Miles Davis – Seven Steps to Heaven (LP, Mobile Fidelity)

Seven Steps to Heaven arrived at a crucial junction in Miles Davis career. Recorded at two separate locations in spring 1963, it served as Davis first release in more than a year a layoff that was then unprecedented for the jazz visionary who had issued at least one LP a year since debuting in the early 50s. Equally notable, Seven Steps to Heaven marks the point at which the core of Davis Second Great Quintet started to assemble. The twice Grammy-nominated effort is also Davis final studio record to blend standards with originals. And it happens to be one of the most expressive, well-played albums in the jazz canon. Theres nary a passage on this landmark that isnt great. That Davis manages to make it feel so cohesive and seamless is a testament to the inspired performances and engaging compositions.