Miles '54 (The Prestige Recordings) - Miles Davis (Box Set 5LP Vinyl)

Miles '54 (The Prestige Recordings) by Miles Davis is one of those legendary sessions that jazz enthusiasts discuss with reverence.

I first heard this when I was digging through a collection in Chicago, and the moment the needle dropped, I knew I was holding something extraordinary. The Prestige sessions from this era captured Miles Davis in their most intimate and spontaneous form.

This was recorded during one of Miles' legendary periods of reinvention. He was constantly pushing his musicians to new heights, famously telling them to play what they don't know. The tension and creativity in the studio during these sessions was legendary – Miles would sometimes record multiple takes without telling the band which one he'd use, keeping everyone on edge and at their absolute best.

Musical Analysis:
What strikes me most about this recording is the intricate interplay between the musicians. Miles Davis leads with that distinctive voice that made them a legend, but it's the conversation between all the players that creates the real magic. The harmonic progressions showcase the evolution of jazz during this era, moving beyond traditional structures into more adventurous territory. You can hear the influence of bebop, hard bop, and the emerging modal approaches that would define the future of jazz. The rhythm section provides that perfect foundation – tight but never restrictive, allowing for those spontaneous moments that make jazz so compelling.

From a Collector's Perspective:
After decades of hunting down rare pressings and audiophile releases, I can tell you that records like this don't come around often. Prestige Records captured some of the most important sessions in jazz history. Bob Weinstock had an ear for talent and a no-nonsense approach to recording that resulted in some incredibly authentic performances. This isn't just a record – it's a piece of musical history that belongs in any serious collection. The market for recordings like this has only grown stronger over the years, as more collectors recognize the artistic and historical significance of these sessions.

What makes this pressing special:
Runouts: all text is etched, symbols "1=", "1|" and "1+" in runouts are mirrored.

Track Listing:
A1. Four
A2. Old Devil Moon
A3. Blue Haze
A4. Solar
B1. You Don't Know What Love Is
B2. Love Me Or Leave Me
B3. I'll Remember April
C1. Blue 'N' Boogie
C2. Walkin'
D1. Airegin
D2. Oleo
D3. But Not For Me (Take 1)
D4. But Not For Me (Take 2)
E1. Doxy
E2. Bags' Groove (Take 1)
F1. Bags' Groove (Take 2)
F2. Bemsha Swing
G1. Swing Spring
H1. The Man I Love (Take 1)
H2. The Man I Love (Take 2)

Sound Quality & Pressing Details:
The sonic characteristics of this pressing are exceptional. The dynamic range captures every nuance of the original performance – from the subtle brush work on the drums to the full bloom of the horns in the climactic passages. The stereo imaging (or mono presentation, depending on the era) places you right in the studio with the musicians. You can hear the room tone, the natural reverb, and those little details that make you feel like you're experiencing a live performance. The bass response is tight and defined, the midrange warm and present, and the high frequencies crisp without any harshness. Pressing quality is crucial for a record like this, and this release maintains the highest standards. The vinyl is quiet between tracks, tracking is excellent throughout, and the overall presentation does justice to the source material. Modern pressing technology has allowed engineers to revisit the original master tapes with fresh ears and cutting-edge equipment, resulting in a sound quality that often surpasses earlier reissues.

Trust me on this one – I've been collecting for decades, and records like this are why vinyl will never die.

– Miles Waxey

Artist: Miles Davis

Format: Box Set

Genre: Jazz

Label: Prestige

Catalog Number: CR00689

Release Year: 2024

Country: United States

Condition: Sealed (New)