First Miles

Compilation album by Miles Davis

Released

1990

Recorded

April 24, 1945 (#9-16)
WOR Studios, New York City
August 14, 1947 (#1-8)
Harry Smith Studios, NYC

Genre

Jazz music, bop music

Length

44:50

Miles Davis chronology

Aura (1989)

First Miles
(1990)

The Best of Miles Davis: The Capitol/Blue Note Years (1992)

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First Miles is a compilation album by American jazz musician Miles Davis, released in July 12, 1990 by Savoy Records. The album includes tracks from Davis's first recording session, backing singer Rubberlegs Williams on April 24, 1945, and the first session produced under his name, leading the members of Charlie Parker's band on August 14, 1947.

Davis plays no solos in the session with Rubberlegs Williams, only being heard as part of an ensemble. He says in his autobiography he was so nervous on his first ever recording he could hardly play, and he forgot most of the details as he put the experience out of his mind.

Davis had already recorded several sessions by 1947 as a member of Parker's band for the Savoy and Dial labels, but whereas Parker usually recorded with no rehearsals, Davis had the group rehearse the material twice before recording. Davis wrote and arranged all four tracks, which were released as 78rpm singles under the name "Miles Davis All-Stars". The four tracks have also been compiled on numerous Charlie Parker Savoy compilations, including Bird: The Savoy Recordings (Master Takes) (SJL 2201). Davis' next recording session as leader would be the first of the Birth of the Cool sessions in 1949, after having left Parker's band.

Savoy Jazz – SJL 1196:

The master takes of the tracks on this album were originally issued on the following 78rpm singles:

Tracks 1–8 Miles Davis All-Stars, August 14, 1947, Harry Smith Studios, NYC

Tracks 9–16 Herbie Fields Band with Rubberlegs Williams, April 24, 1945, WOR Studios, NYC

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