Have at it, folks.
I'm going to pre-empt the Kind of Blue express train and vote for Somethin' Else, which is technically a Cannonball Adderley album with Miles as the sideman.
I simply cannot do this one--not only couldn't I choose between the aforementioned Kind of Blue and Somethin' Else (if you consider that a Miles record in the first place), but when I also consider gems like Miles Smiles, Filles de Kilimanjaro, Bitches Brew, On the Corner...I just can't do it.
Quote from: NorthNYMark on June 11, 2014, 08:03:17 PMgems like Miles Smiles...
Friend! :)
Nefertiti ain't bad, either, of course..
Forget Stockhausen, go back to Beethoven
MilestonesKindaBlueSketchesOfSpainMilesSmilesInASilentWayOnTheCorner
Kind of Blue
Quote from: NorthNYMark on June 11, 2014, 08:03:17 PMSomethin' Else (if you consider that a Miles record in the first place),
It's certainly close enough for me. Only one track is Cannonball by himself, and he seems fully content to give Miles the appearance of the leader elsewhere. Miles gets to state the tune on I think at least two of 'em, and his performance in "Falling Leaves" (Autumn? can't remember the translation used) is unforgettable. So... I count it. Even so unofficially.
The Complete Miles Davis on Columbia.
It's so hard to pick just one. KOB is an obvious choice, but BB and IASW are almost as iconic. And there are few recordings I've played as often as the '65-'68 Quintet box set. I literally listened to it so many times, I unknowingly scratched all the discs on the sleeves that contained them (those steel-spined box sets are among the most beautiful, yet least practical objects of all time).
I'm going to throw my vote to In a Silent Way. I don't listen to Miles much anymore, but when I do, it's usually IASW.
In A Silent Way 1
Something Else 1
Kind of Blue 1
Impossible to pick one 3 (KevinP, NorthNYMark, King Ubu)
North Star: is that a formal vote for Miles Smiles or just a general expression of agreement?
Impossible choice, but if I have to choose it would certainly be an album of the second quintet: Miles Smiles, Nefertiti, Filles de Kilimanjaro. Miles Smiles because of Footprints.
When I heard that track it was the classic life changing experience as a listener.
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on June 12, 2014, 08:00:47 AM
In A Silent Way 1
Something Else 1
Kind of Blue 1
Impossible to pick one 3 (KevinP, NorthNYMark, King Ubu)
North Star: is that a formal vote for Miles Smiles or just a general expression of agreement?
The latter. I should revisit
Miles' discography before voting, but I'm pretty sure I'd vote for one of the two I mentioned from the 2nd great quintet.
Miles Smiles was one of the very first jazz recordings I ever got, and I remember listening to it over and over and over again until I finally truly loved the thing. :)
In a Silent Way for me too.
Cookin'
[asin]B000000Y7F[/asin]
Category error. Only performances of cycles may rule all, or be ruled by an all-ruler.
$:) $:) $:) $:) $:) $:) :laugh:
Easy one! :D:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/713xaBjIk1L._SL1090_.jpg)
The first time I listened to "In a Silent Way," I thought it was pretty cool. The second time, it annoyed me so much I started getting actively angry. Haven't tried it since, but I'm amazed it's the #1 pick so far.
Quote from: Brian on June 13, 2014, 06:28:53 AM
The first time I listened to "In a Silent Way," I thought it was pretty cool. The second time, it annoyed me so much I started getting actively angry.
I've done flip-flops on sundry pieces/albums over the years. Let it rest for a spell.
Quote from: Ken B on June 12, 2014, 08:36:42 PM
Category error. Only performances of cycles may rule all, or be ruled by an all-ruler.
$:) $:) $:) $:) $:) $:) :laugh:
Well, if you only allow repertoire, you won't be allowed to play any real jazz any more from now on. Go get this:
[asin]B005DZMODI[/asin]
And check out the Kenny G-ster playing duets with the Satchmo hologram - that's the real sh*t! >:D
Where is the tallyman? :o
Tally ho for the tallyman.
