Is Miles Davis Volume 2 a good place to start with Miles Davis?

Yes, Miles Davis Volume 2 is recommended as a starting point for new Miles Davis listeners. A vibrant blend of intricate melodies and improvisational brilliance that defines the essence of early modern jazz. Miles Davis was transitioning from his work with Charlie Parker to establishing his own sound when this album was released in October 1953. This collection showcases a burgeoning artist refining his approach to bebop and cool jazz, solidifying his role as a key innovator in the genre.

Who is Miles Davis Volume 2 for?

Miles Davis Volume 2 works well if you're into brief bursts of improvisational brilliance, playful exploration of melodic ideas and focused listening for intricate details.

How many songs are on Miles Davis Volume 2?

Miles Davis Volume 2 has 11 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Released 73 years ago this October

Miles Davis Volume 2

Miles Davis · 1953

39 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of intricate melodies and improvisational brilliance that defines the essence of early modern jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Kelo (Alternate Take) Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Kelo — The title track exemplifies Davis's ability to weave complex harmonies with emotive playing, making it a standout representation of his evolving style.
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Ray's Idea — This track showcases a seamless interplay between Davis and his bandmates, highlighting the exploratory nature of the music while encapsulating the spirit of bebop.
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Tempus Fugit — The lively tempo and intricate rhythms create a sense of urgency that demonstrates Davis's skill in pushing the boundaries of jazz at this time.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and improvisational skill, though its cohesion is affected by the inclusion of alternate takes.

What we noticed

The album features several tracks with alternate takes, allowing listeners to hear variations in improvisation and arrangement.
Each track maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, with intricate melodies that showcase Davis's trumpet work throughout.
The final track shifts slightly in mood, introducing a more contemplative tone compared to the preceding pieces.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

brief bursts of improvisational brilliance
playful exploration of melodic ideas
focused listening for intricate details
for afternoon reflection

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy, sprawling compositions
seek consistent high-energy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified Davis's reputation in jazz post-Birth of the Cool.
Themes: post-war jazz evolution· intimate club atmospheres· improvisational mastery
Career context: Miles Davis was transitioning from his work with Charlie Parker to establishing his own sound when this album was released in October 1953. This collection showcases a burgeoning artist refining his approach to bebop and cool jazz, solidifying his role as a key innovator in the genre.
Stylistic neighbors: John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter