Essence is an album by trumpeter Don Ellis recorded in 1962 and released on the Pacific Jazz label.

[1][2] Reviewed in the January 3, 1963 issue of Down Beat magazine, jazz critic Richard B. Hadlock said that "Over and over throughout the 44 remarkable minutes of this recording the force of Ellis' extraordinary musicianship makes itself felt.

But this is a brilliant young musician with original ideas to offer..."[3] The Allmusic site awarded the album 4 stars stating "Ellis, who sought during this period to transfer ideas and concepts from modern classical music into adventurous jazz, often experimented with time, tempos and the use of space while still swinging...

"[4] The Penguin Guide to Jazz said "The group is a fine one; even the little-known drummers play with authority and seem equal to Ellis's developing rhythmic obsessions.

...Bley is fascinating and Peacock his usual authoritative self.