Kind of Blue might have received most of the acclaim but
Milestones, the recorded debut of the
Miles Davis Sextet, is in the same league. This remarkable super group (featuring
Davis's trumpet, tenor-saxophonist
John Coltrane, altoist
Cannonball Adderley, pianist
Red Garland, bassist
Paul Chambers and drummer
Philly Joe Jones) was arguably the greatest one
Miles Davis ever led. "Two Bass Hit" features the two saxes trading off with fire and "Billy Boy" showcases the
Red Garland trio (showing what they learned from
Ahmad Jamal), but "Straight No Chaser" really demonstrates what a powerhouse band this was. ~ Scott Yanow