Miles Davis: Volume 1
The first of two reconfigured CDs of Miles Davis's work forBlue Notecollects 1952 and 1954 sessions that belie his debilitation from drug use during most of the period. On bop standards such as "Donna" and "Woody 'n You," cut in '52 with a sextet includingJackie McLeanon alto sax andKenny Clarkeon drums, Miles burns despite his personal problems, letting fly runs that sneer at his demons. On later sides featuring pianistHorace Silver, bassistPercy Heathand drummerArt Blakey, he brings a full-on panache toMonk's "Well You Needn't" and a trademark delicacy to "It Never Entered My Mind." Once he got past his addiction, such qualities were the order of the day, but this music is no less powerful for his struggles.--Rickey Wright