Artist: Don Ellis Album: How Time Passes

Year: 2007
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of Don Ellis' How Time Passes Album

Don Ellis was one of jazz music's greatest innovators during his time. His experiments with time signatures and unusual rhythms made him one of the most distinct musicians of his time. In this blog post, we will take an in-depth look at his album How Time Passes and its various components that make it a remarkable piece of jazz. From the history of the jazz musician to the songs on the album, we will explore everything there is to know about Don Ellis.

Don Ellis was a respected jazz musician who gained fame in the late '60s and early '70s. He was a renowned trumpeter, composer, and bandleader. Ellis was known for his unique take on time signatures, which other jazz musicians found difficult to follow. However, his experimental approach to jazz music was well received by those who loved complex rhythms.

How Time Passes was released in 1960, and it remains one of his most significant works. The album was considered a significant departure from his earlier works, which were more rooted in bebop and hard bop jazz. The album is a typical example of the avant-garde jazz genre, which was pushing the limits of jazz music with unusual time signatures, modal scales, and melodic fragments.

One of the album's best songs is Entardecendo Em Saudade, a beautiful ballad that is a perfect showcase for Ellis's lyrical playing. The song has melancholic melodies set over a bossa nova rhythm, with Ellis's trumpet and Tom Scott's tenor saxophone seamlessly blending together. Apart from this song, How Time Passes has several other melodically complex and structurally challenging tracks such as How Time Passes, Turkish Bath, and Quiet Longing.

Perhaps the most innovative aspect of this album is how Ellis integrates non-western influences into his music. Songs like Indian Lady and Turkish Bath are a great example of how Ellis used Eastern-based rhythm structures in his works. There are also elements of avant-garde classical music in tracks like Distractions.

Despite all the innovation in this album, it could be argued that the album has some flaws. Some critics argue that the album is overly complex and lacks cohesion in some places. The album tries to do too much at once, making it challenging to appreciate all its complexities. However, what sets Ellis apart from other jazz musicians is his willingness to take risks and push boundaries. The complexity of the album is a testament to Ellis's creativity and vision.

In conclusion, How Time Passes is Don Ellis at his most adventurous. The album is an excellent showcase of his unique approach to jazz music. It's remarkable to think that the album was recorded over 60 years ago, yet it still sounds fresh and innovative today. The album is not an easy listen, but it rewards the dedicated listener with an incredible musical experience. If you're a fan of jazz music, I highly recommend checking out How Time Passes. It's a classic album that deserves recognition for its contribution to jazz music's evolution.

In conclusion, How Time Passes is Don Ellis at his most adventurous. The album is an excellent showcase of his unique approach to jazz music. It's remarkable to think that the album was recorded over 60 years ago, yet it still sounds fresh and innovative today. The album is not an easy listen, but it rewards the dedicated listener with an incredible musical experience. If you're a fan of jazz music, I highly recommend checking out How Time Passes. It's a classic album that deserves recognition for its contribution to jazz music's evolution.