“Blue Period” – Miles Davis

Album: Blue Period

Artist: Miles Davis

Year: 1953

Genre: Hard Bop

Grade: B+

Blue Period is one of Miles Davis’ forgotten LPs, a three-song 1953 recording on Prestige Records, important for being the innovative trumpeter’s first foray into hard bop. With the help of Sonny Rollins (alto sax), Jackie McLean (tenor sax) and Art Blakey (drums), Davis leans away from cool jazz toward a bluesier, more soulful sound, hinting at the greatness to come with his First Great Quintet. At only three tracks totaling 18 minutes, Blue Period is mainly for hardcore Davis fans looking to explore his early days. Nevertheless, it’s still an enjoyable LP with solid musicianship all around.