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, All Music

PERSONNEL:
Christopher Cauley - (alto saxophone)
Lisle Ellis - (contrebass)
Donald Robinson - (drums)
James Ruthier - (electric guitar)
Larry Ochs - (sopranino saxophone, tenor saxophone)
Joe McPhee - (sopranino saxophone, tenor saxophone, trombone)
Glenn Spearman - (tenor saxophone)

TRACKS:
01. Ground (Take 1)
02. Lacuna
03. Life Circle
04. Reach
05. P.B.'s Parable
06. Arc
07. Mothers
08. RE: Call
09. Ground (Take 2)