Miles Davis: Celebrating a Pivotal Year in Jazz History
A Year of Milestones: 1954
The year 1954 was a pivotal one in the career of jazz legend Miles Davis. This year marked the culmination of his artistic growth, experimentation, and collaboration with some of the brightest stars of the era. To commemorate this significant milestone, Craft Recordings presents Miles ’54: The Prestige Recordings, a comprehensive 20-track compilation featuring Davis’ genre-defining recordings from that year.
The Music
Miles ’54 brings together music from four classic albums: Miles Davis with Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis Quintet, Miles Davis All Star Sextet, and Miles Davis Quartet, all originally released on Prestige Records. This new compilation blends original compositions by Davis with popular ballads and compositions by his sidemen, showcasing the trumpeter’s versatility and innovative approach.
The Lineup
This all-star cast of musicians features some of the most influential figures in jazz, including Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk, Milt Jackson, Kenny Clarke, Art Blakey, and Horace Silver. Each artist brought their unique style and expertise to the sessions, resulting in a rich tapestry of sounds and styles.
Remastered Audio
The complete collection has been newly remastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer Paul Blakemore, with lacquers cut by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio. Miles ’54 will be available in an array of formats, including 180-gram 4-LP, 2-CD, and hi-res digital.
Essays and Session Notes
Physical editions of Miles ’54 include a brand-new essay by Grammy-winning music historian Ashley Kahn and in-depth session notes by Grammy-winning writer Dan Morgenstern. These authoritative contributions provide valuable insights into the making of these landmark recordings.
Prestige Records: A Legacy
1954 was a significant year for Prestige Records as well, marking the 25th anniversary of the label’s founding by producer Bob Weinstock. Prestige played a crucial role in shaping the jazz landscape, releasing albums by iconic artists such as John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Stan Getz, Sonny Rollins, and Miles Davis.
Conclusion
Miles ’54: The Prestige Recordings is a must-have collection for jazz enthusiasts and fans of Miles Davis. This compilation not only celebrates a pivotal year in Davis’ career but also honors the legacy of Prestige Records, a label that has been at the forefront of jazz innovation for over seven decades.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of 1954 in Miles Davis’ career?
A: 1954 was a watershed year for Miles Davis, marking the culmination of his artistic growth and experimentation. It was during this period that he honed his sound, matured as a leader, and collaborated with the era’s brightest rising stars.
Q: What formats will Miles ’54 be available in?
A: Miles ’54 will be available in 180-gram 4-LP, 2-CD, and hi-res digital formats.
Q: Who contributed the essay and session notes for the physical editions of Miles ’54?
A: The essay was written by Grammy-winning music historian Ashley Kahn, and the session notes were written by Grammy-winning writer Dan Morgenstern.
Q: Can I pre-order Miles ’54 now?
A: Yes, the complete collection is available for pre-order now.
Q: Can I stream any tracks from Miles ’54?
A: Yes, the track "Oleo" can be streamed today.
