Is E.S.P. a good place to start with Miles Davis?

Yes, E.S.P. is recommended as a starting point for new Miles Davis listeners. A seamless blend of intricate melodies and rhythmic complexity, showcasing the electric evolution of jazz in the mid-1960s. Released in November 1965, E.S.P. is Miles Davis's first album after his historic quintet period and marked a pivotal shift toward jazz fusion. At the time, Davis was exploring new sonic territories with a group that included notable talents like Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock, setting the stage for future innovations in jazz.

E.S.P. works well if you're into steady progression with peaks, introspective moments of reflection and vibrant exploration of sound.

How many songs are on E.S.P.?

E.S.P. has 7 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

E.S.P.

Miles Davis · 1965

48 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A seamless blend of intricate melodies and rhythmic complexity, showcasing the electric evolution of jazz in the mid-1960s.

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Top tracks — play these first

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E.S.P. Start here — The title track exemplifies the album's innovative spirit, featuring complex harmonies and a compelling dialogue between instruments that showcases Davis's evolving style.
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Eighty-One — With its intricate rhythms and melodic exploration, this track highlights the collaborative interplay among band members, showcasing their individual voices within a unified sound.
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Agitation — This piece captures the essence of tension and release, reflecting the dynamic shifts that define the album while allowing each musician to shine through improvisation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

79 /100

Summit

Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

E.S.P. exemplifies innovative modal jazz with intricate compositions and strong performances, marking a significant moment in Davis's career.

What we noticed

The opening track features a complex interplay of instruments, with the piano and horns weaving in and out of each other's lines.
Each piece maintains a modal structure, allowing for extended improvisation that showcases the musicians' technical abilities.
The album's tracks vary in tempo and mood, with 'Agitation' introducing a more frenetic pace compared to the introspective feel of 'Little One'.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

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

steady progression with peaks
introspective moments of reflection
vibrant exploration of sound
rich textures for deep listening

Maybe skip if you

seeking fast-paced excitement
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked the start of Miles's second great quintet and renewed interest in modal jazz.
Themes: modal jazz exploration· intricate musical interplay· 1960s creative renaissance
Moods: Introspective· Energetic
Career context: Released in November 1965, E.S.P. is Miles Davis's first album after his historic quintet period and marked a pivotal shift toward jazz fusion. At the time, Davis was exploring new sonic territories with a group that included notable talents like Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock, setting the stage for future innovations in jazz.
Stylistic neighbors: John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter