The Columbia Years 1955–1985
Miles Davis · 1988
258 min · 35 tracks · jazz
A sweeping anthology that captures the evolution of jazz through Davis's innovative and genre-defining compositions.
Top tracks — play these first
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Generique Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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So What — The track exemplifies modal jazz with its iconic call-and-response structure and laid-back groove, setting the stage for future improvisational styles.
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All Blues — This track showcases Davis's ability to blend blues elements with sophisticated jazz harmonies, becoming a staple in both jazz and popular music repertoires.
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My Funny Valentine — Davis's interpretation transforms the standard into a haunting ballad, illustrating his unique phrasing and emotional depth as a trumpeter.
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Flamenco Sketches — The piece is notable for its free-form structure and evocative soundscapes, representing the modal style that characterized much of Davis's work during the late 1950s.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThis compilation captures Miles Davis's innovative spirit across genres, showcasing his mastery and influence in jazz.
What we noticed
- Each track is characterized by intricate improvisation, with musicians often taking turns in extended solos that highlight their virtuosity.
- Many tracks feature complex arrangements with rich harmonies and dynamic shifts, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the ensemble.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- 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
Defined its genre or moment. 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
- long, meditative listening experience
- dynamic improvisation and exploration
- rich melodies for deep focus
- cathartic emotional expression
- for late-night reflection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A comprehensive retrospective that showcases diverse phases of Davis's career.
- Themes
- modal jazz innovation· Columbia Records legacy· 1950s cool jazz evolution
- Career context
- Released in 1988, this compilation album spans Miles Davis's prolific career from 1955 to 1985, showcasing his transformative influence on jazz. At this time, Davis was reflecting on decades of groundbreaking music that included pivotal albums like 'Kind of Blue' and 'Bitches Brew', which had solidified his place as a leading figure in modern jazz.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Generique Start here 2:50
- 2 All Blues 11:33
- 3 Eighty-One 6:16
- 4 Blues for Pablo 5:19
- 5 Summertime 3:21
- 6 Straight, No Chaser 8:59
- 7 Footprints 9:49
- 8 Florence Sur Les Champs Elysees 2:50
- 9 I Thought About You 11:51
- 10 Someday My Prince Will Come 5:43
Disc 2
- 1 Bye Bye Blackbird 7:57
- 2 My Funny Valentine 14:55
- 3 Love for Sale 11:51
- 4 Budo 5:03
- 5 Miles 5:45
- 6 Filles De Kilimanjaro 12:03
- 7 Fran-Dance 5:50
- 8 Seven Steps to Heaven 6:23
Disc 3
- 1 Flamenco Sketches 9:35
- 2 So What 12:01
- 3 Water Babies 5:09
- 4 Saeta 4:59
- 5 Masqalero 8:54
- 6 Pinocchio 5:09
- 7 Summer Night 6:05
- 8 Fall 6:37
- 9 It's About That Time 11:28
Disc 4
- 1 Sivad 3:33
- 2 What It Is 4:34
- 3 Ms. Morrisine 4:53
- 4 Shout 5:51
- 5 Honky Tonk 5:53
- 6 Star on Cicely 4:29
- 7 Thinkin' One Thing and Doin' Another 6:48
- 8 Miles Runs the Voodoo Down 14:02
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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