Dark Magus
Miles Davis · 1977
101 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A raw, electrifying blend of funk and free jazz that captures the chaos and intensity of live improvisation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Moja, Part 1 Start here — This opening track sets a frenetic pace with its complex rhythms and layered improvisation, exemplifying the album's raw energy and spontaneity.
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Tatu, Part 1 — With its extended length, this track showcases the band's ability to navigate intricate musical dialogues, illustrating Davis's masterful command over collective improvisation.
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Wili, Part 1 — The interplay between instruments creates a dense sonic tapestry that highlights Davis’s innovative approach to structure and melody in a live setting.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong improvisation and electric instrumentation, marking a significant moment in jazz fusion.
What we noticed
- The album consists of four extended pieces, each divided into two parts, allowing for deep improvisational exploration within a structured framework.
- Electric instruments dominate the sound, with prominent use of synthesizers and electric guitar, creating a distinct fusion texture.
- Each track features shifting dynamics and tempo changes, often transitioning from intense, high-energy sections to quieter, more contemplative moments.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- sprawling improvisation that unfolds
- intense focus for deep listening
- dynamic shifts in tension
- extended tracks for patient listeners
Maybe skip if you
- prefer concise, radio-friendly tracks
- seek predictable song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Represents a departure into electric jazz fusion, showcasing avant-garde improvisation.
- Themes
- electric improvisation· avant-garde exploration· live performance chaos
- Career context
- By the time 'Dark Magus' was released in 1977, Miles Davis was exploring the outer edges of jazz fusion, following his acclaimed 'On the Corner' from 1972. This album represented a continuation of his experimental approach, showcasing a more avant-garde band setup and a departure from conventional structures. It also marked Davis's shift towards performance-centered recordings after his lengthy hiatus from live shows.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Moja, Part 1 Start here 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
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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