Miles Davis - Volume 2 [Blue Note Classic Vinyl, 180g LP]

Blue Note's Classic Vinyl Series brings Miles Davis's Volume 2 back to the shelf in focused mono, gathering performances from the early 1950s Blue Note dates that helped launch the label's 12-inch 1500 series. With compact ensembles that include J.J. Johnson, Jackie McLean, Jimmy Heath, Horace Silver, Kenny Clarke, and Art Blakey, the music moves between quick-footed bop lines and lyrical balladry. This 180g audiophile reissue is cut all-analog by Kevin Gray and pressed at Optimal for a clean, period-true presentation.

The set balances urgency and poise. "Well You Needn't" finds Davis threading Monk's angular theme with a poised, singing lead, "The Leap" pushes the horn line over a driving rhythm section, and "It Never Entered My Mind" lingers with a warm, hushed glow. Elsewhere the band digs into brisk originals and alternates that showcase early Miles with clarity and bite.

On vinyl, the mono image locks the group, trumpet sits forward without glare, and cymbals and bass share natural space. The Classic Vinyl treatment features 180g weight vinyl, AAA mastering from the original masters by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, a quiet Optimal pressing, and a faithful single-pocket jacket that mirrors the original Blue Note artwork.

• Format: 180g Black Vinyl LP
• Standout tracks: "Well You Needn't," "The Leap," "It Never Entered My Mind"
• Pressing details: Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series, mono, all-analog mastering by Kevin Gray from the original masters, 180g vinyl pressed at Optimal; single-pocket jacket with original artwork reproduction
• Genre/style: Jazz, Hard bop, Bebop, 1950s jazz
• UPC: 602458319958

A concise and rewarding listen, Volume 2 captures early Miles on Blue Note with presence and swing, an easy pick for a focused jazz collection.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. Take Off
2. Weirdo
3. Would'n You
4. I Waited For You
5. Ray's Idea (Alternate Master)
6. Donna

Side B:

1. Well You Needn't
2. The Leap
3. Lazy Susan
4. Tempus Fugit (Alternate Master)
5. It Never Entered My Mind