Miles Davis, Volume 3 cover

Miles Davis, Volume 3

Miles Davis · 1954

26 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A sophisticated blend of cool jazz and hard bop that effortlessly intertwines intricate melodies with relaxed improvisation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Take Off Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    It Never Entered My Mind — This track showcases a hauntingly beautiful melody paired with introspective improvisation, reflecting the emotional depth Davis could convey through his trumpet.
  • →
    Well You Needn’t — A lively take on the classic tune that features intricate interplay between instruments, capturing the essence of hard bop while remaining accessible.
  • →
    The Leap — This piece exemplifies Davis' mastery of space and timing, creating a dynamic atmosphere that allows for both tension and release throughout its progression.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
70 /100
Alpine
Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

This album exemplifies cool jazz with its intricate arrangements and distinctive sound, solidifying Davis's influence in the genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of muted trumpets and soft brush drumming, creating a smooth texture throughout.
  • Each track showcases intricate solos that often build on subtle harmonic shifts, allowing for dynamic interplay between musicians.
  • The first three tracks maintain a moderate tempo, while the last three gradually introduce more complex rhythms and improvisational elements.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • intricate solos that invite attention
  • rich textures for evening relaxation
  • short bursts of sonic exploration
  • subtle harmonies for quiet moments

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy dance tracks
  • prefer straightforward structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Solidified Davis's reputation in cool jazz after 'Birth of the Cool'.
Themes
cool jazz evolution· 1950s jazz scene· lyrical trumpet mastery
Career context
Released in 1954, this album marked Miles Davis' third studio effort during a pivotal period of his career when he was transitioning from bebop to the more structured sounds of cool jazz. Following the success of his earlier works, such as 'Birth of the Cool', Davis was refining his style and solidifying his place as a leading figure in jazz.
Stylistic neighbors
John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter

Tracklist

  • 1 Take Off Start here 3:40
  • 2 It Never Entered My Mind 4:02
  • 3 Well You Needn’t 5:22
  • 4 Lazy Susan 4:02
  • 5 Weirdo 4:44
  • 6 The Leap 4:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata