Don Ellis - Out Of Nowhere

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:24
Size: 105,1 MB
Art: Front

(6:11)  1. Sweet And Lovely
(4:28)  2. My Funny Valentine
(4:39)  3. I Love You ( Take 2 )
(3:33)  4. I'll Remember April
(3:41)  5. Just One Of Those Things
(3:47)  6. You Stepped Out Of A Dream
(6:10)  7. All The Things You Are
(3:45)  8. Out Of Nowhere
(3:32)  9. Just One Of Those Things (take 5)
(5:36) 10. I Love You (take 1)

This formerly unknown date was released for the first time on this 1988 CD; chances are that the short-lived Candid label died before the music could be put out. Don Ellis, one of the most original trumpeters to emerge in the early 1960's, performs ten standards on a trio session with pianist Paul Bley and bassist Steve Swallow (who was making his recording debut) but the music is far from routine or predictable. Ellis takes an unaccompanied trumpet solo on "Just One Of Those Things," "All The Things You Are" is a trumpet-bass duet and Ellis interacts with Bley on a moody "My Funny Valentine." The players constantly take chances with time but there are few slipups or hesitant moments. A fascinating and long-lost session. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/out-of-nowhere-mw0000202922

Personnel:  Don Ellis - trumpet; Paul Bley - piano; Steve Swallow - bass

Out Of Nowhere

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Maynard Ferguson - Newport Suite

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1960
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:32
Size: 91,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:28)  1. Jazz Bary
(5:11)  2. Foxy
(8:42)  3. Newport
(3:56)  4. Got the Spirit
(2:56)  5. Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
(7:05)  6. Ol' Man River
(7:12)  7. Three More Foxes

Maynard Ferguson's bands of the early '60s produced many memorable albums, including this studio effort. Sax player and bandmember Willie Maiden contributed two originals. "The Jazz Bary" is a fun feature for baritone saxophonist Frank Hittner and Ferguson (who plays the rarely heard baritone horn), in which they play in unison, in thirds, and trade solos. "Three More Foxes" features trumpeters Dick Hiefer and Don Ellis and the leader, each taking turns soloing. This upbeat blues showcases great comping by pianist Jaki Byard as well. Liner note writer George T. Simon slips in a hilarious pun about Maiden's chart of "Ol' Man River," which "starts flowing with a mad Maiden form." The remaining charts were contributed by Slide Hampton (though he isn't present on the recording itself). "Foxy" is a bluesy feature for young tenor saxophonist Joe Farrell and the leader. "Newport," which was premiered at the 1959 festival there, is an elaborate suite with many flavors: a funeral-like dirge, a powerful uptempo blues that suggests the influence of Duke Ellington's "I'm Gonna Go Fishin'" in spots, and delicious call and response between the brass and reed sections. And he brings out his gospel roots in his scoring of the spiritual "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child," the album's only relatively low-key number. Long out of print (though it was available as part of Mosaic's limited-edition CD box set of Maynard Ferguson's Roulette recordings), this is one of the trumpeter's very best LPs. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/newport-suite-mw0000883790

Personnel:  Maynard Ferguson - trumpet, valve trombone, baritone horn; Don Ellis, Augustino 'Chet' Ferretti, Rick Kiefer - trumpet; Charles Greenlee, Mike Zagatini - trombone; Jimmy Ford - alto saxophone; Joe Farrell, Willie Maiden - tenor saxophone; Frank Hittner - baritone saxophone; Jaki Byard - piano; Aubrey Tosin - bass; Stu Martin - drums; Slide Hampton, Willie Maiden - arranger

Newport Suite

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Don Ellis - New Ideas

Styles: Trumpet, Piano Jazz
Year: 1990
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:51
Size: 103,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:34)  1. Natural H.
(4:20)  2. Despair To Hope
(8:16)  3. Uh-huh
(5:05)  4. Four And Three
(7:57)  5. Imitation
(2:18)  6. Solo
(7:06)  7. Cock And Bull
(5:12)  8. Tragedy

