Black Beauty: Miles Davis at Fillmore West
Miles Davis · 1973
79 min · 9 tracks · jazz
A dynamic fusion of jazz and rock, with electrifying improvisation layered over pulsating grooves and rich tonal colors.
Top tracks — play these first
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Directions Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Miles Runs the Voodoo Down — This track exemplifies Davis's ability to meld intricate rhythms with psychedelic undertones, showcasing a powerful blend of intensity and groove that defined his live performances.
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Bitches Brew — An extended piece that reflects the experimental spirit of the early '70s, this track features complex arrangements and a potent interplay between musicians, encapsulating the essence of jazz fusion.
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Sanctuary — With its atmospheric quality and haunting melodies, this track highlights Davis's softer side while demonstrating his mastery of mood and texture within improvisation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album captures a vibrant live performance with strong improvisation and varied instrumentation, marking a significant moment in jazz fusion.
What we noticed
- The album features extended improvisational sections, with several tracks exceeding ten minutes in length, allowing for deep exploration of themes.
- Each track showcases a different ensemble configuration, with varying instrumentation that shifts the sonic landscape throughout the performance.
- The closing track combines two pieces into one seamless flow, creating a sense of continuity and closure to the live experience.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like dynamic progression
- immersive late-night listening experience
- intense improvisational moments
- sprawling exploration of sound
- vibrant energy with peaks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer short, standalone tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Showcases a bold departure into electric jazz and avant-garde improvisation.
- Themes
- electric jazz experimentation· Fillmore West live energy· improvisational boldness
- Career context
- In 1973, Miles Davis was at a pivotal moment in his career, having just released the groundbreaking 'Bitches Brew' in 1970. 'Black Beauty: Miles Davis at Fillmore West' showcases his exploration of jazz fusion during a period when he was redefining musical boundaries. This live album captures the energy of his performances following his notable departure from traditional jazz forms.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Directions Start here 10:46
- 2 Miles Runs the Voodoo Down 12:22
- 3 Willie Nelson 6:22
- 4 I Fall in Love Too Easily 1:34
- 5 Sanctuary 4:00
- 6 It's About That Time 9:59
Disc 2
- 1 Bitches Brew 12:53
- 2 Masqualero 9:07
- 3 Spanish Key / The Theme 12:14
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
Shares a vibrant electric jazz fusion sound with dynamic improvisation and energetic grooves.
Heavy Weather
Weather Report
Explores avant-garde jazz fusion with rich textures and a strong emphasis on improvisational interplay.
Return to Forever
Chick Corea
Combines electric instrumentation with bold improvisation in a similar jazz fusion landscape.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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