Top tracks — play these first
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Theme From "The French Connection" — This track stands out as a powerful reinterpretation of the film's iconic score, blending orchestral elements with jazz improvisation for a dynamic listening experience.
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Put It Where You Want It — A captivating opener that showcases Ellis's ability to merge complex rhythms with catchy melodies, setting the tone for the album's adventurous spirit.
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Chain Reaction — Spanning over nine minutes, this track features intricate arrangements and extended solos that highlight Ellis's innovative compositional style and improvisational prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases innovative arrangements and strong trumpet work, marking a distinctive phase in Ellis's career.
What we noticed
- The album features intricate brass arrangements that shift dynamically between sections, often layering multiple melodies simultaneously.
- Ellis's trumpet work is prominent throughout, often taking center stage with extended solos that showcase technical prowess and emotional range.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- playful arrangements for upbeat gatherings
- catchy tunes for sing-alongs
- vibrant energy for social settings
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- emotional moments of nostalgic reflection
Maybe skip if you
- slow, introspective listening preferences
- long, immersive musical explorations
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1972, Connection marked Don Ellis's transition into a more experimental phase after his earlier success with the album Electric Bath. This was his fifth studio album, showcasing his unique approach to big band music while incorporating elements of rock and funk.
- Stylistic neighbors
- George Russell· Thad Jones· Buddy Rich
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Put It Where You Want It 4:26
- 2 Alone Again (Naturally) 2:36
- 3 Superstar 4:07
- 4 I Feel the Earth Move 3:59
- 5 Theme From "The French Connection" 3:50
- 6 Conquistador 3:36
- 7 Roundabout 4:31
- 8 Chain Reaction 9:04
- 9 Goodbye to Love 3:36
- 10 Lean on Me 3:06
- 11 Train to Get There 3:46
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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