Miles Davis: "Miles Smiles"

This amazing album could be considered a bit of a comeback for Miles Davis. It was recorded in October of 1966. 1965 was a bad year for Miles. It began just fine but a bad car accident broke Miles hip and then came a severe liver infection with a 3 month hospital stay plus a heavy divorce and a tiff with Columbia records and virtually no playing. The band which was called his "second great quintet" consisted of Wayne Shorter on tenor saxophone, Herbie Hancock on piano, Ron Carter on bass and Tony Williams on drums and they all busied themselves with recording, gigs etc. during this period of Miles' inactivity. Eventually with all the troubles behind him, Miles went back to work and the band was ready. Concerts, club dates, tours were all happening and Miles took the band into the recording studio and did this album of all new material. The album was issued as "Miles Smiles" and Miles Davis was back in force. Three tunes are by Wayne Shorter, one by Miles, one each by saxophonists Eddie Harris and Jimmy Heath. It was the real beginning of this group's artistic ascendency. Miles deserved to smile after this one! Happy New Year all!