First released in 1958 by Fontana in Europe and Columbia in America, never had a soundtrack contributed as much to the fame of a film. The contradictory accounts of Miles Davis’ creation of the soundtrack have all become part of its legend. Rarely has a soundtrack been so decisive. Close to seven decades on, beyond the myth, this taut, feverish recording, imbued with extreme dramatic tension, remains one of the most iconic soundtracks in our catalogue — and one of the only jazz soundtracks which was entirely improvised.
Remastered from the original analogue tapes and cut at Abbey Road Studios, this limited edition 10-inch 3LP set, comprising both the original soundtrack and the complete session takes, is presented in a 3-panel gatefold with iconic photo of Miles Davis by Jean-Pierre Leloir. Also included is Franck Bergerot’s essay A Present from Miles Davis to Louis Malle that goes beyond the legend of Ascenseur and reconstitutes the circumstances that led to this out-of-the ordinary music.
Tracklist
LP1
Side A
Générique
L’Assassinat de Carala
Sur l’autoroute
Julien dans l’ascenseur
Florence sur les Champs-Élysées
Side B
Dîner au motel
Évasion de Julien
Visite du Vigile
Au bar du Petit Bac
Chez le photographe du motel
LP2
Side A
Nuit sur les Champs-Elysées – take 1
Nuit sur les Champs-Elysées – take 2
Nuit sur les Champs-Elysées – take 3 (Générique)
Nuit sur les Champs-Elysées – take 4 (Florence sur les Champs-Elysées)
Side B
Assassinat – take 1 (Visite du vigile)
Assassinat – take 2 (Julien dans l’ascenseur)
Assassinat – take 3 (L’Assassinat de Carala)
Motel (Dîner au motel)5. Final – take 1
LP3
Side A
Final – take 2
Final – take 3 (Chez le photographe du motel)
L’Interrogatoire de Julien
Side B
Ascenseur (Evasion de Julien)
Petit Bac – take 1
Petit Bac – take 2 (Au Bar du Petit Bac)
Voiture – take 1
Voiture – take 2 (Sur l’autoroute)
Credits
Music composed by Miles Davis
Recorded at Le Poste Parisien - December 4/5 1957
Miles Davis, trumpet; Barney Wilen, tenor-sax; René Urtreger, piano;
Pierre Michelot, bass; Kenny Clarke, drums
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