Rear sleeve notes:
Recorded December 4/5,1957 at the Poste Parisien in Paris.
"Ascenseur pour l'échafaud" in this LP edition by Ermitage presents one of the most atmospheric and influential jazz soundtracks ever recorded by Miles Davis. Captured in Paris in 1957 for Louis Malle's film of the same name, the music is built around sparse trumpet lines, haunting modal harmonies and a nocturnal, almost noir-like mood that anticipates Davis's later work on "Kind of Blue". This pressing offers a focused selection of the original soundtrack sessions, presenting a cohesive listening experience that works both as film music and as a standalone jazz statement. The soundscape is intimate and spacious, with Davis's trumpet seeming to emerge directly from the shadows of late-night Paris streets, supported by a tasteful French rhythm section. Listeners who appreciate cool jazz, modal explorations and cinematic moods will find this LP a timeless, immersive experience that rewards both attentive listening and relaxed, late-evening playback.
Miles Davis, one of the most influential figures in jazz history, shaped the genre across multiple eras, from bebop and cool jazz to modal jazz and fusion. Over the course of his career, he recorded landmark albums such as "Birth of the Cool", "Kind of Blue", "Sketches of Spain", "In a Silent Way" and "Bitches Brew", each of which redefined what jazz could be. Renowned for his lyrical yet economical trumpet style and his talent for assembling visionary ensembles, Davis constantly reinvented his sound while remaining unmistakably himself. "Ascenseur pour l'échafaud" stands at a key point in his artistic trajectory, catching him on the cusp of his modal period and demonstrating his unique ability to create atmosphere and emotion with minimal musical material.
Ermitage is known as a specialist label for high-quality reissues and carefully curated catalog titles, with particular attention to important recordings from jazz and related genres. Their editions often focus on preserving the character of the original sessions while offering a well-presented, collector-friendly product. With this LP version of "Ascenseur pour l'échafaud", Ermitage places a spotlight on an essential chapter of Miles Davis's career and on one of the most evocative encounters between jazz and cinema, making it accessible once again to vinyl enthusiasts and new listeners alike.
Modern
32.362
- AcidJazz/DanceJazz 107- Avantgarde/Free 983- Bebop 109- Bossa Nova 340- Cool 75- Hard Bop 155- Jazz Rock/Fusion 748- Latin Jazz 998- Other Modern Jazz 27.382- PopJazz/SmoothJazz 795- World-&Ethno-Ja. 447
