Dark Magus cover

Dark Magus

Miles Davis · 1977

101 min · 8 tracks · jazz fusion · bebop · hard bop

A sprawling exploration of jazz fusion, blending electric instrumentation with avant-garde improvisation.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • sprawling improvisation that unfolds
  • intense focus for deep listening
  • dynamic shifts in tension
  • extended tracks for patient listeners

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer concise, radio-friendly tracks
  • seek predictable song structures

Where this album fits

Themes
electric improvisation· avant-garde exploration· live performance chaos
Career context
Released in 1977, 'Dark Magus' captures Miles Davis in a transformative period post-'Bitches Brew,' marking his deep dive into electric jazz. This album followed the commercially successful 'Agharta' and 'Pangaea,' showcasing Davis's innovative approach to live performance and improvisation during the late 1970s.
Stylistic neighbors
John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Head Hunters by Herbie Hancock — Explores electric jazz fusion with layered grooves and improvisational freedom, akin to Davis's late period.
Heavy Weather by Weather Report — Features avant-garde jazz fusion with complex arrangements and a rich sonic palette, similar to 'Dark Magus.'

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Moja, Part 1 12:28
  • 2 Moja, Part 2 12:39
  • 3 Wili, Part 1 14:20
  • 4 Wili, Part 2 10:42

Disc 2

  • 1 Tatu, Part 1 18:47
  • 2 Tatu, Part 2 (Calypso Frelimo) 6:31
  • 3 Nne, Part 1 (Ife) 15:19
  • 4 Nne, Part 2 10:10

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata