What makes The New Don Ellis Band Goes Underground by Don Ellis notable?

The New Don Ellis Band Goes Underground is notable for its experimental spirit, which helped pave the way for future jazz fusion efforts. The album featured the hit single 'Love for Rent,' which became a staple in jazz circles, demonstrating Ellis's ability to blend commercial appeal with artistic exploration. Released in January 1969, this album marked a significant moment in Don Ellis's career as it showcased his innovative approach to big band music following his 1967 breakthrough album, 'Electric Bath'. At this point, Ellis was establishing himself as a forward-thinking composer and bandleader, incorporating unconventional rhythms and electrified instrumentation into the jazz landscape.

Who is The New Don Ellis Band Goes Underground for?

The New Don Ellis Band Goes Underground works well if you're into adventurous arrangements with surprises, vibrant energy for social gatherings and short tracks for quick enjoyment.

How many songs are on The New Don Ellis Band Goes Underground?

The New Don Ellis Band Goes Underground has 12 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

The New Don Ellis Band Goes Underground

Don Ellis · 1969

42 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz and big band sounds, blending experimental arrangements with infectious grooves and brass-driven melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Love for Rent — This track captures the essence of Ellis's innovative style, combining complex time signatures with catchy melodies that made it accessible yet sophisticated.
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Bulgarian Bulge — Showcasing Ellis's interest in world music influences, this track features intricate rhythms and bold brass arrangements that highlight the band's technical prowess.
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Eli's Comin' — A standout cover featuring lush orchestration and emotional depth, this track emphasizes Ellis's ability to reinterpret popular songs through a jazz lens.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

adventurous arrangements with surprises
vibrant energy for social gatherings
short tracks for quick enjoyment
playful experimentation throughout album

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward, predictable sounds
seek long, cohesive listening experiences

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in January 1969, this album marked a significant moment in Don Ellis's career as it showcased his innovative approach to big band music following his 1967 breakthrough album, 'Electric Bath'. At this point, Ellis was establishing himself as a forward-thinking composer and bandleader, incorporating unconventional rhythms and electrified instrumentation into the jazz landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: George Russell· Thad Jones· Buddy Rich

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Love for Rent

The chorus shifts from a light-hearted appeal to a more introspective tone, revealing deeper emotional layers.

This transition not only adds complexity to the song but also reflects the interplay between personal longing and communal connection.

Tracklist

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

1 House in the Country 2:46
2 Don't Leave Me 3:35
3 Higher 3:15
4 Bulgarian Bulge 3:00
5 Eli's Comin' 4:06
6 Acoustical Lass 2:25
7 Good Feelin' 6:12
8 Send My Baby Back 3:00
9 Love for Rent 4:03
10 It's Your Thing 2:52
11 Ferris Wheel 3:44
12 Black Baby 3:32

What to play next

Listen next

Don Ellis at Fillmore

1970

Go back to

Shock Treatment

1968

Full Don Ellis discography Artists like Don Ellis

big band music jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata