The New Sounds, recorded in October of 1951, was Miles first true album session of his career. It delivered a heated and confident version of pianist George Shearing’s “Conception,” simmering in the bebop/cool overlap, as well as an unhurried, extended take on “My Old Flame,” and an upbeat “It’s Only A Paper Moon.” “Dig”—a Miles original based on the changes of “Sweet George Brown”—was the standout, still deep in bebop territory but recognizably individual. “I like what I played on Dig, because my sound was really becoming my own thing,” Miles later wrote.

This session marked 19-year-old alto saxophonist Jackie McLean’s debut on disc, and the original 10” album release marked the first time Miles’ image was featured on an LP cover.