Soaring is an album by trumpeter Don Ellis recorded in 1973 and released on the MPS label. The album features Hank Levy's composition which provided the title for, and was featured in, the 2014 film Whiplash.
Reception
Scott Yanow of Allmusic called it an "underrated set ...well worth searching for". On Jazz History Online, Michael Verity observed "By 1973, when he recorded Soaring, a 10-cut musical haiku, all of his interests were converging into a style that was bold, intensely rhythmic and perfectly calibrated sound for the big screen. (It should be no surprise he was scoring The French Connection at same time he was working on this project)."
Track listing
All compositions by Don Ellis except as indicated
"Whiplash" (Hank Levy) – 4:25
"Sladka Pitka" (Milcho Leviev) – 6:40
"The Devil Made Me Write This Piece" – 6:00
"Go Back Home" (Sam Falzone) – 3:15
"Invincible" – 6:43
"Image of Maria" – 3:03
"Sidonie" (Alexej Fried) – 6:37
"Nicole" – 5:29
Personnel
Don Ellis – trumpet, flugelhorn, drums, arranger
Fred Selden – alto saxophone, flute, soprano saxophone, piccolo, alto flute
Vince Denham – alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute, piccolo Sam Falzone – tenor saxophone, clarinet, flute, arranger Gary Herbig – baritone saxophone, soprano saxophone, clarinet, flute, oboe Jack Caudill, Bruce Mackay, Gil Rathel – trumpet, flugelhorn Sidney Muldrow – French horn Mike Jamieson – trombone Ken Sawhill – bass trombone Doug Bixby – tuba Jay Graydon – guitar, bag Milcho Leviev – piano, electric piano, organ, clavinet, arranger Dave McDaniel – bass Ralph Humphrey – drums Ron Dunn – drums, percussion Lee Pastora – congas Earle Corry, Joel Quivey – electric violin Renita Koven – electric viola Pat Kudzia – electric cello Alexej Fried, Hank Levy – arranger