First Miles (1945)

About this title: This unusual set includes Davis's first recording session and his initial date as a leader. The former is more historical than musical: four blues featuring singer Rubberlegs Williams, Herbie Fields's tenor and the noticeably nervous 18-year-old trumpeter who is actually only heard in ensembles. The latter recording finds him much more confident in 1947, heading the Charlie Parker Quintet (with Bird switching to tenor) on "Milestones," "Little Willie Leaps," "Half Nelson" and "Sippin' at Bells"; All of the alternate takes (both complete and partial) are included from both sessions. Since the ... read more

Tracks:

1. Milestones [First Take] [Davis]
2. Milestones [Take 3] [Davis]
3. Little Willie Leaps [First Take 1] [Davis]
4. Little Willie Leaps [Master Take 3] [Davis]
5. Half Nelson [Alternate Take 1] [Davis]
6. Half Nelson [Master Take 2] [Davis]
7. Sippin' at Bells [First Take 1] [Davis]
8. Sippin' at Bells [First Take 3] [Davis]
9. That's the Stuff You Gotta Watch [Alternate Take 1] [Battles/Meredith/Ra]
10. That's the Stuff You Gotta Watch [Alternate Take 2] [Battles/Meredith/Ra]
11. That's the Stuff You Gotta Watch [Master Take] [Battles/Meredith/Ra]
12. Pointless Mama Blues [Reig/Williams]
13. Deep Sea Blues [Reig/Williams]
14. Bring It on Home [First Take 1] [Reig/Williams]
15. Bring It on Home [Alternate Take 2] [Reig/Williams]
16. Bring It on Home [Master Take 3] [Reig/Williams]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.