Sorcerer

by Miles Davis

Overview

Sorcerer, the third album by the second Miles Davis Quintet, is in a sense a transitional album, a quiet, subdued affair that rarely blows hot, choosing to explore cerebral tonal colorings. Even when the tempo picks up, as it does on the title track, there's little of the dense, manic energy on Miles Smiles -- this is about subtle shadings, even when the compositions are as memorable as Tony Williams' "Pee Wee" or Herbie Hancock's "Sorcerer." As such, it's a little elusive, since it represents the deepening of the band's music as they choose to explore different territory. The emphasis is as much on complex, interweaving chords and a coolly relaxed sound as it is on sheer improvisation, though each member tears off thoroughly compelling solos. Still, the individual flights aren't placed at the forefront the way they were on the two predecessors -- it all merges together, pointing toward the dense soundscapes of Miles' later '60s work. It's such a layered, intriguing work that the final cut, recorded in 1962 with Bob Dorough on vocals, is an utterly jarring, inappropriate way to end the record, even if it's intended as a tribute to Miles' then-girlfriend (later, his wife), Cicely Tyson (whose image graces the cover). ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	04/29/2008
Label:	Columbia / Columbia/Legacy / Legacy
UPC:	0886972668321
Rank:	4143

Tracks

1. Prince of Darkness
2. Pee Wee
3. Masqualero
4. The Sorcerer
5. Limbo
6. Vonetta
7. Nothing Like You
8. Masqualero
9. Limbo

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Miles Davis   Primary Artist,Trumpet
Bob Dorough   Primary Artist,Guest Artist,Vocals
Willie Bobo   Guest Artist,Bongos
Jimmy Cobb   Guest Artist,Drums
Paul Chambers   Guest Artist,Bass
Tony Williams   Guest Artist,Drums
Ron Carter   Guest Artist,Bass
Herbie Hancock   Guest Artist,Piano,Keyboards
Wayne Shorter   Guest Artist,Saxophone,Sax (Tenor)
Frank Rehak   Trombone
Buster Williams   Bass

Technical Credits

Jan Persson   Insert Photography,Photography
John Synder   Producer
Paul M. Martin   Art Coordinator
Nicholas Bennett   Packaging Manager
Randall Martin   Reissue Design
Rob Schwarz   Mastering
Stanley Tonkel   Engineer
Teo Macero   Producer
Steven Berkowitz   A&R
Bob Belden   Liner Notes,Reissue Producer
Bob Dorough   Composer
Chris Albertson   Liner Notes
Irving Townsend   Producer
Frank Laico   Engineer
Fred Plaut   Engineer
Francis Wolff   Photography,Insert Photography
Wayne Shorter   Composer
Mark Wilder   Remixing,Mastering
Michael Cuscuna   Reissue Producer
Gil Evans   Arranger
John Snyder   Reissue Producer
Tony Williams   Composer
Vic Anesini   Remixing
Herbie Hancock   Composer
Seth Rothstein   Project Director
Patti Matheny   A&R
Allen Weinberg   Art Direction
Howard Fritzson   Reissue Art Director
Fran Landesman   Composer