Seven Steps To Heaven (Remastered Edition, Incl. 2 Bonus Tracks) (1963)

"In early 1963, Davis formed a new band, which included George Coleman (ts) and Ron Carter (b). When Davis entered the studio, he added drummer Frank Butler and British studio ace Victor Feldman, who ultimately decided not to go on with Davis. It's easy to see why Davis liked Feldman, who contributed the dancing title tune and "Joshua": the pianist plays with an elegant, refined touch and the kind of rarefied voicings that suggest Ahmad Jamal. Davis responds with some of his most introspective, romantic ballad playing. When Davis returned to New York, he spotted the brilliantly gifted 17-year-old drummer Tony Williams. On the title tune you can already hear the difference, as his crisp, driving cymbal beat and jittery, aggressive syncopations propel Davis into the upper reaches of his horn. On "So Near, So Far" the drummer combines with Carter and new pianist Herbie Hancock to expand on a light Afro-Cuban beat with a series of telepathic changes in tempo, texture, and dynamics." (Allmusic; 4,5 uit 5 sterren)