...Kind of Blue might have received most of the acclaim but Milestones, the recorded debut of the Miles Davis Sextet, is in the same league. This remarkable super group (featuring Davis's trumpet, tenor-saxophonist John Coltrane, altoist Cannonball Adderley, pianist Red Garland, bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Philly Joe Jones) was arguably the greatest one Miles Davis ever led. "Two Bass Hit" features the two saxes trading off with fire and "Billy Boy" showcases the Red Garland trio (showing what they learned from Ahmad Jamal), but "Straight No Chaser" really demonstrates what a powerhouse band this was.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Ideal example of Miles' style at the time - funky and fun.
Disadvantages: Not for everyone (but definitely worth a shot)

...Miles Davis was one of the most influencial musicians of the last century, constantly innovating as a jazz sideman, soloist and bandleader. The trumpeter was at the forefront of bebop, 'cool' jazz, rock fusion, and funk. "Jack Johnson" falls in the middle of Miles' fusion period, with such albums as the famous "Bitches Brew" and "In a Silent Way". Track Listing 1. Right Off (26:52), 2. Yesternow (25:34) History This music was written by Miles as a soundtrack to the documentary "A Tribute to Jack Johnson". Johnson was a black boxer, heavyweight champion in 1908. He was a black symbol - Miles, always acutely aware of racial prejudices, felt a connection with Johnson. Unusually, Miles wrote liner notes himself for the album, showing his strength of feeling - he says how Johnson was sophisticated, into wine, cigars... Read review

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