On this 1961 quintet set for Prestige (with vibraphonist Al Francis, pianist Jaki Byard, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Charlie Persip), Don Ellis experiments with time, new chord structures, and free improvisation; a highlight is his brief unaccompanied workout on the free-form "Solo." Ellis, who switches to piano during part of "Tragedy," already had a sound of his own, although he would change the direction of his music within a few years. Even over 40 years later, his thoughtful musical experiments of the early '60s are often quite fascinating to hear. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/new-ideas-mw0000203642

Personnel:  Don Ellis - trumpet, piano (8); Al Francis - vibraphone (tracks 1-5, 7 & 8); Jaki Byard - piano (tracks 1-5, 7 & 8); Ron Carter - bass (tracks 1-5, 7 & 8); Charlie Persip - drums (tracks 1-5, 7 & 8)

New Ideas

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Don Ellis - Live At Monterey

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:56
Size: 147,4 MB
Art: Front

( 1:18)  1. Introduction By Jimmy Lyons
( 8:50)  2. 33 222 1 222
( 6:39)  3. Passacaglia And Fugue
( 6:26)  4. Crete Idea
(12:50)  5. Concerto For Trumpet
( 6:35)  6. 27/16
( 9:07)  7. Beat Me Daddy, 7 To The Bar
(12:08)  8. New Nine

The first effort by the Don Ellis big band, as with all of his other orchestral projects, has yet to be reissued on CD. One of the most exciting new jazz big bands of the period, Ellis' ensemble became notorious for its ability to play coherently in odd time signatures. One of the four originals heard on this acclaimed outing from the 1966 Monterey Jazz Festival is titled "33 222 1 222" to show how the band manages to perform in 19/4 time. The other selections are Hank Levy's "Passacaglia And Fugue," "Concerto For Trumpet" (in 5/4) and "New Nine." In addition to the time signatures, Ellis enjoyed utilizing unusual combinations of instruments; the instrumentation on this date consists of five trumpets, three trombones, five saxes, piano, three bassists, two drummers and a percussionist. Among the more notable sidemen are a young Tom Scott (who solos on alto) and tenor-saxophonist Ira Schulman. Highly recommended but unfortunately this album will be difficult to find. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/live-at-monterey-mw0000040544

Personnel:  Don Ellis - trumpet, arranger; Alan Weight, Ed Warren, Glenn Stuart, Paul Lopez - trumpet; Dave Wells, Ron Meyers - trombone; Terry Woodson - bass trombone; Ruben Leon - alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute; Tom Scott - alto saxophone, saxello, flute; Ira Shulman - tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, clarinet; Ron Starr - tenor saxophone, flute, clarinet; John Magruder - baritone saxophone, flute, clarinet, bass clarinet; David MacKay - organ, piano; Frank DeLaRosa, Chuck Domanico, Ray Neapolitan - bass; Alan Estes, Steve Bohannon - drums; Chino Valdes - bongos, congas; Hank Levy - arranger

Live At Monterey

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Don Ellis - Live In 3 2/3/4 Time

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:11
Size: 173,7 MB
Art: Front

(11:20)  1. Orientation
( 5:41)  2. Angel Eyes
( 5:53)  3. Freedom Jazz Dance
( 4:37)  4. Barnum's Revenge
( 9:03)  5. Upstart
( 8:27)  6. Thetis
( 5:31)  7. Bossa Neuva Nova
( 9:53)  8. Opus Five
( 4:40)  9. Seven Up
( 2:25) 10. Johnny One Note
( 7:38) 11. Freedom Jazz Dance

The Don Ellis Orchestra really came into its own during the period covered by this CD (1966-1967), playing perfectly coherent solos in ridiculous time signatures. At the time, the band consisted of five trumpets, three trombones, five reeds, piano, three basses, two drummers, and three percussionists. "Barnum's Revenge" has the ensemble playing a satirical brand of Dixieland in 5/4, "Orientation" goes back and forth between 7/8 and 9/8, and "Upstart" is in 11/8 (three and two-thirds beats to the measure!). Somehow everything swings with Ellis, Ira Schulman (on tenor and clarinet), Dave Mackay (on piano), and Tom Scott (on saxello) being the main soloists. In addition to the original six selections (recorded at the Pacific Jazz Festival in 1966 and at Shelly's Manne-Hole in 1967), there are five additional cuts, including an alternate version of "Freedom Jazz Dance." Fun music. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/live-in-3-and-2-3-4-time-mw0000067311

Personnel: Don Ellis - trumpet, arranger; Alan Weight, Ed Warren, Glenn Stuart, Bob Harmon - trumpet; Ron Myers, Dave Wells, Dave Sanchez - trombone; Terry Woodson - bass trombone; Ruben Leon - alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute; Tom Scott - alto saxophone, saxello, flute; Joe Roccisano - alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute, clarinet; Ira Shulman, Ron Starr - tenor saxophone, flute, clarinet; John Magruder - baritone saxophone, flute, clarinet, bass clarinet; David MacKay - piano;  Frank DeLaRosa, Chuck Domanico , Ray Neapolitan, Dave Parlato - bass; Alan Estes - drums, timbales;  Steve Bohannon - drums; Chino Valdes - bongos, congas; Mark Stevens - percussion

Live In 3 2/3/4 Time

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Don Ellis - Live in India

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:23
Size: 157,0 MB
Art: Front

(13:00)  1. Fine Line
( 6:26)  2. TR'S Theme
( 7:16)  3. Storyville
(12:26)  4. Open Wide
( 8:40)  5. Dark Curved Eyebrows
(10:47)  6. Desire
( 9:46)  7. Image of Maria

A talented trumpeter with a vivid musical imagination and the willingness to try new things, Don Ellis led some of the most colorful big bands of the 1965-75 period. After graduating from Boston University, Ellis played in the big bands of Ray McKinley, Charlie Barnet, and Maynard Ferguson (he was featured with the latter on "Three More Foxes"), recorded with Charles Mingus, and played with George Russell's sextet (at the same time as Eric Dolphy). Ellis led four quartet and trio sessions during 1960-1962 for Candid, New Jazz, and Pacific Jazz, mixing together bop, free jazz, and his interest in modern classical music. However it was in 1965 when he put together his first orchestra that he really started to make an impression in jazz. Ellis's big bands were distinguished by their unusual instrumentation (which in its early days had up to three bassists and three drummers including Ellis himself), the leader's desire to investigate unusual time changes (including 7/8, 9/8, and even 15/16), its occasionally wacky humor (highlighted by an excess of false endings), and an openness towards using rock rhythms and (in later years) electronics. Ellis invented the four-valve trumpet and utilized a ring modulator and all types of wild electronic devices by the late '60s. By 1971, his band consisted of an eight-piece brass section (including French horn and tuba), a four-piece woodwind section, a string quartet, and a two-drum rhythm section. A later unrecorded edition even added a vocal quartet. Among Don Ellis's sidemen were Glenn Ferris, Tom Scott, John Klemmer, Sam Falzone, Frank Strozier, Dave MacKay, and the brilliant pianist (straight from Bulgaria) Milcho Leviev. The orchestra's most memorable recordings were Autumn, Live at the Fillmore, and Tears of Joy (all for Columbia). After suffering a mid-'70s heart attack, Ellis returned to live performing, playing the "superbone" and a later edition of his big band featured Art Pepper. Ellis's last recording was at the 1977 Montreux Jazz Festival, a year before his heart finally gave out. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/don-ellis-mn0000180060/biography

Personnel:  Trumpet – Don Ellis; Bass – Leon Gaer; Drums – Dave Crigger; Piano – Randy Kerber; Voice – Emilie Diehl

Live in India

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Donald Byrd & Booker Little - The Third World

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 33:11
Size: 76,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:49)  1. Chasing the Bird
(3:47)  2. Prophecy
(6:11)  3. Ping Pong Beer
(2:23)  4. Construction
(4:42)  5. Quiet Temple
(2:51)  6. November Afternoon
(4:20)  7. Call to Arms
(5:03)  8. Wee Tina

There is more and less than meets the eye with this hard bop collection from 1960: less Booker Little and more performers than are listed on the CD. A little research corroborates what the ear suspects: the eight tracks come from three sessions, only one of which has trumpeters Little and Donald Byrd together (three tracks). The other sessions feature, respectively, Little and trombonist Curtis Fuller (two tracks) and Byrd and baritone saxophonist Pepper Adams (three tracks). Adams is one of a half-dozen performers not credited on the CD. To further confuse matters, both the session with Little and Byrd and the one with Little and Fuller have uncredited additional trumpeters Marcus Belgrave and Don Ellis, respectively. Suffice to say, sorting out who plays the trumpet solos is not easy. It seems, though, that Little solos only on one, possibly two, numbers. Originally, these tracks came out on a Warwick LP called Soul of Jazz Percussion. This explains the additional percussion parts some integrated more effectively than others on each of the tracks. Overall, the Byrd/Adams tracks are the most consistent. "November Afternoon" from the Little/Fuller set and "Chasing the Bird" and "Wee Tina" from the Little/Byrd set are also okay. Even so, factor in a couple of poorly handled fadeout endings along with some mixing and editing gaffes and there is not enough here to rate a recommendation, except, perhaps, to the ardent Booker Little completist. ~ Jim Todd https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-third-world-mw0000603542

Personnel: Donald Byrd, Booker Little - trumpet; Bill Evans, Mal Waldron - piano; Pepper Adams - baritone saxophone; Marcus Belgrave, Don Ellis - trumpet; Curtis Fuller - trombone; Paul Chambers, Adison Farmer - bass; Armando Peraza - congas; Willie Rodriguez, Earl Zindars - perc. Philly Joe Jones Ed Shaughnessy - drums.

Third World

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George Russell - Ezz-thetics

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1961
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:02
Size: 98,7 MB
Art: Front

(8:59)  1. Ezz-thetic
(4:41)  2. Nardis
(8:07)  3. Lydiot
(5:36)  4. Thoughts
(9:04)  5. Honesty
(6:33)  6. 'Round Midnight

A post-war masterpiece, Ezz-Thetics is pianist/arranger George Russell's definitive 1961 sextet recording from the earliest phase of his multi-decade career. On par with such iconic albums as Oliver Nelson's Blues and the Abstract Truth (Impulse!, 1961), Mal Waldron's The Quest (Riverside, 1961) and Andrew Hill's Point of Departure (Blue Note, 1964), Ezz-Thetics traffics in the same advanced but accessible strain of avant-garde-influenced post-bop. Author of The Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization (pub. 1953), Russell's seminal concepts of improvisation, based on scales rather than chords, became the driving force behind the early modal explorations of Miles Davis and John Coltrane. This pioneering session offers a singular and visionary view of classic post-bop that is ageless in its perfection. Starring a phenomenal group of talent, Russell's sextet features multi-instrumentalist Eric Dolphy, trumpeter Don Ellis, trombonist Dave Baker, a young Steve Swallow on acoustic bass and drummer Joe Hunt. Undaunted by Russell's unorthodox arrangements and tricky, pan-tonal harmonic sensibility, these young firebrands tackle these knotty compositions with flawless technique and unbounded creativity. "Ezz-Thetic" opens the album with a bustling, circuitous theme that ripples with spiraling angularity. Inspiring a round of exhilarating statements from the horns, the tune breaks down into a sequence of recurrent call and response between the rhythm section and brass that eschews typical conventions of pattern and form. Supported by subtle counterpoint and an elegant arrangement, Miles Davis' exotic "Nardis" is given a haunting reading. The sly and unassuming "Lydiot" reveals Russell's minimalist angularity behind the piano, while Dolphy displays a keening, expressive aspect in contrast to Ellis' dulcet trumpet. Using the blues as a basic framework, Baker's contribution, "Thoughts," incorporates free-form sections at regular intervals, exposing the fine line between tradition and innovation. "Honesty" is a celebratory ode; a vibrant hybrid of classic swing and edgy futurism that contrasts bluesy lyricism with suspenseful, stop-time segments. 

