What makes Soaring by Don Ellis notable?

Soaring is notable for its unique blend of jazz styles and complex rhythms, which contributed to the evolution of big band music in the early '70s. The album received positive critical reception and helped solidify Ellis's reputation as a pioneering figure in jazz, influencing future generations of musicians exploring similar avant-garde directions. Released in 1973, Soaring was Don Ellis's fifth studio album during a period marked by his exploration of time signatures and orchestral complexity. Following his acclaimed work on the soundtrack for The French Connection, this album showcases his innovative approach to jazz, emphasizing intricate arrangements and bold brass sections.

Soaring works well if you're into dynamic shifts in pacing, invigorating bursts of energy and adventurous spirit in compositions.

How many songs are on Soaring?

Soaring has 8 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Soaring

Don Ellis · 1973

42 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of big band jazz and experimental elements that pushes the boundaries of orchestration and improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Whiplash — This track opens the album with frenetic energy and showcases Ellis’s ability to combine powerful brass with rapid-fire rhythms, setting the stage for the rest of the record.
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The Devil Made Me Write This Piece — With its engaging narrative and elaborate orchestration, this composition exemplifies Ellis's knack for storytelling through music, blending humor and technical prowess.
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Nicole — This piece highlights a softer side of Ellis's artistry, incorporating lush harmonies and demonstrating his skill in crafting emotionally resonant melodies within an expansive arrangement.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album's complex rhythms and orchestration define its unique sound within jazz.

What we noticed

The use of unconventional orchestration, including brass and woodwind combinations, creates a rich and layered sound throughout.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

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

dynamic shifts in pacing
invigorating bursts of energy
adventurous spirit in compositions
engaging narratives through instrumentation

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward musical structures
seek predictable listening experiences

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1973, Soaring was Don Ellis's fifth studio album during a period marked by his exploration of time signatures and orchestral complexity. Following his acclaimed work on the soundtrack for The French Connection, this album showcases his innovative approach to jazz, emphasizing intricate arrangements and bold brass sections.
Stylistic neighbors: George Russell· Thad Jones· Buddy Rich

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Whiplash 4:25
2 Sladka Pitka 6:40
3 The Devil Made Me Write This Piece 6:00
4 Go Back Home 3:15
5 Invincible 6:43
6 Image of Maria 3:03
7 Sidonie 6:37
8 Nicole 5:29

What to play next

Listen next

Haiku

1974

Go back to

Connection

1972

Full Don Ellis discography Artists like Don Ellis

big band music jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata