Is Sorcerer a good place to start with Miles Davis?

Yes, Sorcerer is recommended as a starting point for new Miles Davis listeners. A seamless blend of modal jazz and experimental textures that pushes the boundaries of traditional jazz forms. Released in 1967, Sorcerer marked Miles Davis's transition into more experimental sounds, following the groundbreaking album, In a Silent Way. This record exemplified his shift towards jazz fusion, featuring a lineup of talented musicians who contributed to his evolving sound during this innovative phase.

Sorcerer works well if you're into wave-like dynamic explorations, immersive thematic journeys and headphone detail hunting.

How many songs are on Sorcerer?

Sorcerer has 9 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

Sorcerer

Miles Davis · 1967

52 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A seamless blend of modal jazz and experimental textures that pushes the boundaries of traditional jazz forms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Prince of Darkness Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its atmospheric interplay between instruments, showcasing the album's exploratory spirit and Davis's innovative arrangements.
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Masqualero — With its intricate rhythms and rich harmonies, this track highlights the album's modal approach while allowing for improvisational freedom among the musicians.
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The Sorcerer — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album, blending mystical themes with complex melodies that demonstrate Davis's mastery in creating profound musical landscapes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album showcases innovative modal jazz with strong improvisation and distinct sound, marking a notable phase in Davis's career.

What we noticed

The album features extended improvisational sections, with each track often exceeding five minutes and allowing for deep exploration of themes.
Several tracks utilize modal structures, shifting harmonies that provide a sense of fluidity and openness throughout the record.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
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

wave-like dynamic explorations
immersive thematic journeys
headphone detail hunting
late-night reflective sessions

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Showcases a deliberate departure into modal jazz and experimental sounds.
Themes: avant-garde jazz· electric instrumentation· modal exploration
Moods: Dreamy· Introspective
Career context: Released in 1967, Sorcerer marked Miles Davis's transition into more experimental sounds, following the groundbreaking album, In a Silent Way. This record exemplified his shift towards jazz fusion, featuring a lineup of talented musicians who contributed to his evolving sound during this innovative phase.
Stylistic neighbors: John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter