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.
This limited edition 180g pressing of the original soundtrack is presented in a deluxe gatefold tip-on jacket with English translation of the original liner notes, and iconic session photo of Miles and Jeanne Moreau (taken by the film’s stills photographer Vincent Rossell). 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
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
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
Shipping
We ship to customers in the US and most international countries including in Europe, Asia and Latin America.
Most international orders are delivered duties paid with no additional taxes or custom charges to pay on delivery - please see details for your country at check-out. We aim to dispatch your order within 2-3 business days for in-stock items.
Shipping costs are calculated for each order at check-out and vary based on size and weight of the package and final destination country. Expected delivery times and typical costs for some of our most popular package sizes to USA and Europe: