A few clarifications from the producer
Nick DiScala | San Francisco, CA USA | 03/02/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm the Executive Producer on this issue and I just want to make a few clarifications regarding the liner notes, the sound quality, and whether this is a reissue or not.
When the liner notes were transferred from my graphic designer's final proof that I signed off on to the application used by the record label's printer some "translation" problems around the use of fractions occurred of which I was not made aware. The following are the correct versions of the sentences in question.
For "I Love Us", the first sentence should read: "A jequibau-a Brazilian dance in 5/4 where the clave is on 2, 3 1/2, and 5."
For "The Squeeze", the first paragraph should read: "The melody and trumpet solo are all in 1/4-tones over the jequibau 5/4. The 1/4-tones stand out here more than usual because they "rub" with what is being played by the other instruments."
For "Lush Life", the last sentence should read: "This musically demanding situation is all the more impressive for being sustained over a leisurely 7 1/2 minutes."
Regarding the sound quality, the recording was transferred directly from the original concert tapes at a very high bit rate. On those tapes the balance and mixing were not ideal. The balance was considerably weighted to the right channel, and there were many instances of peaking and clipping. Wounded Bird's engineer endeavored to correct these issues within reason. There was no mixing done beyond what was on the masters, just overall sound balance "corrections".
This is an archival recording. Along with that statement should come the assumption that sound quality will not be state of the art. That said, I would not have produced this if I felt the overall sound quality got in the way of the performances. It certainly can not be argued that the sound quality is great, but it most definitely is at least serviceable.
Finally, there seems to be some debate over whether this is a reissue or not. At best, this is a partial reissue. As explained in the liner notes, this concert was only made available directly through Don's company on cassette and 8-track in the mid 70's, and then only half of the concert was released. It was never released through a major label. Therefore, I don't think this qualifies as a reissue."
"New Rhythms" From an Old Favorite
David W. Michael | St. Paul, MN | 03/01/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Jazz Trumpeter Don Ellis remains sadly underrated and unknown 27 years after his untimely death at age 44. These recordings, unearthed and properly released nearly 40 years after they were originally recorded still stand up and amaze. Don's pioneering use of "odd" time signatures in popular American Music are showcased by an astoundingly young band, including Saxophonist Tom Scott (barely 19 on this record) and drumming Phenom Steve Bohannon who died tragically in a car crash not long after these cuts were recorded. Where the mix of the original tapes (from which this 2 disc set is taken) falls short, the arrangements, musicality, and talent of this fine band more than pick up the slack. A MUST for fans of Don's work, but perhaps not the best album for a first encounter (try "Tears of Joy" or "Electric Bath" instead). All in all, a fantastic issue, and I for one would love to hear more from the archives."
A pleasure to listen to!
W. Beck | Chicago, IL United States | 03/08/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wow, a NEW Don Ellis album after all these years! Supposedly some of these cuts were only sold in cassette form at live Eliis concerts. This is a 2 CD set of the entire concert.
First of all Nick has done a great job getting this out. The sound quality is much better than expected (perfectly fine!) and all in all this set is well produced with valuable notes for the true Ellis fan.
Although this is a small combo featuring players from Ellis' early big band, the playing here is truly impressive. Don's sidemen get to show their stuff in a more exposed setting than the usual big orchestra. And they all sound impressive in this setting!
Should anyone think this group was thrown together for this concert, please note that the arrangements, solos, and direction are presented on a professional level just like the Ellis big bands! There's also some nice early electric trumpet playing.
An interesting concert and well produced and worthy CD set!"
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1