I've always prided myself on having a wide array of CDs from all genres, and recently I was going through my collection when I realized I have nothing by Miles Davis. So I want you guys to tell me what you think would be the best purchase for me to make. Just keep in mind:

No massive box sets. I want to buy a one or two disc set maximum right now.

Something preferably more mainstream. In other words, I don't want something that was hailed as brilliant by eccentric critics, even though the stuff is weird/not easy to get into the first couple of times listening.

Please do not reccommend Kind of Blue. I have listened to it start to finish, and I found that while it may have been revolutionary in its time, it seemed fairly standard, and yes... dare I say it... boring to me. I would love something upbeat or fun of his, if he has anything like that.

Really, though, reccomend anything (but Kind of Blue) to me that you think I would enjoy.

I appreciate all your help!!
sav

Sketches of Spain
In A Silent Way
On the Corner

great single discs to give you a feel for different periods.

in a silent way

Because I haven't really listened to ANY of these, which one would you reccomend, which would encourage me to buy more at a later date?

TRON said:

on the corner ,

Hard to say. They're all so different. I personally love In A Silent Way but it's far from mainstream. It's very dreamy and beautiful. The holy grail for many people is Bitches Brew. You might want to pick up that 2 disc set and go from there.

Well I dig on these: Live Evil *Live At The Filmore *Kind Of Blue *Bitches Brew * Jack Johnson * Skeches Of Spain~
There's alot 2 dive in2~

The quintessential small group Miles album is Kind Of Blue, and features the group with John Coltrane. Sketches Of Spain is a large jazz orchestra album, and is quite brilliant, orchestrated by Gil Evans. Also a personal favorite is Nefertti, a small group session with the Wayne Shorter.

Saviorfaire, try these records from one of the most important artists of the 20th century.....

***Kind OF Blue- The cornerstone of any jazz collection. Not much more to add, very essential.

***Nefertiti- This featured Miles second bad quintet,{ You have Miles himself and Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock and Tony Williams} Wayne composes some stunning pieces on this landmark that influenced Wynton Marsalis and those Young Lions of the 1980s'

***A Tribute Of Jack Johnson- I play this one a lot. This record is very underrated. There are only 2 songs on this one. "Right Off" is a masterwork which features Herbie, and the stunning John McLaughlin. Miles plays one of his greatest solos here. Playing in the upper register for an extended period of time. Truly amazing. There are not enough stars in the sky for this album. NOTE: If you listen to the break down of this song very carefully around the 18 minute minute mark you can hear a riff and a groove that the funk group Pleasure would use on their 1979 classic jam "Glide".

***Live From Around The World- A great live recording of Miles and his live band. You can still hear a master musician challenging himself at the very end of his life. Marcus Miller is great on this live set. Listen to the nice live rendition of "Tutu" which is played at a faster tempo. Also check Miles's tribute to Jaco Pastorious on "Mr. Pastorious". This CD is a great document of Miles during the last few years of his life on this plane.

Basically anything by Miles from 1955 to 1974 is worth checking out. However, these 4 albums should get you good and started.

* Brother 9/15 aka CR3

If you don't want a "classic" but some really good stuff, buy "TUTU"
But you also MUST have "A kind of blue"

savoirfaire said:

Da horror. I'll get back to ya when I have time.

savoirfaire said:

Wow, no KOB??? OK. Birth Of The Cool, Round About Midnight, and Jack Johnson.

savoirfaire said:

You really have to pick a period of Miles' music you want to get into. He spans many musical forms and is always on the cusp of the movement. What seems boring to you now was much more revolutionary in its day, because now everyone's done it to death. I guess this is why you said "anything (but Kind of Blue)".

Brother915 lists a good selection. If you find yourself "willing to do the work", you might find a pleasant reward.

Brother915 said:

Good Afternoon Everyone,

Oh yeah Saviorfaire notice that I choose one Miles recording from each decade(50's, 60's 70 and "Live Around The World" which was basically live concert experiences in the 80's was released by Warner Bros. in 1996) except the 40's. Enjoy the ride, you'll have MILES and MILES of listening music pleasure

Hey BTW, you should also explore Pat Metheny's music. I can org note you a list of recommended recordings of Pat's stuff if you like.

* Brother 9/15 aka CR3

"Kind of Blue" is such the sampler for the beginner... I also love "Round About Midnight"! I don't know why I haven't gotten more of his albums... oh yeah, I'm poor

Thanks to all you with these suggestions. I, too, didn't know where to start. I'd listened to Tutu back some years, and can normally recognize his style of trumpet, but didn't have a starting pt to get into Miles Davis' albums.

peace.

Tutu...but choosing is really hard....he has so many great recordings. Also the recommendation earlier about Pat Methany is right on. Good Luck! If you get Tutu, listen to "Portia"...simply beautiful.

I'd say, for a newcomer to the world of Miles, as a gentle intro without spending huge amounts of cash - pick up copies of "Kind of Blue", "Sketches of Spain", and "Bitches Brew".

If that doesn't sell you on Miles, nothing will

Also YOU MUST get his autobiography with Quincy Troupe. This is essential reading for not only jazz/Miles Davis fans, but more music lovers in general. Miles tells it like it is in this autobigraphy, He holds nothing back. This book is insightful,funny, informative and educational. There are not enough stars in the sky for this book.

* Brother 9/15

my manager used to always play miles davis but i never really listened to miles davis properly untill a few months ago when a friend lent me this cd i think its called 'doo-bop' or 'doo-wop'. to be honest i dont think ive listened to many/any of the albums listed above but i do love this one and would recommend it to anyone.