Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool (Capitol, 1957) [recorded in 1949 and 1950]

The first of many times that Miles Davis reimagined what modern jazz could be. This nonet, with its focus on richer lyricism and orchestral colors than bebop offered, was also the trumpeter’s first collaboration with Gil Evans. The beautiful, intricate music kickstarted a new direction for jazz that would make stars of participants Gerry Mulligan, John Lewis (Evans’ co-arrangers), and Lee Konitz. The ever-restless Davis soon moved on—but left behind this towering achievement and artifact of his early vision. MICHAEL J. WEST

Birth of the Cool: Back Where It All Begins

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