Elevations is one of the very rare albums on which bassist
Lisle Ellis assumes leadership. It was recorded in a San Francisco studio in June 1993. At the core of the instrumentation is
Ellis' quartet, which includes
Christopher Cauley and
Joe McPhee on saxophones and
Donald Robinson on drums (this quartet is featured on the two free improvisations of the album, "Arc" and "Reach"). James Ruthier (electric guitar) and saxophonists
Glenn Spearman and
Larry Ochs guest on many tracks, augmenting the group to a septet for "Life Cycle," "P.B.'s Parable," and a spirited take on
Albert Ayler's "Mothers." This line of fine blowers makes up for
Ellis' average compositional skills. His pieces fall into the free jazz realm, going beyond the simple head-solo-head form, but still very anchored in the 1960s tradition. His playing has been mixed up front, something unusual for any jazz album, especially since it is not stellar; those who have some problems with his sloppy playing will find the introduction to "Ground" quite difficult to listen to. If originality is not the key on
Elevations, at least the heart and the energy are there. The best moment happens in "Re: Call," when the bassist brings the piece down to a murmur -- very well executed. This album is more accessible and listener-friendly than most of the material he has recorded as
Paul Plimley's sideman. ~ François Couture