Is 1958 Miles a good place to start with Miles Davis?

Yes, 1958 Miles is recommended as a starting point for new Miles Davis listeners. A masterful blend of improvisational brilliance and intricate arrangements that highlights Davis's innovative spirit in jazz. By the time '1958 Miles' was released in 1974, Miles Davis had already established himself as a leading figure in jazz, having transitioned from bebop to modal jazz and beyond. This album serves as a retrospective collection that revisits his pivotal year of 1958, showcasing performances recorded during that era, including key tracks from his celebrated quintet.

Who is 1958 Miles for?

1958 Miles works well if you're into lush harmonies for intimate evenings, extended tracks for deep immersion and intricate improvisation with thoughtful pacing.

How many songs are on 1958 Miles?

1958 Miles has 7 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

1958 Miles

Miles Davis · 1974

63 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A masterful blend of improvisational brilliance and intricate arrangements that highlights Davis's innovative spirit in jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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On Green Dolphin Street Start here — This track exemplifies Davis's lyrical trumpet style while blending complex harmonies with an elegant melody, showcasing his ability to reinterpret standards.
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My Funny Valentine — Davis's interpretation transforms this classic tune into an emotionally charged ballad, illustrating his skill in conveying deep feeling through minimalist phrasing.
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Straight, No Chaser — A spirited take on Thelonious Monk's composition, this track highlights the tight interplay among band members while demonstrating Davis's playful and exploratory approach.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

77 /100

Summit

Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

This album captures the essence of Davis's improvisational style while maintaining strong cohesion and distinctiveness in its sound.

What we noticed

The album features seven tracks, all of which are live recordings that showcase extended improvisation and interaction among the musicians.
Each track maintains a consistent tempo and mood, with fluid transitions between pieces that highlight the ensemble's cohesion.
The arrangements often feature call-and-response patterns between Davis's trumpet and the other instruments, creating a dynamic interplay.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

lush harmonies for intimate evenings
extended tracks for deep immersion
intricate improvisation with thoughtful pacing
candlelit ambiance for relaxation

Maybe skip if you

seeks quick, catchy tunes
prefers high-energy party music

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid catalog entry showcasing live performances, but not a primary work for new listeners.
Themes: 1950s jazz revival· live performance intimacy· emotive ballad reimagining
Career context: By the time '1958 Miles' was released in 1974, Miles Davis had already established himself as a leading figure in jazz, having transitioned from bebop to modal jazz and beyond. This album serves as a retrospective collection that revisits his pivotal year of 1958, showcasing performances recorded during that era, including key tracks from his celebrated quintet.
Stylistic neighbors: John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter