Miles Ahead

Although Miles Ahead (Columbia CL-1041/CS-8633) marked Miles Davis’ first recording with the Gil Evans Orchestra, it was not their first collaboration. They had known and respected each other since the mid-Forties and in 1948-49 they were the two primary architects behind the Birth of the Cool, with respect to both the perennial nonet album and the “cool” sound which became associated with it and which developed into a new jazz style. Miles Ahead, Miles’ first recording on flugelhorn, is a complete refined product in which the arrangements, the repertoire, and the mood of every improvisation were carefully selected. Even though the album is formed by pieces by different composers, Evans’ arrangements create the effect of a concerto more than individual pieces put together. The complete LP Steamin’ with the Miles Davis Quintet (Prestige PRLP-7200) has been added here as a bonus.