Milestones

Milestones is a studio album by American jazz trumpeter and composer Miles Davis, originally released in April 1958 by Columbia Records. This album marks one of Davis' initial ventures into the realm of modal jazz experiments, featuring his composition "Milestones," originally listed as "Miles" on the LP. Not to be confused with an earlier piece of the same title recorded by Davis and Charlie Parker in 1947, these modal techniques were further developed in the groundbreaking album Kind of Blue. The recording also captures the final collaboration of the rhythm section comprising Philly Joe Jones, Red Garland, and Paul Chambers with Davis on record. Tenor saxophonist John Coltrane's return to Davis' group in 1958 coincided with the "modal phase" albums, with Milestones and Kind of Blue (1959) standing as essential examples of 1950s modern jazz. Davis, during this period, delved into experimenting with modes - scale patterns beyond major and minor. Noteworthy tracks include "Sid's Ahead," where Davis showcases his skills on both trumpet and piano, and "Billy Boy," a solo feature for Garland and the rhythm section.