This Is Jazz, Vol. 8: Miles Davis Acoustic

Snapshots and cursory overviews of a music legend's career never seem to properly do justice. With Miles Davis there are so many facets of his career, it's nigh impossible to sift out anything minimal and present it as a highlights package. For the Columbia label, the acoustic Davis' sides of the late '50s to mid-'60s stamped his identity permanently on modern jazz, and many of the nine selections included here did that deed. This program is laid out thoughtfully, including well-worn standards and the music (particularly "So What!") done alongside Cannonball Adderley and John Coltrane, prior to them becoming leaders and big stars. The placing of the oddity, Johnny Carisi's "Springsville" next to "Summertime," both in tandem with the Gil Evans Orchestra, is a nice touch. But the pivotal mid-'60s quintets yielding the classics "Walkin'," "Seven Steps to Heaven," and "E.S.P." make you want to hear more of those bands. This is a teaser to prompt you to home in on the specific Davis bands you really love and spend more money, because in all instances, one is not ever enough. ~ Michael G. Nastos