Soaring

Personnel: Don Ellis (trumpet, electric trumpet, flugelhorn, drums); Fred Selden (flute, alto flute, piccolo, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Vince Denham (flute, piccolo, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Jay Graydon (guitar); Joel Quivey, Earle Corry (electric violin); Renita Koven (electric viola); Pat Kudzia (electric cello); Gary Herbig (flute, clarinet, oboe, soprano saxophone, baritone saxophone); Sam Falzone (flute, clarinet, tenor saxophone); Jack Caudill, Gil Rathel, Bruce Mackay (trumpet, flugelhorn); Sidney Muldrow (French horn); Mike Jamieson (trombone); Ken Sawhill (bass trombone); Doug Bixby (tuba); Milcho Leviev (piano, Fender Rhodes piano, Clavinet, organ); Ron Dunn (drums, percussion); Ralph Humphrey (drums); Lee Pastora (congas).
Liner Note Authors: Dirk Sommer; Stefan Franzen.
Translator: Martin Cook.
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. ~ Scott Yanow