The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel 1965
Miles Davis · 1995
452 min · 39 tracks · jazz
A vibrant exploration of jazz improvisation, showcasing spontaneous creativity and dynamic interplay among virtuoso musicians.
Top tracks — play these first
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If I Were a Bell Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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My Funny Valentine — The rendition features hauntingly beautiful trumpet lines that showcase Davis's emotive phrasing and the band's intricate harmonies, making it a standout interpretation.
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Stella by Starlight — This track exemplifies the quintet's seamless communication and interplay, with each musician contributing to a rich tapestry of sound that enhances the original composition.
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No Blues — The piece highlights Davis's ability to blend complex rhythms with melodic improvisation, showcasing the quintet's technical prowess while maintaining a relaxed groove.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThis live album captures exceptional improvisation and musicianship, making it a significant document of jazz history.
What we noticed
- The album features extended improvisations, with several tracks exceeding ten minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- immersive long-form improvisational experience
- intense focus on ensemble interplay
- evening relaxation with rich textures
- dynamic solos that captivate attention
- explorative listening for enthusiasts
Maybe skip if you
- prefer short, concise tracks
- seek immediate melodic gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Captures a pivotal moment in jazz, showcasing Davis's innovative ensemble during a transformative era.
- Themes
- mid-1960s jazz innovation· improvisational mastery· avant-garde expression
- Career context
- By the time of this release in 1995, Miles Davis had established himself as a seminal figure in jazz, having radically transformed the genre multiple times since his debut in the late 1940s. The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel 1965 captures a pivotal moment during his 'second great quintet' era, reflecting his innovative approach to live performance and ensemble interaction just a few years before he would further evolve his sound with electric instrumentation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 If I Were a Bell Start here 17:02
- 2 Stella by Starlight 12:48
- 3 Walkin’ 15:54
- 4 I Fall in Love Too Easily 11:44
- 5 The Theme 10:24
Disc 2
- 1 My Funny Valentine 16:40
- 2 Four 15:05
- 3 When I Fall in Love 10:54
Disc 3
- 1 Agitation 13:19
- 2 ’Round About Midnight 8:42
- 3 Milestones 14:06
- 4 The Theme 0:38
Disc 4
- 1 All of You 14:41
- 2 Oleo 6:05
- 3 I Fall in Love Too Easily 11:53
- 4 No Blues 17:35
- 5 I Thought About You 11:04
- 6 The Theme 7:59
Disc 5
- 1 If I Were a Bell Start here 13:34
- 2 Stella by Starlight 13:08
- 3 Walkin’ 11:02
- 4 I Fall in Love Too Easily 12:06
- 5 The Theme 3:00
Disc 6
- 1 All of You 10:51
- 2 Agitation 10:49
- 3 My Funny Valentine 13:59
- 4 On Green Dolphin Street 13:02
- 5 So What 13:39
- 6 The Theme 3:33
Disc 7
- 1 When I Fall in Love 13:44
- 2 Milestones 11:37
- 3 Autumn Leaves 12:05
- 4 I Fall in Love Too Easily 11:45
- 5 No Blues 20:02
- 6 The Theme 0:32
Disc 8
- 1 Stella by Starlight 14:20
- 2 All Blues 12:24
- 3 Yesterdays 15:05
- 4 The Theme 5:04
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
Shares the same spiritual intensity and improvisational depth, pushing jazz boundaries.
Maiden Voyage
Herbie Hancock
Captures a similar blend of innovation and exploration in a cohesive ensemble setting.
Speak No Evil
Wayne Shorter
Maintains avant-garde expression with intricate compositions and rich improvisation.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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