“Every page of that particular manuscript [Reminiscing in Tempo] was dotted with smears and unshapely marks caused by tears that had fallen. I would sit and gaze into space, pat my foot, and say to myself, “Now, Edward, you know she would not want you to disintegrate, to collapse into the past, into your loss, into lengthy negation or destruction. She did not spend all the first part of your life preparing you for this negative attitude.” I believed I could hear the words, her words, and slowly – but never completely – I really did straighten up.”

 – Duke Ellington – Music Is My Mistress

Daisy Kennedy Ellington (1879-1935), Duke Ellington’s mother

Advertisement for Reminiscing In Tempo

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Reminiscing in Tempo (CD: “Reminiscing In Tempo” Columbia Legacy CK 48654)

Recorded 12 September 1935, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Juan Tizol, Joseph “Tricky Sam” Nanton – trombone; Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Barney Bigard, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Hayes Alvis, Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Reminiscing in Tempo (CD: “The Great Concerts. Cornell University, 1948” Nimbus Records NI 2727/28)

Recorded 10 December 1948, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

Shelton Hemphill, Francis Williams, Harold “Shorty” Baker, Ray Nance, Al Killian – trumpets; Lawrence Brown, Quentin Jackson, Tyree Glenn – trombones; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Jimmy Hamilton, Ben Webster, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Wendell Marshall – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

— Our closing music—-

It’s Something You Ought To Know (Paul Gonsalves – “Ellingtonia Moods and Blues,” RCA Victor / RCA63562)

Recorded 29 February 1960, New York City

Paul Gonsalves- tenor sax; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Ray Nance – cornet; Mitchell “Booty” Wood – trombone; Jimmy Jones – piano; Al Hall – bass; Oliver Jackson – drums.