“Young Man with a Horn” – Miles Davis

Album: Young Man with a Horn

Artist: Miles Davis

Year: 1953

Genre: Bebop, Cool Jazz

Grade: A-

Young Man with a Horn, originally released as a 10” LP on Prestige Records in 1953 and bearing no relation to the 1950 Michael Curtiz film about Bix Beiderbecke, features one of Miles Davis’ most underrated bands, a one-time combo that includes Kenny Clarke (drums), Oscar Pettiford (bass), J.J. Johnson (trombone) and Jackie McLean (alto sax). The rhythm section in particular — Clarke and Pettiford — exhibit a special chemistry with Davis, adding bebop thump to the ballads (“Yesterdays”; “How Deep Is the Ocean?”) and providing a sturdy platform for Davis to deliver some of his most relaxed playing.

In my opinion, Young Man with a Horn is the first Davis album where he’s fully in his musical prime, from a technical standpoint that is. The solos on this LP have reached a new level of control and dexterity, with the contributions from Clarke and Pettiford being key: their emotional propulsion unlocks Davis’ true talent. Even in these early straightforward arrangements, the abilities of an all-time legend are evident.

Overall, a very solid effort, one that remains underrated due to its obscurity yet still provides an essential look into Davis’ progressive development during a semi-transitional phase of his career.

---