Dark Magus is a live album from jazz trumpeter Miles Davis. While this album was recorded in 1974, it was originally released in 1977, exclusively in Japan. The album saw an international reissue in 1997 due to the tremendous cult following it garnered over the decades. The titles of the songs on this album are in Swahili and are named after the numbers one through four.
Similar to his previous albums Agharta and Get Up With It, the sound of Dark Magus contains elements of jazz, noise rock, funk, as well as being a precursor for jungle music. The album is filled with intense drumming from Al Foster, which gives the album an intense and unceasing rhythm that pays homage to free jazz. Complimenting the drumming is percussionist James Mtume, whom matches Foster’s intense performances with brilliant syncopation and nuance.
Dark Magus stands as one of Davis' most ambitious and experimental albums. It may not have recieved the same commercial success and critical acclaim as Bitches Brew, but this album remains a staple in the career of Miles Davis.