A prescient rendition of Thelonious Monk's "'Round Midnight" acts as a showpiece for Dolphy. Opening with a free-form section of tiny instrumental sounds and highly vocalized brass effects, it pre-dates the work of the AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Music) by almost a decade. A brilliant study in dynamics and virtuosity, Dolphy's alto solo is legendary. Incorporating intervallic leaps and register changes with a highly vocalized tone and mellifluous phrasing, he offers a definitive statement on a hallowed theme. Two takes of the previously unissued "Kige's Tune" appear as bonus tracks. A driving bop-ish vehicle, it is a worthwhile addition, providing the perfect coda to a brilliant session. Cerebral and innovative, yet firmly grounded in tradition, Ezz-Thetics is essential listening and an absolute requirement for any comprehensive jazz collection. Russell's masterwork is beautiful, enthralling and adventurous, a perfect summation of all the innovations post-war jazz has to offer. ~ Troy Collins https://www.allaboutjazz.com/ezz-thetics-george-russell-riverside-review-by-troy-collins.php

Personnel: George Russell: piano, arranger; Don Ellis: trumpet; Dave Baker: trombone; Eric Dolphy: alto saxophone, bass clarinet (2, 4); Stephen Swallow: bass; Joe Hunt: drums.

Ezz-thetics

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Maynard Ferguson - Dancing Sessions

Styles: Trombone And Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 79:00
Size: 187,6 MB
Art: Front

(2:23)  1. Secret Love
(3:11)  2. 'Tis Autumn
(3:29)  3. Soft Winds
(3:15)  4. 'Round Midnight
(2:51)  5. I'm Beginning To See The Light
(2:30)  6. Stompin' At The Savoy
(3:35)  7. It Might As Well Be Spring
(2:27)  8. I'll Be Seeing You
(3:34)  9. If I Should Lose You
(2:40) 10. Where's Teddy?
(3:02) 11. Hey There
(4:06) 12. Mangos
(2:56) 13. Don't Take Your Love From Me
(2:56) 14. My Foolish Heart
(1:59) 15. Let's Face The Music And Dance
(2:53) 16. You Don't Know What Love Is
(2:46) 17. It's Only A Paper Moon
(3:46) 18. The Party Is Over
(3:36) 19. The Masquerade Is Over
(3:10) 20. Let's Do It
(4:02) 21. Spring Is Here
(2:24) 22. It Could Happen To You
(3:29) 23. Teach Me Tonight
(2:22) 24. Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me
(3:03) 25. Don't Take Your Love From Me
(2:20) 26. Let's Fall In Love

This release contains the complete contents of the original Maynard Ferguson big band LPs Plays Jazz for Dancing (1959) and Lets Face the Music and Dance(1960), plus three rare bonus tracks taken from the same sessions and previously issued as singles or on compilation albums. The two albums presented here, come from the zenith of this orchestra and present Maynard Ferguson's vision of dance music at a time in which dancing and Jazz were undergoing serious decline. By 1950, Swing music seemed a thing of the past. Modern Jazz focused on small formats or big orchestral scores which targeted concert halls as opposed to dancing establishments. Most of the dance scene had been taken over by Rock & Roll and R&B bands. The great Canadian-born trumpeter Maynard Ferguson died in California on August 23, 2006, at the age of 78. His career had spanned over 60 years. He formed his own 14-piece band in 1956, and as it starred at the famous Birdland club in New York, it picked up the moniker the Birdland Dream Band - which remained active for nearly nine years, during an era in which most big bands saw very difficult times due to the change of times and musical styles. https://www.freshsoundrecords.com/maynard-ferguson-albums/5227-dancing-sessions-2-lp-on-1-cd.html

Personnel:  Trumpet – Bill Chase, Chet Ferretti,  Don Ellis, Jerry Tyree, Larry Moser, Maynard Ferguson, Rick Kiefer; Alto Saxophone – Jimmy Ford , Lanny Morgan; Baritone Saxophone – Frank Hittner , John Lanni; Bass – Charlie Saunders, Jimmy Rowser; Drums – Frankie Dunlop, Rufus Jones; Euphonium – Maynard Ferguson; Featuring – Maynard Ferguson And His Orchestra; Mellophone – Maynard Ferguson;  Piano – Bob Dogan, Jaki Byard; Tenor Saxophone – Joe Farrell, Willie Maiden; Trombone – Don Sebesky , Kenny Rupp, Maynard Ferguson, Slide Hampton

Dancing Sessions

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Don Ellis - Giants Of Jazz

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:07
Size: 180,1 MB
Art: Front

( 3:31)  1. I'll Remember April
( 6:09)  2. Sweet And Lovely
( 3:42)  3. Out Of Nowhere
( 6:06)  4. All The Things You Are
( 3:43)  5. You Stepped Out Of A Dream
( 4:26)  6. My Funny Valentine
( 4:37)  7. I Love You
( 3:39)  8. Just One Of Those Things
( 4:54)  9. Johnny Come Lately
( 4:19) 10. Angel Eyes
( 3:24) 11. Lover
(10:08) 12. Form
( 4:38) 13. Sallie
( 6:28) 14. How Time Passes
( 4:15) 15. A Simplex One

Before his untimely death in 1978 at the young age of 44, Don Ellis was one of the most creative and innovative jazz musicians of all time. In a career span of less than 25 years, Don Ellis distinguished himself as a trumpeter, drummer, composer, arranger, recording artist, author, music critic, and music educator. However, Don Ellis is probably best remembered for his work as a big band leader. His orchestra, which was active from 1966-78, achieved enormous popular appeal at a time when the influence of big band music was noticeably fading. Ellis's significance lies in his use of groundbreaking musical techniques and devices, new to the world of jazz. Ellis's innovations include the use of electronic instruments, electronic sound-altering devices, experiments with quartertones, and the infusion of 20th century classical music devices into the jazz idiom. Ellis's greatest contributions, however, came in the area of rhythm. New rhythmic devices ultimately became the Don Ellis trademark. His compositions frequently displayed time signatures with numerators of 5, 7, 9, 11, 19, 25, 33, etc. His approach within more conventional time signatures could be equally innovative through the use of rhythmic superimpositions. Ellis's rhythmic innovations, despite much criticism, were not gimmicks, but rather a direct result of his studies in non-Western musical cultures, which included graduate work at UCLA's Department of Ethnomusicolog Ellis ultimately applied his experiences and knowledge of the music of non-Western cultures to the rhythmic language of jazz. He was one of the first to have accomplished such a fusion of ideas, and his works as a composer and an author stand as a memorial reflecting a significant stage in the evolution of jazz. https://musicians.allaboutjazz.com/donellis

Personnel:  Don Ellis – Trumpet;  Jaki Byard – Piano, Alto Sax;  Paul Bley – Piano;  Ron Carter – Bass;  Steve Swallow – Bass;  Gary Peacock – Bass;  Charlie Persip – Drums;  Nick Martins – Drums

Giants Of Jazz

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Don Ellis - Soaring

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:24
Size: 97.1 MB
Styles: Bop, Trumpet jazz, Big band
Year: 1973/2014
Art: Front

[4:26] 1. Whiplash
[6:42] 2. Sladka Pitka
[5:54] 3. The Devil Made Me Write This Piece
[3:18] 4. Go Back Home
[6:44] 5. Invincible
[3:03] 6. Image Of Maria
[6:41] 7. Sidonie
[5:33] 8. Nicole

Bass – Dave McDaniel; Bass Trombone – Ken Sawhill; Cello [Electric] – Pat Kudzia; Clarinet, Flute, Oboe, Soprano Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Gary Herbig; Clarinet, Flute, Tenor Saxophone – Sam Falzone; Congas – Lee Pastora; Drums – Ralph Humphrey; Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo Flute, Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Fred Selden; Flute, Piccolo Flute, Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Vince Denham; French Horn – Sidney Muldrow; Guitar, Other [Bag] – Jay Graydon; Organ, Piano, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Clavinet – Milcho Leviev; Percussion, Drums – Ron Dunn; Trombone – Mike Jamieson; Trumpet, Drums, Flugelhorn, Trumpet [Electric Trumpet] – Don Ellis; Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Bruce Mackay, Gil Rathel, Jack Caudill; Tuba – Doug Bixby;Viola [Electric] – Renita Koven; Violin [Electric] – Earle Corry, Joel Quivey.

The last album by Don Ellis' big band before the trumpeter suffered a heart attack that would ultimately cut short both his career and his life, this underrated set finds Ellis' orchestra consisting of seven brass (including tuba), four strong woodwind players, a string quartet, and an enlarged six-piece rhythm section that includes guitarist Jay Graydon and keyboardist Milcho Leviev. A special highlight is "Invincible" which is an outstanding feature for altoist Vince Denham; whatever happened to him? Ellis composed four of the eight originals including one titled "The Devil Made Me Write This Piece!" This out-of-print Lp is well worth searching for.

Soaring mc
Soaring zippy

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Don Ellis - Autumn

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1968
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:52
Size: 135,5 MB
Art: Front

(19:25)  1. Variations For Trumpet
( 2:00)  2. Scratt And Fluggs
( 6:43)  3. Pussy Wiggle Stomp
( 8:47)  4. K. C. Blues
( 3:16)  5. Child Of Ecstasy
(17:39)  6. Indian Lady

Don Ellis' Orchestra is heard at the peak of its powers on this Columbia LP. "Pussy Wiggle Stomp," a variation on "My dad's better than your dad" but performed in 7/4 time, became the band's theme song, and it has its riotous moments. The 19-and-a-half minute, six-part "Variations for Trumpet" is a major showcase for Ellis, "Scratt and Fluggs" is a brief bit of silliness, and the relatively straightforward "K.C. Blues" features altoist Frank Strozier, John Klemmer on tenor, and keyboardist Pete Robinson. However it is the 17-and-a-half minute "Indian Lady" (a live remake) that really finds the band going crazy. 

Ellis, trombonist Glen Ferris, and keyboardist Robinson play humorous solos before tenors John Klemmer and Sam Falzone engage in a long and nutty tradeoff that is often quite hilarious. The many false endings at the end of this performance add to the general atmosphere. This is a classic release. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/autumn-mw0000426096

Personnel:  Trumpet [Quarter-tone, Amplified] – Don Ellis;  Alto Saxophone – Frank Strozier , Ira Schulman;  Alto Saxophone, Flute, Piccolo Flute – Ron Starr;  Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet – John Magruder;  Bass – Dave Parlato;  Bass Trombone – Don Switzer;  Bass, Electric Bass [Fender] – Ray Neapolitan;  Clarinet – Frank Strozier, John Klemmer;  Clarinet, Clarinet [A] – John Magruder;  Clavinet, Piano – Pete Robinson;  Congas – Lee Pastora;  Drums – Ralph Humphrey;  Electric Piano, Piano [Prepared] – Pete Robinson;  Piano, Clavinet, Electric Piano – Mike Lang; Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Clarinet – Ron Starr;  Soprano Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet – Sam Falzone;  Tenor Saxophone – John Klemmer, Sam Falzone;  Trombone – Ernie Carlson, Glenn Ferris, Terry Woodson; Trumpet – Glenn Stuart;  Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Bob Harmon, John Rosenberg, Stu Blumberg;  Tuba – Doug Bixby, Roger Bobo;  Vibraphone, Percussion [Miscellaneous] – Mark Stevens

Autumn

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Don Ellis - Live At Montreux

Styles: Trumpet Jazz

Year: 1977

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 73:55

Size: 173,6 MB

Art: Front

( 9:41)  1. Open Wide

( 5:54)  2. Loneliness

( 7:18)  3. Future Feature

( 5:10)  4. Go-No-Go

( 8:45)  5. Sporting Dance

(11:59)  6. Niner Two

( 8:32)  7. Lyra

( 5:39)  8. Eros

(10:51)  9. Arcturus

Recorded 27 years ago, this album from the Don Ellis library contains all the rhythmic and polyphonic excitement that you’d expect from such a pioneer in modern big band jazz. With this CD release, the original LP has been augmented by the addition of three previously unreleased tracks that came from the same Montreux performance. With his trumpet in hand, and an instrumentation that exceeds the norm, Ellis gave the world a remarkable sound. His compositions and arrangements left their mark. Performances such as this one have provided inspiration for all. Bass clarinet, French horn, oboe, tuba, congas and a string quartet combined to give his orchestra a unique collective timbre. Add to that his fascination with meter. “Future Feature,” for example, is in traditional 4/4, but its complex subdivision gives you that old Don Ellis magic: 223, 32, 223, 32, 3232, 223, 223, 3232, 33. ”Lyra,” “Eros,” and “Arcturus” appeared on another album for Atlantic, Music From Other Galaxies And Planets Featuring The Theme From Star Wars, which was created in a studio. Therefore, the inclusion here of live performances of these three pieces at Montreux was never considered. They make a sizable addition to the concert, however, and these arrangements fit in well. “Arcturus” was the concert’s encore. This was Ellis’ final recording. He passed away the following year at age 44 from complications of an earlier heart attack. His farewell trumpet solo on “Niner Two” leaves a lasting impression. Featuring stellar solo work from Ellis (on several instruments), Ted Nash, Jimbo Ross, Ann Patterson, Chino Valdes, Jim Snodgrass, and Alan Kaplan, the album has a significant place in the history of jazz. Ellis influenced many. His legacy continues to inspire. ~ Jim Santella https://www.allaboutjazz.com/live-at-montreux-don-ellis-koch-international-jazz-review-by-jim-santella.php

Personnel: Don Ellis- leader, quartertone trumpet, Firebird trumpet, flugelhorn, superbone;  Ann Patterson- alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, oboe, piccolo;  Ted Nash- alto saxophone, flute, clarinet;  James Coile- tenor saxophone, flute, clarinet;  Jim Snodgrass- baritone saxophone, bass clarinet, piccolo, flute, oboe;  Glenn Stuart, Gil Rathel, Jack Coan- trumpet;  Sidney Muldrow- French horn;  Alan Kaplan- trombone;  Richard Bullock- bass trombone;  Jim Self- tuba;  Randy Kerber- keyboards;  Darrell Clayton- acoustic bass;  Leon Gaer- synth bass, electric bass;  Dave Crigger- drums; Mike Englander- drums, mallets, percussion;  Ruth Ritchie- percussion, tympani;  Chino Valdes- congas, bongos;  Pam Tompkins, Lori Badessa- violin;  Jimbo Ross- viola;  Paula Hochhalter- cello.

Live At Montreux

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