First Miles cover

First Miles

Miles Davis · 1990

48 min · 16 tracks · jazz fusion · bebop · hard bop

A collection of raw and exploratory takes showcasing Miles Davis's early virtuosity and innovation in jazz.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • exploratory raw takes and improvisation
  • brief snapshots of musical ideas
  • intimate listening for enthusiasts
  • casual background for social gatherings

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer polished studio productions
  • seek longer, cohesive narratives

Where this album fits

Themes
bebop innovation· late-night jam sessions· jazz improvisation mastery
Career context
Released in 1990, 'First Miles' arrives during a period when Davis was revisiting his legacy. This compilation features unreleased early recordings from the late 1940s and early 1950s, a time pivotal for the development of bebop. It serves as a retrospective bridge connecting his groundbreaking work to new audiences.
Stylistic neighbors
John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Giant Steps by John Coltrane — Explores complex harmonic structures and improvisational depth, akin to Davis's innovative bebop roots.
Monk's Dream by Thelonious Monk — Captures the essence of late-night jazz sessions with unique melodic phrasing and exploratory spirit.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Mile Stones (first take 1/master take 2) 2:46
  • 2 Mile Stones (take 3) 2:46
  • 3 Little Willie Leaps (first take 1/alt. take 2) 3:46
  • 4 Little Willie Leaps (master take 3) 2:52
  • 5 Half Nelson (alt. take 1) 2:51
  • 6 Half Nelson (master take 2) 2:44
  • 7 Sippin' at Bells (first take 1.master take 2) 3:20
  • 8 Sippin' at Bells (first take 3/alt. take 4) 2:34
  • 9 That's the Stuff You Gotta Watch (alt. take 1) 3:05
  • 10 That's the Stuff You Gotta Watch (alt. take 2) 3:13
  • 11 That's the Stuff You Gotta Watch (master take 3) 3:17
  • 12 Pointless Mama Blues 2:51
  • 13 Deap Sea Blues 3:16
  • 14 Bring It on Home (first take) 3:06
  • 15 Bring It on Home (alt. take 2) 2:50
  • 16 Bring It on Home (master take 3) 3:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata