Don Ellis Live at Montreux

Reception

Scott Yanow of Allmusic said "Don Ellis' final record as a leader (he died from a bad heart in December 1978) is a worthwhile effort. Ellis' large orchestra (four reeds, eight brass, one keyboard, two bassists, two drummers, two percussionists and a string quartet) performs six of the leader's originals and, although none of the songs are all that memorable, there are many fine solos". On All About Jazz, Jim Santella observed "this album from the Don Ellis library contains all the rhythmic and polyphonic excitement that you’d expect from such a pioneer in modern big band jazz. ...the album has a significant place in the history of jazz. Ellis influenced many. His legacy continues to inspire"

Track listing

All compositions by Don Ellis

1. "Open Wide" - 9:40
2. "Loneliness" - 5:54
3. "Future Feature" - 7:18
4. "Go No Go" - 5:10
5. "Sporting Dance" - 8:45
6. "Niner Two" - 11:59
7. "Lyra" - 8.32 Bonus track on CD reissue
8. "Eros" - 5:39 Bonus track on CD reissue
9. "Arturus" - 10:49 Bonus track on CD reissue

Personnel