In A Silent Way 3
Something Else 1
Kind of Blue 1
Cookin' 1
Miles Smiles 1 [I'm taking Escher's post as a vote for that album. If not, let me know and I'll shift it into ITD category]
Impossible to decide [ITD] 4 [adding myself to that category]
Quote from: Brian on June 13, 2014, 06:28:53 AM
The first time I listened to "In a Silent Way," I thought it was pretty cool. The second time, it annoyed me so much I started getting actively angry. Haven't tried it since, but I'm amazed it's the #1 pick so far.
Actually, "Impossible to decide" is giving it a run for the money.
Today: In A Silent Way
Absolutely.
[asin]B00006GO9Q[/asin]
IASW 5
ITD 4
Others, including Kind Of Blue, at 1 each.
Kind of Blue, but I could live with only having
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/ea/Miles_Davis_The_Complete_Live_at_the_Plugged_Nickel_1965.jpg)
IASW 5
ITD 4
KOB 2
All others no more than one each.
Tough. I love Jack Johnson, the Messiaen-inspired Aura, and E.S.P is stunning. But if I had to go for one it would be Milestones. Perfect recording from Teo Macero - it sounds so raw and close - and in "Miles" he made the perfect piece of modal jazz, one of the greatest tunes ever.
Can't decide is the correct response, just because Miles changed so much. His teen albums with Charlie Parker, his cool jazz albums, modal, straight ahead jazz stuff, 60's and 70's experimental, Aura...there are too many apples and oranges to say one is better than others. I personally have played Kind of Blue for 30 years, and love it. Still, if I had to choose right now, I would go for this:
[asin] B00000AW2R[/asin]
I think Sonny Stitt was his best sax-man, and love these discs.
For me it is a tossup between Ascenseur pour L'Echafaud and Sketches of Spain:
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZkMaiTwHbc/T0US3SXzRrI/AAAAAAAABKQ/Q6NA5pYmQho/s1600/a.jpeg)
AND
(http://www.progarchives.com/progressive_rock_discography_covers/3906/cover_55065122010.jpg)
Impossible To Decide seems to be the co leader here, along with In a Silent Way.
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on December 05, 2014, 02:00:44 PM
Impossible To Decide seems to be the co leader here, along with In a Silent Way.
I endorse this.
Quote from: XB-70 Valkyrie on December 05, 2014, 01:07:10 PM
Ascenseur pour L'Echafaud
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZkMaiTwHbc/T0US3SXzRrI/AAAAAAAABKQ/Q6NA5pYmQho/s1600/a.jpeg)
Although I dig this entirely.
i can't do it, but gun to my head I would probably go the same route as Bogey.
Bitches' Brew. (But that may change with the next Miles album I hear. ;D )
I love this one, great live performances his final years, also Aura is a great recording:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41YklkGbyHL._SS280.jpg)
Quote from: Mookalafalas on December 05, 2014, 05:58:50 AM
Can't decide is the correct response, just because Miles changed so much. His teen albums with Charlie Parker, his cool jazz albums, modal, straight ahead jazz stuff, 60's and 70's experimental, Aura...there are too many apples and oranges to say one is better than others. I personally have played Kind of Blue for 30 years, and love it. Still, if I had to choose right now, I would go for this:
[asin] B00000AW2R[/asin]
I think Sonny Stitt was his best sax-man, and love these discs.
Miles and Sonny Stitt?? This is what I love about jazz, and also what I love about my being comparatively new to (and un-knowing-about) jazz: it's so much fun to find out that certain awesome artists worked together and recorded together.
This is impossible but I have thought and thought about this and came up with this one which combines a lot of elements which I value about Miles' bands and recordings. I love how he plays standards, but enjoy the band from the mid-60s the best but which recorded all originals.
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/7a/MilesDavisMyFunnyValentine.jpg/220px-MilesDavisMyFunnyValentine.jpg)
"My Funny Valentine" (Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart) – 15:03
"All of You" (Cole Porter) – 14:57
"Stella by Starlight" (Ned Washington, Victor Young) – 13:01
"All Blues" (Miles Davis) – 8:57
"I Thought About You" (Johnny Mercer, Jimmy Van Heusen) – 11:14
Miles Davis — Trumpet
George Coleman — Tenor Saxophone
Herbie Hancock — Piano
Ron Carter — Double Bass
Tony Williams — Drums
This one has almost that personnel with the exception of George Coleman instead of Wayne Shorter. But they play mainly standards, but with the one original "All Blues", in the loose and rhythmic floating way that band would develop over the course of their tenure together.
Love it.
Quote from: sanantonio on May 28, 2015, 11:20:28 AM
This is impossible but I have thought and thought about this and came up with this one which combines a lot of elements which I value about Miles' bands and recordings. I love how he plays standards, but enjoy the band from the mid-60s the best but which recorded all originals.
This one has almost that personnel with the exception of George Coleman instead of Wayne Shorter. But they play mainly standards, but with the one original "All Blues", in the loose and rhythmic floating way that band would develop over the course of their tenure together.
Love it.
That's a great one. Among the first jazz albums I ever got, along with
Miles Smiles (and some non-Miles).
Quote from: Brian on June 13, 2014, 06:28:53 AM
The first time I listened to "In a Silent Way," I thought it was pretty cool. The second time, it annoyed me so much I started getting actively angry. Haven't tried it since, but I'm amazed it's the #1 pick so far.
I agree, after all its just a loop....
I'm not sure about "The One Miles Davis Album To Rule Them All" but I really dig this one:
(http://static.qobuz.com/images/jaquettes/0074/0074646512128_600.jpg)
Honorable mentions: Sketches Of Spain, Porgy & Bess, Cookin'/Relaxin'/Workin'/Steamin' ( 8) ), and Kind Of Blue.
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 10, 2015, 07:13:58 PM
I'm not sure about "The One Miles Davis Album To Rule Them All"
Review of this thread suggests there is indeed no such thing.
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on June 10, 2015, 07:25:21 PM
Review of this thread suggests there is indeed no such thing.
Verily.
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 10, 2015, 07:13:58 PM
I'm not sure about "The One Miles Davis Album To Rule Them All" but I really dig this one:
(http://static.qobuz.com/images/jaquettes/0074/0074646512128_600.jpg)
Honorable mentions: Sketches Of Spain, Porgy & Bess, Cookin'/Relaxin'/Workin'/Steamin' ( 8) ), and Kind Of Blue.
Just seeing that cover of Miles Ahead is making me listen to it this morning. There are no words to describe the mood Springsville brings to mind and soul. Aces!
Quote from: Leo K. on June 22, 2015, 10:19:46 AM
Just seeing that cover of Miles Ahead is making me listen to it this morning. There are no words to describe the mood Springsville brings to mind and soul. Aces!
Yeah, I really wish Miles recorded more with Gil Evans, but I suppose we're lucky to have what we have.
Miles Ahead never fails to satisfy on all levels.
Kind of Blue (I had to learn the bass on that entire album), Panthalassa and Sketches of Spain. But I liked Milestones was great too. Hard to pick a favorite from someone of his caliber.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51fQaV5nKcL._SX300_.jpg)
My most played Miles album, the one I return to most often, so I guess if I can only have one on a desert island it'll have to be that.
But there's really at least twenty I'd never want to be without...including everything by the Second Quintet, and impossible to pick a "best"
plus I's like to give an extra shout-out to the much neglected but utterly wonderful "Miles In Tokyo", probably my favorite of all the live albums:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41tc06ON8ML._SY300_.jpg)
Agree with others that there is no single "one" - Davis went thru at least three phases and it would be inept to compare Miles Smiles with, say, Bitches Brew.
While I like Miles in Tokyo a lot, it's clear he was not mixing well with Sam Rivers, a great artist in his own right.
With the above two records I'd link up Kind of Blue as sort of the ultimate trilogy for Miles Davis.
Quote from: SimonNZ on August 04, 2015, 08:01:53 PM
plus I's like to give an extra shout-out to the much neglected but utterly wonderful "Miles In Tokyo", probably my favorite of all the live albums:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41tc06ON8ML._SY300_.jpg)
I've played this zillions of times. I made a tape from a live two-fer LP in the mid 80s, and played it for many years. Terrific album, especially at high volume.