Album: How Time Passes

Introduction
"How Time Passes" is a jazz album launched in 2007 by the late American trumpeter and composer Don Ellis. Initially taped and launched in 1960, the album features Ellis, Jaki Byard (piano), Ron Carter (bass), and Charlie Persip (drums), together with the distinct sound of the Ellis's trumpet. This innovative work is notable for combining elements of classical and progressive music with jazz, showcasing the artist's distinct compositional design and exceptional musicianship.

Background and Recording
Don Ellis was a highly prominent and ingenious figure in the world of jazz throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Born in Los Angeles, California, in 1934, Ellis participated in Boston University and later on studied at the Lenox School of Jazz under the instructions of Gunther Schuller. He was inspired by the music of the fantastic jazz artists, such as Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, and Billie Holiday, but also by the works of Stravinsky, Schoenberg, and Webern. "How Time Passes" is an outstanding example of the artist checking out new ways to integrate elements of jazz and symphonic music in a fresh and special design.

The recording sessions for "How Time Passes" took place in New York City in October 1960 at Nola Studios. The album was produced by Orrin Keepnews and released by Candid Records. This initial release of the album was not extremely successful, but it ended up being more renowned when reissued in 2007.

Composition and Style
"How Time Passes" demonstrates Ellis's fascination with the way time is perceived in music and his belief that conventional principles of rhythm, particularly in jazz, could be expanded upon and redefined. The tracks on the album constantly push the borders of what was thought about conventional jazz at the time, mixing together avant-garde, classical, and standard jazz influences.

The structures on the album are complex, with intricate harmonic and melodic structures, and use unusual time signatures, polyrhythm, and polymeter. However, regardless of this intricacy, the music never ever loses its sense of swing and the musicians keep a tight, cohesive sound.

Noteworthy Tracks
There are 6 tracks in total on "How Time Passes". Some of the highlights include:

1. "How Time Passes" - The title track is a perfect example of Ellis's exploration of time understanding in music. The track begins with a classical-style piano intro, prior to the trumpet goes into with a much faster pace, producing a sense of seriousness. The piece continues to construct, with increasing layers of complexity and interaction between the musicians.

2. "Sallie" - A more laid-back, bluesy number, "Sallie" showcases Ellis's more traditional jazz sensibilities. The track features a warm and soulful trumpet tune, supported by Byard's delicate piano work and Carter's smooth bass.

3. "A Simplex One" - This track is a great example of how Ellis uses polyrhythm and polymeter to challenge standard jazz rhythms. The piece is based on a 7-beat ostinato pattern, producing a tension-filled environment that is accentuated by Ellis's piercing trumpet lines.

Legacy and Influence
Although "How Time Passes" was not a commercial success upon its preliminary release, it has actually acquired more acknowledgment for many years and is now regarded as an extremely innovative and influential album within allure canon. Don Ellis would continue to push the limits of jazz and explore time and rhythm throughout his profession, going on to lead his own big band and compose the critically well-known soundtrack for the movie "The French Connection". The album acts as an excellent starting point for those interested in checking out the artist's comprehensive body of work, showcasing the depth of his skill and his exceptional contribution to jazz.