Top tracks — play these first
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Opus 5 — This track exemplifies Ellis's ability to weave intricate melodies through unconventional time signatures, showcasing his signature style and compositional prowess.
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Beat Me Daddy, Seven to the Bar — A playful reinterpretation of a classic tune, this track highlights Ellis's flair for blending traditional elements with modern jazz sensibilities.
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I Remember Clifford — A heartfelt tribute to the late trumpeter Clifford Brown, this piece captures emotional depth while demonstrating Ellis's virtuosic trumpet playing.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's ambitious compositions and unique blend of styles mark it as a notable entry in avant-garde jazz.
What we noticed
- Brass instruments frequently take the lead, often engaging in call-and-response patterns that create a dynamic interplay.
- Many tracks incorporate extended improvisation sections, allowing musicians to explore themes rather than adhering strictly to written arrangements.
- 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
- complex rhythms that challenge listeners
- invigorating energy for late-night
- exploratory tracks with dynamic shifts
- playful melodies for social gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, predictable music
- seek instant gratification in tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1968, Shock Treatment was Don Ellis's fourth studio album and marked a pivotal moment in his career as he began to blend traditional jazz with experimental elements. Following his notable work on the film soundtrack for The French Connection, this album solidified his reputation as an innovative force in jazz, showcasing elaborate arrangements and complex time signatures.
- Stylistic neighbors
- George Russell· Thad Jones· Buddy Rich
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 A New Kind of Country 4:15
- 2 Night City 3:00
- 3 Homecoming 3:06
- 4 Mercy Maybe Mercy 3:24
- 5 Zim 4:03
- 6 Opus 5 9:23
- 7 Star Children 3:25
- 8 Beat Me Daddy, Seven to the Bar 6:16
- 9 Milo's Theme 4:28
- 10 Seven Up 4:03
- 11 The Tihai 8:48
- 12 Zim (Alt. take) 4:04
- 13 I Remember Clifford 5:29
- 14 Rasty 2:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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