TWO REISSUES ON THE WOUNDED BIRD LABEL
TEARS OF JOY (DBL): DON ELLIS/CONNECTION
Don Ellis never quite received the credit he deserved. If you visit my Don Ellis tribute site by clicking HERE , you may agree that I have a point. You could be one of the many who have been salivating at the possibility of the reissue of the classic album TEARS OF JOY, I know many have been trying to find someone with the authority to plunder the archives before this superb album is lost forever . The CONNECTION CD is not quite so well known to the public. So in case there is someone from another planet, the production capitalizes on the success of the the superb FRENCH CONNECTION film. Don provided some of the most atmospheric and appropriate music backgrounds ever. Strange to relate but I recall that when these albums were released, you had to be a seasoned collector to root out a supplier. You had little help from the media as very little air time was devoted to playing his music and of course, the Internet had yet to be conceived. Thousands like myself found the music refreshing, exciting and enjoyed the original approach to swing, rock or latin music that he explored. Those that bothered to play his music found themselves hooked, and spent a lot of time and energy seeking out past albums and encouraging new recordings.
Don passed away before he was able to complete his final project. He discussed with Hank Levey the problems he anticipated in recording a direct to disc album; uncertain that the band could sustain it's performance standard for a whole side of an LP. Older fans may recall that these albums were recorded in one take because of the technology; no editing; no stopping between tracks!
Don's band configuration changed several times over the years. This particular group included an amplified string section! If you ever harbored any thought that strings could not swing, this may change your mind
Don's iconoclastic approach to big bands, confused many reviewers, challenged the bravery of a significant number of broadcasters, certainly here in the UK. They could not quite come to terms with the departure from the regular conventions of jazz music being in 4/4 or 3/4. Over a period of time Don wrote most of his music in more exotic time signatures, 5/4, 7/4, 9/4 and so on. Those who bought his albums, like myself, enjoyed the thrilling and extremely accessible music and tried valiantly to get the music heard. I consider myself fortunate to have seen the band live several times and witnessed his clinics. If you not have these recordings you may be missing a significant thrill. If you have the albums, you now hear them without the surface noise which inevitably appears after a time.
Fans know they are in for treat with these reissues, others will no doubt find themselves seeking out those albums that have already found their way onto CD and join the legions of fans who are trying to MUSIC FROM STAR WARS AND OTHER GALAXIES, SOARING and HAIKU reissued.
Thank you WOUNDED BIRD. I will have stock in the UK very soon, hopefully before Xmas 2004.