Is Filles de Kilimanjaro a good place to start with Miles Davis?

Yes, Filles de Kilimanjaro is recommended as a starting point for new Miles Davis listeners. A vibrant fusion of jazz styles, blending electric instrumentation with intricate melodies and improvisational flair. Released in 1968, Filles de Kilimanjaro marked a transitional phase for Miles Davis as he began exploring electric jazz. Following the acclaimed album In a Silent Way, this record further established his shift towards jazz fusion, showcasing an innovative blend of traditional jazz elements with emerging rock influences.

Who is Filles de Kilimanjaro for?

Filles de Kilimanjaro works well if you're into gradual build to dynamic climax, intricate rhythms for detail-focused listening and exploratory melodies for curious minds.

How many songs are on Filles de Kilimanjaro?

Filles de Kilimanjaro has 6 tracks, running approximately 71 minutes.

Filles de Kilimanjaro

Miles Davis · 1968

71 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz styles, blending electric instrumentation with intricate melodies and improvisational flair.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Frelon Brun Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Filles de Kilimanjaro — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its rich textures and layered improvisations, making it a landmark piece in Davis's catalog.
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Tout de suite — This lengthy composition showcases the seamless interplay between the musicians, highlighting Davis's pioneering approach to rhythm and melody in jazz fusion.
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Mademoiselle Mabry — With its mesmerizing groove and lyrical quality, this track exemplifies Davis's exploration of mood and atmosphere through innovative arrangements and instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The album showcases innovative compositions and a distinct fusion sound, marking a pivotal moment in jazz history.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a consistent use of electric instruments, creating a layered texture that contrasts with the acoustic elements.
The album opens with a track that has an extended improvisational section, allowing for exploration before settling into more structured melodies.
Each piece varies in tempo and mood, with some tracks featuring complex rhythmic patterns that invite active listening.

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

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

gradual build to dynamic climax
intricate rhythms for detail-focused listening
exploratory melodies for curious minds
vibrant soundscapes for late-night immersion

Maybe skip if you

prefer quick, catchy tracks
dislike lengthy exploratory pieces

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Marks a transition to electric jazz, blending genres and exploring new sounds.
Themes: electric jazz evolution· modal improvisation exploration· psychedelic soundscapes
Moods: Energetic
Career context: Released in 1968, Filles de Kilimanjaro marked a transitional phase for Miles Davis as he began exploring electric jazz. Following the acclaimed album In a Silent Way, this record further established his shift towards jazz fusion, showcasing an innovative blend of traditional jazz elements with emerging rock influences.
Stylistic neighbors: John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter