Artist: Don Ellis Orchestra Album: Electric Bath

Year: 1967
Duration: 50:56

A Critical Review of Don Ellis Orchestra's Electric Bath Album

The 1960s was undeniably an exciting period for jazz, particularly for the big band era. Among the notable artists during this time was the Don Ellis Orchestra, one of the most innovative and forward-thinking jazz ensembles. The band's Electric Bath album, released in 1967, is one of their most influential records and a classic of the jazz-fusion genre. In this critical review, we'll break down the album's history, genre, the best songs, its innovation, and our personal critique of it.

Firstly, the Don Ellis Orchestra was a big band ensemble led by trumpeter, drummer, and composer Don Ellis. They were known for their unusual time signatures, electronic sounds, and non-traditional approach to orchestration. Electric Bath album was the band's fourth release and marked its entry into the electric jazz genre, which was a relatively new and experimental style during that time.

The album has seven tracks and features the band's signature sound, featuring jazz elements with rock, funk, and world music flavors. The songs are varied in terms of instrumentation and musical themes. The album's opener, Indian Lady, has a strong tribal feel, while Love Poem for Donna is a classical-styled piece with a beautiful trumpet melody backed by lush strings.

One of the most innovative parts of Electric Bath is its use of electronic effects. The album was recorded at Columbia Studios in Hollywood, which provided advanced technical equipment such as a ring modulator, octopus, and echoplex. This technical advantage allowed the band to explore various soundscapes, and manipulate instruments in unprecedented ways, exemplified by the track Blues in Elf.

The best song from the album is undoubtedly the 17-minute-long Turkish Bath. This epic song is a tour de force in terms of musicianship, featuring rapid-fire solos from a variety of instruments, culminating in an impressive drum solo from Don Ellis himself. Turkish Bath showcases the band's ability to balance complex arrangements with improvisation, and its unique sound.

In terms of critique, the album can feel overwhelming at times; it has a frenetic pace and numerous instrumental parts that can make it taxing to follow. Also, the tracks can be too lengthy, and some songs could have been edited or arranged differently to allow the listener to breathe between parts.

Electric Bath is a groundbreaking album that stands out as an essential jazz-fusion record. Don Ellis Orchestra successfully merged different rhythms, sounds, composition styles and features some remarkable moments of musicianship. Although its structure can be arduous at times, it's impossible to deny the benchmark it set for future jazz experimentation. We recommend you dive into Electric Bath with an open mind and ears, and experience the genius of Don Ellis Orchestra.

Electric Bath is a groundbreaking album that stands out as an essential jazz-fusion record. Don Ellis Orchestra successfully merged different rhythms, sounds, composition styles and features some remarkable moments of musicianship. Although its structure can be arduous at times, it's impossible to deny the benchmark it set for future jazz experimentation. We recommend you dive into Electric Bath with an open mind and ears, and experience the genius of Don Ellis Orchestra.