Underrated Miles Album ?

Progressing through Miles Davis's recordings, this time the album Milestones is up for consideration. A classic sextet linup with Miles joined by Coltrane and Cannonball Adderlley on tenor and alto with the rhythm section of Red Garland, piano, Paul Chambers, bass and Philly Joe Jones on drums. Kind Of Blue may hold the iconic album status but Milestones is also a very important step along the way ( a milestone even ). The playing is mainly uptempo classic bebop and hard bop but there are important standout tracks. The title track itself begins the placing of modality in a jazz context, Billy Boy is a joyful romp especially for pianist Garland, and the reworking of Monk's Straight No Chaser is another fine vehicle for the bands. As ever, Coltrane's solos burst from the speakers but the underrated Adderley certainly holds his own. And Miles holds it all together as always.