What makes Miles Davis at Fillmore by Miles Davis notable?

This album is significant for its role in cementing Miles Davis's influence on jazz fusion, capturing the energetic live performances that characterized this pivotal moment in jazz history. It received critical acclaim upon release and contributed to Davis's reputation as a leading figure in the genre, influencing countless musicians who sought to blend genres. By the time 'Miles Davis at Fillmore' was released in October 1970, Davis had already transitioned into a new era of jazz fusion following the groundbreaking 'Bitches Brew' in 1969. This album captures the live essence of that period, showcasing his innovative approach to combining rock and jazz elements during a time when he was redefining his artistic voice.

How many songs are on Miles Davis at Fillmore?

Miles Davis at Fillmore has 4 tracks, running approximately 101 minutes.

Released 56 years ago this October

Miles Davis at Fillmore

Miles Davis · 1970

101 min · 4 tracks · jazz

A sprawling exploration of jazz fusion, blending improvisational brilliance with electrifying energy and rhythmic complexity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Wednesday Miles — This track exemplifies Davis's ability to weave intricate melodies within extended improvisations, setting a precedent for future live recordings in jazz.
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Thursday Miles — An exploration of complex rhythms and harmonies showcases the band's tight interplay, reflecting Davis's skill in blending different musical styles seamlessly.
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Friday Miles — Featuring an intense crescendo, this track highlights the raw energy of the live performance while illustrating how Davis pushed the boundaries of traditional jazz.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong improvisation and electric fusion, capturing the essence of a transformative live performance.

What we noticed

The album features extended improvisational sections, with each track averaging over ten minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes.
Electric instruments dominate the sound, with prominent use of electric piano and guitar alongside traditional jazz elements.
Each track is named after a day of the week, suggesting a thematic progression through the live performance.
The interplay between musicians is fluid, with spontaneous shifts in tempo and dynamics that reflect the energy of a live setting.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — It marks a shift to jazz fusion, showcasing electric instrumentation and new styles.
Themes: live jazz energy· electric experimentation· improvisational prowess
Moods: Energetic· Chill
Career context: By the time 'Miles Davis at Fillmore' was released in October 1970, Davis had already transitioned into a new era of jazz fusion following the groundbreaking 'Bitches Brew' in 1969. This album captures the live essence of that period, showcasing his innovative approach to combining rock and jazz elements during a time when he was redefining his artistic voice.
Stylistic neighbors: John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter