Sorcerer by Miles Davis

Sorcerer

by Miles Davis

Released: October 23, 1967

Post-bop

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Improvisation.

01

The Album

It is the third of six albums recorded by his 1960s quintet and features one track from a 1962 session with vocalist Bob Dorough, marking the first time Wayne Shorter recorded with Davis. Both versions of "Masqualero" were recorded on the same date with the same personnel. "Sorcerer" is an album by jazz trumpeter and composer Miles Davis.

02

Inside the Recording

The CD reissue includes alternate takes of "Masqualero" and "Limbo." The alternate take of "Limbo" was recorded in Los Angeles on May 9, shortly before the final take in New York City, featuring bassist Buster Williams instead of Ron Carter.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Notably, Davis does not perform on the second…

Notably, Davis does not perform on the second track, "Pee Wee." The album cover features a profile photo of actress Cicely Tyson, who was Davis's girlfriend at the time and later became his wife.

The only song from the album known to…

The only song from the album known to have been performed live by Davis is "Masqualero," written by Wayne Shorter.

This tune was part of concerts documented on…

This tune was part of concerts documented on various live albums, including Live in Europe 1967 and Live at the Fillmore East, March 7, 1970: It's About That Time.

It also appears on Chick Corea's Piano Improvisations…

It also appears on Chick Corea's Piano Improvisations Vol.

2 and was revisited by Shorter nearly thirty…

2 and was revisited by Shorter nearly thirty years later on Footprints Live!

Start listening here

Essential Tracks

01

Pee Wee

Notably, Davis does not perform on the second track, "Pee Wee." The album cover features a profile photo of actress Cicely Tyson, who was Davis's girlfriend at the time and later became his wife.

02

Masqualero

The CD reissue includes alternate takes of "Masqualero" and "Limbo." The alternate take of "Limbo" was recorded in Los Angeles on May 9, shortly before the final take in New York City, featuring bassist Buster Williams instead of Ron Carter.

03

Limbo

The CD reissue includes alternate takes of "Masqualero" and "Limbo." The alternate take of "Limbo" was recorded in Los Angeles on May 9, shortly before the final take in New York City, featuring bassist Buster Williams instead of Ron Carter.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Sorcerer" is an album by jazz trumpeter and composer Miles Davis. It is the third of six albums recorded by his 1960s quintet and features one track from a 1962 session with vocalist Bob Dorough, marking the first time Wayne Shorter recorded with Davis. Notably, Davis does not perform on the second track, "Pee Wee." The album cover features a profile photo of actress Cicely Tyson, who was Davis's girlfriend at the time and later became his wife.

The only song from the album known to have been performed live by Davis is "Masqualero," written by Wayne Shorter. This tune was part of concerts documented on various live albums, including Live in Europe 1967 and Live at the Fillmore East, March 7, 1970: It's About That Time. It also appears on Chick Corea's Piano Improvisations Vol. 2 and was revisited by Shorter nearly thirty years later on Footprints Live!

The CD reissue includes alternate takes of "Masqualero" and "Limbo." The alternate take of "Limbo" was recorded in Los Angeles on May 9, shortly before the final take in New York City, featuring bassist Buster Williams instead of Ron Carter. Both versions of "Masqualero" were recorded on the same date with the same personnel.

More Post-bop Albums

Join the Conversation

Share your thoughts about this album.

Please log in to add a comment.

No comments yet. Be the first to comment.