Miles Davis - The Musings Of Miles

This Miles set, from four years earlier than Kind of Blue, unquestionably seems peripheral by comparison. The historical fascination, however, is that this quartet (with pianist Red Garland, bassist Oscar Pettiford, and drummer Philly Joe Jones) was formed at the time when the trumpeter had just got off heroin, and shortly before his legendary "comeback" performance at the Newport Jazz festival and the formation of his great 1950s quintet, including Garland, Jones and John Coltrane. Garland's bright, jangly piano sound and percussively chordal approach is a major strength after the trumpeter's nimble, though occasionally rather impassive, improvisations. But Pettiford, normally a powerhouse, sounds ponderous, and even the explosive Jones seems subdued, despite an inviting classic like A Night in Tunisia. It's a completist's item only. *Juan Fordham *

Miles' first 12" LP for Prestige Records enlists the aid of bassist Oscar Pettiford, Philadelphia pianist Red Garland, and drummer Philly Joe Jones. The two originals, both sparely built but intriguing, are by Miles. Pettiford is solid; Jones has a lot of fire along with taste and works very well behind Miles; Garland is good but has a frequently idle left hand on middle and up tempos that thereby takes a dimension away from most of his choruses. Miles is fine, and plays with so much heart and intelligently original conception that he's consistently cooking. Dig, for example, his simple lyrically effective muted work on "I See Your Face Before Me", the way he renews "A Night In Tunisia", and the blues-deep warmth of his horn in "Green Haze". *Down Beat, November 2, 1955 [5 stars]*

Miles Davis was in the process of forming his first classic quintet when he recorded this date. The trumpeter is featured on a quartet outing with pianist Red Garland, bassist Oscar Pettiford, and drummer Philly Joe Jones, playing four standards plus a blues ("Green Haze") and "I Didn't", his answer to Thelonious Monk's "Well, You Needn't". Garland and Jones would soon be in Miles' group, although the fiery Pettiford proved too difficult for the trumpeter to handle and was quickly succeeded by Paul Chambers. The interpretations are generally lyrical and melodic; even "A Night in Tunisia" sounds a bit mellow. Likable if not essential music. *Scott Yanow*

Side 1

1 - Will You Still Be Mine?

(Dennis)

2 - I See Your Face Before Me

(Dietz, Schwartz)

3 - I Didn't

(Davis)

Side 2

4 - A Gal In Calico

(Robin, Schwartz)

5 - A Night In Tunisia

(Gillespie, Paparelli)

6 - Green Haze

(Davis)

Miles Davis (trumpet), Red Garland (piano), Oscar Pettiford (bass), Philly Joe Jones (drums).

Recorded at Rudy Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey, June 7, 1955.