Is Circle in the Round a good place to start with Miles Davis?

Yes, Circle in the Round is recommended as a starting point for new Miles Davis listeners. A sprawling tapestry of jazz fusion, where extended improvisation intertwines with intricate melodies and rich harmonies. Released in 1979, Circle in the Round is a posthumous collection of previously unreleased tracks from Miles Davis's late 1960s sessions. This album arrived during a period when Davis was exploring more avant-garde directions, following his influential jazz fusion works like Bitches Brew and On the Corner.

Who is Circle in the Round for?

Circle in the Round works well if you're into expansive improvisational landscapes, wave-like pacing with peaks and introspective evening listening sessions.

How many songs are on Circle in the Round?

Circle in the Round has 10 tracks, running approximately 98 minutes.

Circle in the Round

Miles Davis · 1979

98 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A sprawling tapestry of jazz fusion, where extended improvisation intertwines with intricate melodies and rich harmonies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Two Bass Hit Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Circle in the Round — The title track unfolds over 26 minutes, blending intricate themes with expansive improvisation, showcasing the essence of Davis's exploratory spirit during this era.
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Love for Sale — This reinterpretation of a classic standard features lush harmonies and a contemplative mood, illustrating Davis's ability to transform familiar material into something distinctly personal.
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Sanctuary — This piece stands out for its atmospheric quality and emotional depth, demonstrating Davis's mastery in creating immersive soundscapes through minimalist yet profound motifs.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and strong performances, though its sprawling nature affects cohesion.

What we noticed

The title track, 'Circle in the Round', is over 26 minutes long and features extended improvisation that evolves throughout its duration.
Tracks like 'Teo’s Bag' and 'Side Car I' utilize electric instrumentation, creating a fusion sound that blends jazz with rock elements.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

expansive improvisational landscapes
wave-like pacing with peaks
introspective evening listening sessions
dynamic explorations of melody

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Showcases a departure into jazz fusion, reflecting a transitional phase in Davis's career.
Themes: electric instrumentation· improvisational landscapes· blues-infused jazz
Moods: Introspective· Dreamy
Career context: Released in 1979, Circle in the Round is a posthumous collection of previously unreleased tracks from Miles Davis's late 1960s sessions. This album arrived during a period when Davis was exploring more avant-garde directions, following his influential jazz fusion works like Bitches Brew and On the Corner.
Stylistic neighbors: John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter