What makes Tutu by Miles Davis notable?

'Tutu' had a significant impact on the jazz genre, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart and earning accolades for its innovative production techniques. The album was highly praised by critics and is often credited with influencing the direction of jazz fusion, inspiring subsequent artists to explore the blend of acoustic instruments with electronic sounds. Released in December 1986, 'Tutu' marked a pivotal moment in Miles Davis's career as it was his first album to fully embrace the electronic soundscape that defined much of the late '80s jazz movement. This album came after a period of relative obscurity, following the experimental and critically divisive 'The Man with the Horn' in 1981, showcasing Davis's ability to adapt to contemporary styles while maintaining his artistic identity.

Tutu works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove experience, rich textures for deep listening and for relaxed evenings.

How many songs are on Tutu?

Tutu has 8 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Tutu

Miles Davis · 1986

42 min · 8 tracks · jazz fusion · bebop · hard bop

A fusion of jazz and electronic elements, blending rich textures with rhythmic innovation.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo groove experience
rich textures for deep listening
for relaxed evenings
thoughtful background for creativity

Maybe skip if you want

seeking fast-paced excitement
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Themes: 1980s jazz fusion· electronic soundscapes· urban nightlife vibe
Career context: Released in December 1986, 'Tutu' marked a pivotal moment in Miles Davis's career as it was his first album to fully embrace the electronic soundscape that defined much of the late '80s jazz movement. This album came after a period of relative obscurity, following the experimental and critically divisive 'The Man with the Horn' in 1981, showcasing Davis's ability to adapt to contemporary styles while maintaining his artistic identity.
Stylistic neighbors: John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter
Sounds like this from elsewhere: Future Shock by Herbie Hancock — Blends jazz, funk, and electronic elements, echoing the urban nightlife vibe of Tutu.

Sportin' Life by Weather Report — Merges intricate jazz fusion with a contemporary sound, reflecting a similar late '80s aesthetic.