Artist: Don Ellis Album: Connection

Year: 1972
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of the Album Connection by Don Ellis

Don Ellis is a name that may not be familiar to everyone, but for those with a strong appreciation for jazz, he is a legend. His album Connection is one of his most praised works, but is it deserving of the accolades? In this critical review, we will take a deep dive into the album, exploring the artist's history, the music genre, the best songs, and the most innovative parts, while also offering our own critique of the work.

Don Ellis was a trumpeter and composer of jazz music that made a significant contribution to the genre in the 60s and 70s. He died at an early age of 44, but his genius lived on in many works that he left behind. Connection is one such work that was released posthumously in 1995. It is a collection of previously unreleased music, which makes this album even more special for his fans and lovers of jazz music.

The genre of the album is jazz fusion, which combines elements of jazz, rock, and funk. Don Ellis's music was always characterized by its bold and adventurous spirit, and Connection is no different. The album features complex rhythms, time signature changes, and intricate melodies that are perfectly executed by all the musicians involved. Ellis pushed the boundaries of jazz, incorporating elements that were not typical of the genre at the time. His music was inventive and daring, which inspired many other musicians in the jazz fusion movement.

The album's standout song is Connection, which is also the album's title track. It showcases Ellis's virtuosity on the trumpet, and his skill in composing music that is both complex and accessible to the listener. The track starts with a funky bass line and introduces a catchy melody that is played by the trumpet. The song is also notable for the extended solos by the saxophones and keyboard. Another notable track is Inspiration, which features a beautiful and emotive trumpet solo by Ellis. The song starts slowly and builds to a fiery climax, capturing the listener's attention throughout.

The most innovative part of the album is the way Ellis blends different genres of music together. He incorporates elements of rock and funk, which was not typical of jazz music at the time. He also experiments with different time signatures, which creates a sense of unpredictability in his music. Connection is a testament to Ellis's originality and willingness to try new things, which is what made him such an influential figure in the jazz world.

In terms of critique, Connection is an excellent album that showcases Ellis's talents as a musician and composer. However, some of the songs on the album can come across as disjointed and lacking in cohesion. This is not a significant flaw, but it does take away from the listening experience at times. Additionally, the production quality of the album is not up to par with modern standards, which might be off-putting to some listeners.

In conclusion, Connection is a fantastic album that showcases Don Ellis's talents as a musician and composer. It is an innovative piece of work that pushed the boundaries of jazz music. The album's standout tracks, Connection and Inspiration, are incredible works of art that capture Ellis's genius and originality. The album is not without its flaws, but they are minor compared to the overall quality of the work. If you are a fan of jazz music or are just looking for something groundbreaking and experimental, Connection is an album that deserves your attention. It may not be perfect, but it is an essential piece of jazz history that should not be overlooked.