Music from Siesta cover

Music from Siesta

Miles Davis · 1987

38 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A lush, atmospheric blend of jazz and cinematic soundscapes that evokes the essence of a languorous Spanish afternoon.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Siesta / Kitt's Kiss / Lost in Madrid Part II Start here — This track exemplifies the album's lush orchestration and intricate interplay between acoustic instruments and electronic textures, capturing its cinematic feel.
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    Conchita / Lament — A standout for its emotional depth, this piece features a haunting melody that illustrates Davis's mastery of mood and atmosphere through minimalistic phrases.
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    Theme for Augustine / Wind / Seduction / Kiss — This suite showcases Davis's ability to weave together various themes seamlessly, reflecting his innovative style while highlighting the influence of world music.
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    Afterglow — As one of the shorter tracks, it encapsulates the essence of the album's ethereal quality with its reflective tone and delicate instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album's blend of jazz and ambient sounds creates a unique atmosphere, though it remains somewhat niche in its impact.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks utilize ambient textures and electronic elements, which contribute to the cinematic quality of the music.
  • The use of recurring motifs, particularly from the 'Lost in Madrid' segments, provides thematic cohesion throughout the record.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

  • cinematic dreamscape for relaxation
  • short, evocative pieces to savor
  • sultry ambiance for intimate moments
  • patient unfolding of musical themes

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy engagement
  • prefer standalone hit tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality in Miles Davis's late career with innovative soundscapes.
Themes
cinematic dreamscape· ambient textures· emotional narratives
Career context
By the time 'Music from Siesta' was released in 1987, Miles Davis had already established himself as a pioneering figure in jazz, having transitioned through various styles since his debut in the late 1940s. This album marked a period of experimentation for Davis, following his previous work on 'Tutu' in 1986, which had introduced electronic elements into his music and broadened his appeal.
Stylistic neighbors
John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter

Tracklist

  • 1 Lost in Madrid, Part I 1:47
  • 2 Siesta / Kitt's Kiss / Lost in Madrid Part II Start here 7:00
  • 3 Theme for Augustine / Wind / Seduction / Kiss 6:31
  • 4 Submission 2:41
  • 5 Lost in Madrid, Part III 0:45
  • 6 Conchita / Lament 6:53
  • 7 Lost in Madrid Part IV / Rat Dance / The Call 1:44
  • 8 Claire / Lost in Madrid Part V 4:33
  • 9 Afterglow 1:40
  • 10 Los Feliz 4:34

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata