Although his lifestyle was erratic during this period, trumpeter Miles Davis is in fine form for a sextet outing with two of the top young saxophonists of the early ’50s: Sonny Rollins and Jackie McLean. Pianist Walter Bishop, bassist Tommy Potter (Charles Mingus takes his place on “Conception”) and drummer Art Blakey complete the impressive group that is heard on the OJC CD reissue. In addition to two standards (“My Old Flame” and “It’s Only a Paper Moon”), there are four obscure originals and McLean’s “Dig” (based on “Sweet Georgia Brown”). Excellent early hard bop. – Scott Yanow