Released 70 years ago
Dig
Miles Davis · 1956
45 min · 7 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of cool and hard bop that showcases intricate melodies over dynamic rhythms.
Top tracks — play these first
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Dig Start here — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album with its playful interaction between instruments, showcasing Davis's trumpet mastery and innovative arrangements.
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It's Only a Paper Moon — This rendition highlights a lyrical quality in Davis’s performance, blending wistful melodies with intricate harmonies that reflect the emotional depth of the album.
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Bluing — With an extended runtime, this track allows for improvisational freedom, illustrating the collaborative spirit of Davis's band and their creative chemistry.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album blends cool jazz and hard bop elements, showcasing strong compositions and skilled improvisation.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of muted trumpet, creating a smooth and mellow sound throughout.
- Each track showcases intricate interplay between the instruments, with frequent call-and-response patterns.
- The tempo varies across tracks, with 'Dig' opening at a brisk pace before transitioning to slower, more contemplative pieces.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- lyrical improvisation to savor
- evening relaxation with friends
- intricate rhythms for attentive listening
- subtle emotional explorations unfold
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Davis's reputation after moving to Columbia Records.
- Themes
- cool jazz exploration· 1950s musical innovation· lyrical improvisation
- Career context
- Released in 1956, Dig was Miles Davis's first album for Columbia Records, marking a notable shift in his career towards more commercial recognition. This period followed his pivotal work on the Birth of the Cool sessions, establishing him as a leading figure in jazz innovation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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It's Only a Paper Moon
The instrumental bridge shifts to a reflective mood before returning to a lively rhythm.
This transition emphasizes the contrast between hope and melancholy, enriching the emotional narrative without relying on words.
Tracklist
- 1 Dig Start here 7:38
- 2 It's Only a Paper Moon 5:28
- 3 Denial 5:44
- 4 Bluing 10:00
- 5 Out of the Blue 6:19
- 6 Conception 4:04
- 7 My Old Flame 6:32
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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