New Miles Davis Quintet
Miles was still a child when this album was cut in 1955. Fresh from the so-cool-it's-hot masterpieceRound About Midnight, he was still seeking his voice. John Coltrane and Red Garland were just as young, mortals not yet become icons--the later recordings, especiallyWorkin' with the Miles Davis QuintetandMiles & Coltrane, contain far more lasting, memorable performances. This album is more like a Miles Davis starter kit, far down on the list of essential recordings but containing its fair share of notable additions to the legacy. "S'posin," "The Theme," and "How Am I to Know?" are among its handful of gems.--Robert Wilonsky