Walkin’ by Miles Davis was released in 1957 but brings together two sessions from 1954 that were previously released in a 10” format. It includes Miles Davis All-Star Sextet in its entirety and most of Miles Davis Quintet. What makes Walkin’ special is that it doesn’t sound stiff or overly polished. There’s a looseness to it, like the players are listening to each other in real time, just going where the music leads. And yet, everything fits. The album has a sense of direction without being predictable. As part of Craft Recordings’ ongoing “Original Jazz Classics” reissue series, The Musings of Miles is pressed on 180-gram vinyl, cut at RTI from lacquers mastered from the original tapes (AAA) by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio.
The title track, “Walkin’,” is long but never boring. It opens with a beat that lumbers forward like someone strolling through a city with nowhere to be. The band keeps the rhythm steady, letting each player take their time. Miles Davis comes in with his trumpet, playing in a way that feels thoughtful. He’s not showing off, just saying exactly what he needs to say. There’s a quiet coolness to it, and the way the instruments weave in and out gives the track a kind of flow that’s easy to get lost in. “Blue ‘n’ Boogie” is more upbeat, with a kind of jump to it that feels almost like a dance. The musicians seem like they’re having fun here—taking turns, answering each other, building energy. It’s fast and fiery in places, but it still never feels out of control. On the slower side, “You Don’t Know What Love Is” stands out. It’s a quiet, emotional piece where Miles really holds back, letting each note hang in the air. It’s sad in a beautiful way, and you can hear the feeling in the way he plays. Nothing is rushed, and that patience gives the song a lot of weight. “Solar” and “Love Me or Leave Me” are more relaxed with a lot of interplay between the players. They feel like moments of conversation between friends just natural and easy.
There’s a balance to Walkin’ that’s rare. It has both grit and polish, both structure and looseness. It points toward hard bop without completely letting go of the past. And while the band is tight, there’s never a feeling that they’re confined, they listen to each other, they leave space, they trust the groove. The clean sound of this pressing lets every note shine through and makes it an even more enjoyable listen. For anyone looking for the next step into Miles’ catalogue after Kind of Blue, Walkin’ is easy to enjoy. It’s music with a pulse, a mood, and a little bit of swagger. More than anything, it’s the sound of Miles Davis getting ready to take his next big step.
