Bley/Mantler - Escalator Over The Hill

[felser]

Finally picked this up and listened to it after 45 years.  What a splended mess.  Music is all over the place, from German drinking songs to Gato Barbieri freakouts to Jack Bruce progressive musings.  In fact there's probably THE classic Jack Bruce album contained in there.  The last track is really strange, 27 minutes long, mainly sounds like an extended one-note fade.  Will definitely be relistening, but definitely skipping some tracks and using repeat on others.  Other thoughts on this thing?

[B. Clugston]

3 minutes ago, felser said:

The last track is really strange, 27 minutes long, mainly sounds like an extended one-note fade.  Will definitely be relistening, but definitely skipping some tracks and using repeat on others.  Other thoughts on this thing?

I believe the last track was under 10 minutes on the original but ended in a locked groove, so it went on forever. Some of the CD versions try to replicate this. I've never really dwelled much on this record, but it's delightfully bonkers!

[sidewinder]

‘Rawalpindi Blues’ I recall as one of the highlights.

Have the LP version and will dig it out.

[felser]

12 minutes ago, B. Clugston said:

I believe the last track was under 10 minutes on the original but ended in a locked groove, so it went on forever. Some of the CD versions try to replicate this. 

Yes, that is the point where it goes into the lock, around 9 minutes in.  "Delightfully bonkers" is a good description.  Everyone from Don Cherry to Linda Ronstadt show up.

[B. Clugston]

Here's a fascinating look at the making of, written by Carla Bley: https://ethaniverson.com/accomplishing-escalator-over-the-hill-by-carla-bley/

[RogerF]

Bonkers or not it's one of my top ten favourite albums - something for everyone

[BFrank]

1 hour ago, felser said:

Finally picked this up and listened to it after 45 years.  What a splended mess.  Music is all over the place, from German drinking songs to Gato Barbieri freakouts to Jack Bruce progressive musings.  In fact there's probably THE classic Jack Bruce album contained in there.  The last track is really strange, 27 minutes long, mainly sounds like an extended one-note fade.  Will definitely be relistening, but definitely skipping some tracks and using repeat on others.  Other thoughts on this thing?

That's a coincidence! I'm expecting it to be delivered today. 

It's ALWAYS been on my "to get" list, but somehow I never got it. Can't wait!

[OliverM]

Also highly recommend the following album, Tropic Appetites, which bears many similarities and yet might be easier and arguably stronger.

[felser]

1 hour ago, OliverM said:

Also highly recommend the following album, Tropic Appetites, which bears many similarities and yet might be easier and arguably stronger.

If I ever see an affordable CD on that one, I'll pick it up, thanks.

[medjuck]

4 hours ago, felser said:

Yes, that is the point where it goes into the lock, around 9 minutes in.  "Delightfully bonkers" is a good description.  Everyone from Don Cherry to Linda Ronstadt show up.

And don't forget Michael Snow. 

[OliverM]

12 hours ago, felser said:

If I ever see an affordable CD on that one, I'll pick it up, thanks.

I didn't realize it was rare as a CD. ECM should consider re-releasing it.

[sidewinder]

There seem to be plenty of affordable CD versions on discogs.

Just checked my shelves and it turns out I have the CD box version as well as the LP box.

[Simon Weil]

My view has been marred by the buzz (3LP Box Set!), which made it out to be A Profound Work. I gave up trying to find the profundity in it and just saw it as a hotch-potch, some of which I liked and most of which I wasn't sure about. And, at that point, I gave up, period.

[felser]

7 hours ago, sidewinder said:

There seem to be plenty of affordable CD versions on discogs.

Just checked my shelves and it turns out I have the CD box version as well as the LP box.

Cheapest one I see  is $67.95 + shipping.  Please PM me link to what you see, thanks.  Plenty of cheap vinyl versions.

[sidewinder]

Listening to this one again on a very warm early morning, Don Cherry’s desert band of musicians is entirely appropriate.

Totally bonkers, yes.

[JohnS]

Good in parts.  Cherry is the highlight for me.

[sidewinder]

I’m finding that Linda Ronstadt’s singing on this impresses. Unexpected !

Roswell Rudd and Gato also standouts. As is Don Cherry (fleeting but brilliant).

CD1 more stately and in the style of Bley’s 1970s JCOAs/ECMs. Echoes on Mingus at times.

CD2 more abstract with freakouts. Jack Bruce more prominent.

Edited June 29, 2018 by sidewinder

[felser]

10 hours ago, felser said:

Cheapest one I see  is $67.95 + shipping.  Please PM me link to what you see, thanks.  Plenty of cheap vinyl versions.

Just to clarify. I'm referring to "Tropic Appetites" on CD on the prices, not "Escalator".

[Rabshakeh]

It's now 50 years and a day old (missed the anniversary).

Not an album I ever fell in love with (to my ears its a prog / art rock mess with jazz edges), but I'm very aware of its stature. Many out there consider it to be the Greatest Jazz Album Of All Time. 

[mjazzg]

31 minutes ago, Rabshakeh said:

a prog / art rock mess with jazz edges

I couldn't agree more. The only work of Carla Bley's I can't warm to.  I'd be interested to see the age demographic of those that think of it so highly. 

To my ears it's in the style of those Rock albums that justified Punk 

[jlhoots]

I sold my vinyl set back in the day for big $$.

[Rooster_Ties]

About 3 years ago, I got Carla to sign my CD copy that I’d had since the early 90’s when I was still in college — one of the first 50-75 jazz CD’s I ever owned.

And I’ll be damned if I can remember where or why I got it — but probably my uncle turned me onto it, I’m guessing.

I’ve got the CD set in the fatboy jewel box with like a 30-page booklet inside (cd booklet size).

I really loved EOTH in college, but not instantly. But over a year’s time it wormed itself info my brain, not unlike Pierrot Lunaire around that same time (circa 1991, my senior year, and the two years after while I stayed in college getting a second degree).

I don’t listen to it but about 2-3x per decade these days, but it definitely brings back fond memories.

Edited March 2, 2022 by Rooster_Ties

[Pim]

Great band but never liked this project. It really has a soundtrack kind of feeling with lots of short takes. I just can’t really get into it. Also dislike the vocals and all the bombast. Lots of talents to be heard but not my cup of tea.

I do like the Jazz Composers Orchestra 60’s recordings though. Love Hadens LIberation Music Orchestra. But this one… not really 

2 hours ago, mjazzg said:

I couldn't agree more. The only work of Carla Bley's I can't warm to.  I'd be interested to see the age demographic of those that think of it so highly. 

To my ears it's in the style of those Rock albums that justified Punk 

Our taste being so similar starting to scare me

[mjazzg]

14 minutes ago, Pim said:

Great band but never liked this project. It really has a soundtrack kind of feeling with lots of short takes. I just can’t really get into it. Also dislike the vocals and all the bombast. Lots of talents to be heard but not my cup of tea.

I do like the Jazz Composers Orchestra 60’s recordings though. Love Hadens LIberation Music Orchestra. But this one… not really 

Our taste being so similar starting to scare me

[JSngry]

The ambition and skill sets needed - and used -  to both create the music and then get it recorded is still mind-boggling. Fullest props to her for that in and of itself.