What makes Miles Davis with Sonny Rollins by Miles Davis notable?

Miles Davis with Sonny Rollins is notable for its impact on the jazz genre, demonstrating the innovative interplay between trumpet and saxophone that influenced countless musicians. The album received positive critical reception and is often cited as an essential collaboration that showcases Davis's evolving style during the 1950s. Released in 1954, this album captures Miles Davis during his transitional phase from cool jazz to hard bop, following his pivotal work with the Birth of the Cool sessions. At this time, Davis was solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in jazz while collaborating with prominent musicians like Sonny Rollins, marking a significant moment in both artists' careers.

How many songs are on Miles Davis with Sonny Rollins?

Miles Davis with Sonny Rollins has 4 tracks, running approximately 20 minutes.

Miles Davis with Sonny Rollins

Miles Davis · 1954

20 min · 4 tracks · jazz

A vibrant collision of intricate melodies and improvisational flair, showcasing the synergy between two jazz titans.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Airegin — This track features rapid-fire exchanges between Davis and Rollins, highlighting their improvisational skills and establishing a dynamic energy that defines the album.
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Oleo — With its playful rhythm and clever melodic shifts, this composition exemplifies the bebop influence on both artists, serving as a showcase for their virtuosity.
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But Not for Me — The emotional depth of this ballad allows for nuanced expressions from both musicians, revealing their ability to convey complex feelings through improvisation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate melodies and strong improvisational interplay between two jazz legends.

What we noticed

Each track features extended improvisation, with both Davis and Rollins taking turns to explore melodic ideas.
The album opens with a fast tempo on 'Airegin', establishing a lively pace that is maintained through the first three tracks.
The final track, 'Doxy', introduces a slightly slower tempo, allowing for a more relaxed conclusion.

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

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album showcased collaboration with Sonny Rollins, elevating Davis's profile in jazz.
Themes: bebop innovation· jazz improvisation· mid-century collaboration
Career context: Released in 1954, this album captures Miles Davis during his transitional phase from cool jazz to hard bop, following his pivotal work with the Birth of the Cool sessions. At this time, Davis was solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in jazz while collaborating with prominent musicians like Sonny Rollins, marking a significant moment in both artists' careers.
Stylistic neighbors: John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter