The Essential Miles Davis cover

The Essential Miles Davis

Miles Davis · 2001

149 min · 23 tracks · jazz fusion · bebop · hard bop

A rich tapestry of jazz styles that showcases Miles Davis's innovative spirit and masterful musicianship across decades.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • long-form explorations of sound
  • cathartic moments of improvisation
  • evening relaxation with complexity
  • thoughtful background for conversations
  • nostalgic reflections on history

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking quick, instant gratification
  • prefer straightforward, catchy tunes

Where this album fits

Themes
bebop innovation· modal jazz evolution· jazz fusion experimentation
Career context
Released in 2001, 'The Essential Miles Davis' compiles some of the most pivotal tracks from Davis's expansive career, spanning from his early bebop days to his later fusion explorations. At this point, Davis had already been a transformative figure in jazz, influencing countless artists and genres while receiving critical acclaim throughout his long career.
Stylistic neighbors
John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter
Sounds like this from elsewhere
A Love Supreme by John Coltrane — Explores spiritual themes through modal jazz, showcasing deep improvisation and emotional intensity.
Head Hunters by Herbie Hancock — Merges jazz with funk and fusion elements, reflecting innovation in rhythm and sound textures.
Return to Forever by Chick Corea — Blends jazz with progressive rock influences, emphasizing complex arrangements and rich harmonies.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Now's the Time 3:17
  • 2 Jeru 3:13
  • 3 Compulsion 5:44
  • 4 Tempus Fugit 3:51
  • 5 Walkin' 13:27
  • 6 'Round Midnight 5:57
  • 7 Bye Bye Blackbird 7:55
  • 8 New Rhumba 4:37
  • 9 Generique 2:48
  • 10 Summertime 3:20
  • 11 So What 9:23
  • 12 The Pan Piper 3:53
  • 13 Someday My Prince Will Come 9:04

Disc 2

  • 1 My Funny Valentine 15:07
  • 2 E.S.P. 5:30
  • 3 Nefertiti 7:53
  • 4 Petits Machins (Little Stuff) 8:07
  • 5 Miles Runs the Voodoo Down 14:03
  • 6 Little Church 3:16
  • 7 Black Satin 5:16
  • 8 Jean Pierre 4:03
  • 9 Time After Time 3:40
  • 10 Portia 6:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata