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, this limited edition 2-CD, comprising both the original soundtrack and the complete session takes, is presented in a deluxe hardcover book. Included is a 60-page illustrated booklet with photos by the film’s stills photographer Vincent Rossell and Jean-Pierre Leloir, rich film iconography from Cinémathèque Française, and album notes by Franck Bergerot and Ashley Kahn that go beyond the legend of Ascenseur and reconstitutes the circumstances that led to this out-of-the ordinary music.
Tracklist
CD1
Générique
L’Assassinat de Carala
Sur l’autoroute
Julien dans l’ascenseur
Florence sur les Champs-Élysées
Dîner au motel
Évasion de Julien
Visite du Vigile
Au bar du Petit Bac
Chez le photographe du motel
CD2
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)
