THE ESSENTIAL MILES DAVIS [VINYL]

There have been numerous compilations released from Miles Davis' extensive CBS discography in recent years. Sony continues to capitalize on the popularity of this great artist by consistently releasing new compilations. This particular compilation is a good one, although it was challenging to condense 30 years of music onto two CDs. It's important to note that more comprehensive collections are available for those seeking a more in-depth overview of Davis' work.

However, this compilation offers a fine overview of Davis' evolving styles throughout his career. The tracks are presented in chronological order, allowing listeners to witness the development and innovation of this major jazz artist. While I already own all these tracks on their original albums and CDs, I purchased an additional copy at a low price specifically for car listening purposes. Similarly, I have also done this with Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong's "Best Of/Greatest Hits" albums, as they provide excellent summaries of these artists' music as well.

The Essential Miles Davis is a great collection, but it falls short of capturing the full breadth of an artist who has produced so many classic tracks. While the music here is excellent, it should be seen as a starting point for further exploration into Miles' discography. It's worth noting that his jazz-fusion era is not well-represented in this compilation, despite its significance (although these tracks tend to be longer). To fully appreciate Miles' work, I recommend checking out albums like 'Bitches Brew' and 'The Complete Jack Johnson Sessions', which complement this CD nicely. Additionally, no greatest hits compilation would be complete without including all of 'Kind of Blue', the best-selling jazz album ever. It's also important to show some love for often overlooked albums like 'Quiet Nights'. Unfortunately, my favorite Miles song, 'Joshua', is not included here. Nevertheless, The Essential Miles Davis remains a fantastic starting point for anyone interested in exploring his incredible body of work.