Is The Complete On the Corner Sessions a good place to start with Miles Davis?

Yes, The Complete On the Corner Sessions is recommended as a starting point for new Miles Davis listeners. A vibrant fusion of jazz and funk, layered with complex rhythms and experimental textures that challenge traditional boundaries. By the time 'The Complete On the Corner Sessions' was released in 2007, Miles Davis had long been established as a transformative figure in jazz, having pushed boundaries throughout his career. This compilation highlights sessions from the early 1970s, a period marked by his exploration of electric instruments and avant-garde approaches, particularly following the influential 'Bitches Brew' in 1970.

Who is The Complete On the Corner Sessions for?

The Complete On the Corner Sessions works well if you're into immersive sonic exploration, patiently evolving rhythmic landscapes and extended sessions for deep listening.

How many songs are on The Complete On the Corner Sessions?

The Complete On the Corner Sessions has 31 tracks, running approximately 407 minutes.

The Complete On the Corner Sessions

Miles Davis · 2007

407 min · 31 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz and funk, layered with complex rhythms and experimental textures that challenge traditional boundaries.

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Top tracks — play these first

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On the Corner (unedited master) Start here — This expansive track encapsulates the album's core ethos with its hypnotic grooves and layered improvisations, representing Davis's bold departure into electric jazz.
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He Loved Him Madly — An emotionally charged piece, this track exemplifies Davis's ability to blend intricate melodies with spacious atmospheres, showcasing his mastery of mood and texture.
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Calypso Frelimo — With its rhythmic complexity and cultural influences, this track reflects Davis's engagement with global sounds, pushing the boundaries of jazz beyond conventional Western frameworks.
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Black Satin — This track stands out for its seductive grooves and seamless transitions between sections, embodying the experimental essence of the sessions while highlighting Davis's creative evolution.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

91 /100

Summit

Higher than 100% of albums we've rated

This collection showcases innovative compositions and high-level craftsmanship in a distinctive fusion style.

What we noticed

The album features a total of 31 tracks, many of which are extended takes that explore improvisation and rhythmic variation.
Several tracks blend together seamlessly, creating a continuous flow that emphasizes the collective interplay among musicians.

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

immersive sonic exploration
patiently evolving rhythmic landscapes
extended sessions for deep listening
psychedelic soundscapes for reflection
wave-like pacing with depth

Maybe skip if you

prefer concise, standalone tracks
seek immediate musical gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Showcases Davis's innovative jazz fusion during a transformative era.
Themes: psychedelic jazz odyssey· 1970s avant-garde experimentation· Duke Ellington tribute
Moods: Dreamy· Focus
Career context: By the time 'The Complete On the Corner Sessions' was released in 2007, Miles Davis had long been established as a transformative figure in jazz, having pushed boundaries throughout his career. This compilation highlights sessions from the early 1970s, a period marked by his exploration of electric instruments and avant-garde approaches, particularly following the influential 'Bitches Brew' in 1970.
Stylistic neighbors: John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter

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Tracklist

Disc 1

1 On the Corner (unedited master) Start here 19:26
2 On the Corner (take 4) 5:17
3 One and One (unedited master) 17:57
4 Helen Butte / Mr. Freedom X (unedited master) 23:21
5 Jabali 11:05

Disc 2

1 Ife 21:35
2 Chieftain 14:39
3 Rated X 6:52
4 Turnaround 17:17
5 U‐Turnaround 8:27

Disc 3

1 Billy Preston 12:35
2 The Hen 12:36
3 Big Fun / Holly‐Wuud (take 2) 6:34
4 Big Fun / Holly‐Wuud (take 3) 7:08
5 Peace 7:03
6 Mr. Foster 15:16

Disc 4

1 Calypso Frelimo 32:07
2 He Loved Him Madly 32:14

Disc 5

1 Maiysha 14:53
2 Mtume 15:09
3 Mtume (take 11) 6:52
4 Hip‐Skip 19:00
5 What They Do 11:46
6 Minnie 3:54

Disc 6

1 Red China Blues 4:08
2 On the Corner / New York Girl / Thinkin’ of One Thing and Doin’ Another / Vote for Miles 19:59
3 Black Satin 5:20
4 One and One 6:09
5 Helen Butte / Mr. Freedom X 23:19
6 Big Fun 2:33
7 Holly‐Wuud 2:55