Is Miles in Berlin a good place to start with Miles Davis?

Yes, Miles in Berlin is recommended as a starting point for new Miles Davis listeners. A vibrant live performance blending modal jazz with intricate improvisations, capturing the essence of Davis's innovative spirit. Released in 1965, Miles in Berlin was recorded during a period of significant creative output for Miles Davis, shortly after the groundbreaking album 'Kind of Blue' in 1959. This live album showcases Davis's continued evolution as a musician, reflecting his exploration of modal jazz and the dynamic interplay between his band members.

Who is Miles in Berlin for?

Miles in Berlin works well if you're into evocative melodies for deep reflection, haunting improvisations that linger and captivating live atmosphere experience.

How many songs are on Miles in Berlin?

Miles in Berlin has 6 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

Miles in Berlin

Miles Davis · 1965

57 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A vibrant live performance blending modal jazz with intricate improvisations, capturing the essence of Davis's innovative spirit.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Milestones Start here — This track opens the album with a powerful statement, showcasing Davis's signature trumpet style and the band's tight interplay. It sets the tone for the rest of the performance with its innovative structure and rhythmic complexity.
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Autumn Leaves — The rendition of this classic highlights the emotive depth of Davis's playing, weaving through intricate melodies and harmonies that bring a fresh perspective to a well-known standard. The extended improvisation allows each band member to shine, demonstrating their unique contributions.
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So What — As one of Davis's most recognized compositions, this version emphasizes the hypnotic groove and modal framework that defines much of his work. The interplay between instruments creates an engaging dialogue that exemplifies the essence of jazz improvisation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong improvisation within familiar structures, balancing innovation with recognizable melodies.

What we noticed

The album features extended improvisations, with each track allowing for significant solo exploration, particularly from Davis's trumpet.
The final track includes an announcement and a theme that shifts the mood from the previous pieces, creating a distinct closing moment.

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

evocative melodies for deep reflection
haunting improvisations that linger
captivating live atmosphere experience
extended tracks for patient listening

Maybe skip if you

seeking fast-paced gratification
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Captures a transitional phase towards electric jazz, showcasing improvisational brilliance.
Themes: Berlin jazz scene· live improvisation· modal exploration
Career context: Released in 1965, Miles in Berlin was recorded during a period of significant creative output for Miles Davis, shortly after the groundbreaking album 'Kind of Blue' in 1959. This live album showcases Davis's continued evolution as a musician, reflecting his exploration of modal jazz and the dynamic interplay between his band members.
Stylistic neighbors: John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter