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Miles Davis

Vinyl Selects

Staples

Collector’s are bound to have varying opinions on a catalog as deep and versatile as that of Miles Davis. The selections below are a great starting point to explore a catalog that was constantly evolving and spans decades with trend-setting classic releases across modal, cool jazz, fusion, funk, and more.

1950s and the First Great Quintet

During this period Davis transformed from a bebopper to a defining voice in cool jazz and hard-bop. The decade started with Miles pioneering a subdued, lyrical style but in the mid-50s, Davis shifted to hard bop and began assembling his First Great Quintet, featuring John Coltrane, Red Garland, Paul Chambers, and Philly Joe Jones. The group’s work showcased Davis’ tasteful phrasing, Coltrane’s increasingly fiery improvisation, and a rhythm section that more or less redefined small-group jazz.

1960s and the Second Great Quintet

In the 1960s, Davis embraced experimentation and pushed jazz into uncharted territory, evolving from hard-bop to post-bop to avant-garde and fusion. He formed the Second Great Quintet, featuring Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams. The group was renowned for its telepathic interplay and rhythmic complexity. Their studio, and especially live, albums highlighted their use of space, abstract melodies, and daring improvisations. At the end of 60s it was time for another reinvention as Davis began incorporating electric instruments and grooves, setting the stage for jazz fusion.

1970s and Beyond

In the 1970s, Miles Davis fully embraced jazz fusion, blending rock, funk, and world music into a jazz foundations on yet another set of groundbreaking albums. His music also grew more experimental, incorporating extended jams and dense layering, throughout the decade. After a hiatus in the late 1970s due to health issues, Davis returned in the 1980s with another reinvention, exploring the eras contemporary sounds. Throughout this final era of his career Davis explored electronic production and collaborated heavily with Marcus Miller, showcasing his lifelong commitment to evolution and sonic experimentation in jazz.

From Sidemen to Leaders

Davis often recruited young, innovative musicians and pushed them to reach their full potential. He believed in his band and gave his sidemen a significant amount of creative freedom, allowing future stars like John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter to develop their unique voices. It was not a free for all though, Davis challenged his bandmates with a constantly evolving songbook and high improvisational expectations, which prepared them to lead their own groundbreaking ensembles. Many of his sidemen went on to become legends in their own right, shaping the future of jazz through the unique voices Davis helped to develop.

Discogs Selects – Miles Davis

Shop our Discogs Selects collection of the best of Miles Davis for sale on vinyl. These amazing records take listeners through a journey of musical reinvention that spans decades. Whether you’re deep into your collector’s journey or just getting started, these classic jazz records featuring Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, and more are available on Discogs now.

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