Is The Man with the Horn a good place to start with Miles Davis?

Yes, The Man with the Horn is recommended as a starting point for new Miles Davis listeners. A vibrant fusion of jazz and funk, characterized by soulful trumpeting and intricate rhythmic interplay. Released in 1981, The Man with the Horn was Miles Davis's comeback album after a five-year hiatus from recording. This marked a significant return to the jazz scene, showcasing his shift towards jazz fusion and contemporary sounds, aligning with the evolving music landscape of the early '80s.

Who is The Man with the Horn for?

The Man with the Horn works well if you're into vibrant energy for social settings, extended tracks for deep exploration and engaging trumpet leads throughout.

How many songs are on The Man with the Horn?

The Man with the Horn has 6 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

The Man with the Horn

Miles Davis · 1981

52 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz and funk, characterized by soulful trumpeting and intricate rhythmic interplay.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Fat Time Start here — This track exemplifies Davis's integration of funk elements with traditional jazz, featuring a prominent bass line and intricate horn arrangements that define the album's sound.
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The Man With the Horn — The title track encapsulates Davis's signature trumpet style and showcases his ability to weave complex melodies within a rhythmic framework, highlighting his artistic vision.
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Back Seat Betty — This track stands out for its playful structure and engaging improvisation, capturing the essence of Davis's collaborative spirit with his band members during this era.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and skilled performances, blending jazz and rock elements effectively.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong groove in 'Fat Time', featuring a prominent bass line and layered electric instrumentation.
Each track incorporates extended solos, particularly from Davis's trumpet, allowing for improvisation within structured compositions.
The final track, 'Ursula', features a gradual build-up of intensity, culminating in a climactic finish that contrasts with the more laid-back earlier tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
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

vibrant energy for social settings
extended tracks for deep exploration
engaging trumpet leads throughout
playful rhythms invite movement

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek concise, standalone songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Revitalized Davis's career and marked his return to prominence in the jazz scene.
Themes: jazz fusion experimentation· electric trumpet innovation· post-hiatus resurgence
Career context: Released in 1981, The Man with the Horn was Miles Davis's comeback album after a five-year hiatus from recording. This marked a significant return to the jazz scene, showcasing his shift towards jazz fusion and contemporary sounds, aligning with the evolving music landscape of the early '80s.
Stylistic neighbors: John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter