Miles Davis (1947) FIRST RECORDING [MILESTONES (OLD)]

The first recording John Lewis’ composition “Milestones”, not to be confused with Miles Davis’ own composition of the same name. Featuring Miles Davis – trumpet, Charlie Parker - tenor saxophone, John Lewis – piano, Nelson Boyd – bass, and Max Roach – drums. Recorded at the Harry Smith Studios in New York City on August 14, 1947.

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Some notes about the composition as found on

Composer: John Lewis

Year: 1947

Origin: Gifted from Lewis to Miles Davis for his first recording session as a leader.

Style: Swing, usually played at a medium-up tempo.

Form: A-A-B-A (32 Bars) [8-8-8-8]

Intro: 8 Bars

Key: Bb Major

Harmony/Overview: The harmony of this composition while sophisticated is mostly functional, revolving primarily around II - V's. The main theme is stated over a IImi7 - V7 to IMaj7, and is followed by IV7 before a brief II - V of bVI. Instead of resolving to bVI however, bars 5-6 continue with the seemingly illogical progression of IImi7 - bIIIm7 before a II - V of VII. This II - V of VII does not resolve, and instead finishes off the section with a II - V back to the tonic. This complex turnaround is akin to some of the side-stepping techniques soloists often incorporate into their improvisations. What would otherwise be a straightforward II - V - I is simply embellished with chromaticism, in this instance from above and below. The bridge is also mainly functional being primarily made of up II - V - I's. Charlie Parker himself insisted on just playing over the bridge on the original recording, saying the changes were "too hard for a country boy like him".

Recordings: This song has been recorded over 60 times to date. A lesser known tune, it is not nearly as widely known as Miles Davis' later composition of the same name. However, many prominent musicians have left behind recordings from the likes of Dexter Gordon, Joe Henderson, and Steve Grossman to name a few.

JGC Top Picks:
Dexter Gordon, Generation, 1972
Joe Henderson, So Near, So Far (Musings of Miles), 1993
George Garzone, Among Friends, 2008

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#MilesDavis #Milestones #JohnLewis

[riclevenston]

I'm not sure why Miles Davis gets writing credit for this Milestones. It was written for Miles by John Lewis. Totally different from the later modal Milestones written by Miles himself.