Free Jazz Standard Sheet Music Downloads

"Milestones" is a bebop composition written by pianist John Lewis in 1947. It was recorded on August 14 of that year for Savoy Records under the name of the Miles Davis All Stars, with Charlie Parker making a rare appearance on tenor saxophone. This tune should not be confused with the modal jazz piece of the same name that Miles Davis composed and recorded in 1958—the two share no musical similarities.

The tune follows a 32-bar AABA form in the key of Bb major. It is a quintessential bebop head, featuring a fast unison theme over standard chord changes built around chains of II-V-I progressions, providing an excellent vehicle for improvisation in the bebop language. The composition includes a distinctive introduction that is considered an integral part of the piece and should not be omitted in performance.

The original 1947 recording features Miles Davis on trumpet, Charlie Parker on tenor saxophone, John Lewis on piano, Nelson Boyd on bass, and Max Roach on drums. It is a valuable document as one of the rare occasions where Parker can be heard on the larger horn, and remains essential listening for bebop enthusiasts.