Is Nefertiti a good place to start with Miles Davis?

Yes, Nefertiti is recommended as a starting point for new Miles Davis listeners. A luminous blend of modal jazz and intricate improvisation, Nefertiti captures an ethereal quality with its haunting melodies and fluid rhythms. Nefertiti was released in 1967, marking a significant phase for Miles Davis as he further explored modal jazz after the critical success of his earlier album, Kind of Blue. This record came just before the groundbreaking Bitches Brew, showcasing Davis's commitment to innovation and his transition into jazz fusion.

Who is Nefertiti for?

Nefertiti works well if you're into haunting melodies for deep reflection, intricate rhythms for attentive listening and extended tracks with evolving themes.

How many songs are on Nefertiti?

Nefertiti has 10 tracks, running approximately 66 minutes.

Nefertiti

Miles Davis · 1967

66 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A luminous blend of modal jazz and intricate improvisation, Nefertiti captures an ethereal quality with its haunting melodies and fluid rhythms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Nefertiti Start here — The title track features a haunting theme that repeats throughout, allowing for deep exploration of melody and rhythm by each band member.
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Fall — This piece stands out for its emotional depth and the interplay between instruments, highlighting the subtlety of Davis's ensemble approach.
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Madness — Characterized by its intense energy and complex structure, this track exemplifies the innovative spirit of Davis's band during this period.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

81 /100

Summit

Higher than 100% of albums we've rated

Nefertiti showcases innovative modal jazz with intricate rhythms and strong melodic lines, solidifying its distinctiveness.

What we noticed

The first track, 'Nefertiti', features a slow, haunting melody that sets a contemplative tone for the album.
Each of the first six tracks is built around modal improvisation, allowing for extended solos and intricate interplay between instruments.

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: 9/10
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

haunting melodies for deep reflection
intricate rhythms for attentive listening
extended tracks with evolving themes
immersive soundscapes for late nights

Maybe skip if you

prefer quick, catchy tunes
avoid lengthy, experimental pieces

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Showcases Davis's innovative modal jazz, highly influential in shaping modern jazz.
Themes: modal jazz exploration· avant-garde improvisation
Career context: Nefertiti was released in 1967, marking a significant phase for Miles Davis as he further explored modal jazz after the critical success of his earlier album, Kind of Blue. This record came just before the groundbreaking Bitches Brew, showcasing Davis's commitment to innovation and his transition into jazz fusion.
Stylistic neighbors: John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter