Album: Soaring

Introduction
"Soaring" is a 1973 album by the American jazz trumpeter and bandleader, Don Ellis. Ellis was known for his innovative method to jazz music, using non-traditional time signatures and incorporating elements from Indian classical music and other world music genres. "Soaring" was released on the MPS label, a German record business understood for its extensive brochure of jazz recordings. The album features nine structures, consisting of both initial tunes composed by Ellis and atrioventricular bundle members, along with the covers of pop music. The Don Ellis Orchestra on this recording consists of talented musicians, consisting of Fred Selden on alto saxophone, Vince Denham on tenor saxophone, Sam Falzone on baritone saxophone, Ralph Humphrey and Ron Dunn on drums, and Doug Bixby on tuba, among others.

Musical Style and Innovations
Throughout "Soaring", Ellis and his ensemble check out a varied range of musical styles, from bebop and swing to speculative avant-garde pieces. One element that sets the album apart is making use of odd meters; time signatures that are unbalanced, implying they have an uneven variety of beats per procedure. For example, "Whiplash", the opening track, is played in 7/4 time, producing an extremely syncopated sound that defies the expectations of standard jazz rhythms.

Another development discovered on "Soaring" is Ellis' usage of electronic impacts, particularly with his trumpet. His customized, four-valve instrument enables him to produce quarter-tones (interval pitches in between the standard semitones), which he uses to create a special sound that adds an Eastern flavor to pieces such as "Milky Way" and "The Devil Made Me Write This Piece".

Track Highlights
1. "Whiplash": This energetic opener sets the tone for the album, with its quick tempo, odd meter, and alternating solos from the different band members. Ellis' trumpet cuts through the mix, showcasing his ability and ingenious strategy.

2. "Sladka Pitka": Written by pianist Milcho Leviev, this track features a lavish, melodic arrangement with Eastern European impacts. The beautiful interplay between the brass and woodwind sections develops an abundant tapestry of noise.

3. "The Devil Made Me Write This Piece": This experimental track begins with a haunting, atmospheric intro before introducing into a dissonant, chaotic, and rhythmically complicated piece that showcases the band's technique and bold creativity.

4. "Go Back Home": A more conventional jazz number, "Go Back Home" explores the swing style, with effective horn areas and an infectious groove.

5. "Invincible": Another piece composed by Leviev, "Invincible" is an up-tempo track that features detailed horn arrangements and an electrifying trumpet solo from Ellis.

6. "Image of Maria": A cover of a song initially recorded by the Brazilian artist Antonio Carlos Jobim, this lovely ballad highlights the romantic side of the Don Ellis Orchestra, with soft, intricate consistencies and fragile solos.

Tradition and Influence
Don Ellis was a trendsetter in the world of jazz, and "Soaring" serves as a testament to his forward-thinking method to music. His use of non-traditional meters, electronic impacts, and cross-cultural influences pushed the borders of what was considered possible in jazz at the time. Regrettably, Ellis passed away in 1978, however his pioneering spirit and innovative work survive on through the artists he influenced and the recordings he left, consisting of the groundbreaking album "Soaring".