DON ELLIS - Soaring (1973-2008) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

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. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Whiplash 4:27
Hank Levy
2     Sladka Pitka 6:43
Milcho Leviev
3     The Devil Made Me Write This Piece 5:55
Don Ellis
4     Go Back Home 3:19
Sam Falzone
5     Invincible 6:44
Don Ellis
6     Image of Maria 3:03
Don Ellis
7     Sidonie 6:42
Alexej Fried
8     Nicole 5:34
Don Ellis
Credits :
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, Tenor Saxophone – Fred Selden
Flute, Piccolo Flute, Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Vince Denham
French Horn – Sidney Muldrow
Guitar – Jay Graydon
Organ, Piano, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Clavinet – Milcho Leviev
Percussion, Drums – Ron Dunn
Producer – Don Ellis
Trombone – Mike Jamieson
Trumpet, Drums, Flugelhorn – Don Ellis
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Bruce MacKay, Gil Rathel, Jack Caudill
Tuba – Doug Bixby
Viola [Electric] – Renita Koven
Violin [Electric] – Earle Corry, Joel Quivey