Portrait of Mercer Ellington, Part I (Podcast #24-002)

Posted on February 29, 2024 by Ellington Reflections

“At Columbia University’s New College, where I was studying engineering, my instructors constantly inquired whether I had written any songs. I was persuaded to sit down and play several of my compositions for them. Next they demanded why I wasn’t studying music formally. Their insistence convinced me that I ought to take a try.”

Mercer Ellington, Negro Digest, May 1951

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Mercer Kennedy Ellington

Mercer Ellington can be seen briefly as part of one of the dancing couples in this 1941 video

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

small groups

Pigeons and Peppers (CD: “The Complete 1936-1940 Variety, Vocalion and Okeh Small Group Sessions” Mosaic Records #235)

Recorded 7 October 1937, New York City

Cootie Williams – trumpet; Juan Tizol – valve trombone; Barney Bigard – clarinet; Otto Hardwick – alto sax; Harry Carney – baritone sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

The Girl in my Dreams (CD: “The Webster Blanton Band,” Bluebird 74321131812)

Recorded 28 December 1940, Chicago

Wallace Jones, Ray Nance –trumpets; Rex Stewart – cornet; Lawrence Brown, Juan Tizol, Joe “Tricky Sam” Nanton – trombones; Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Ben Webster, Barney Bigard, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Herb Jeffries – vocal.

Blue Serge / John Hardy’s Wife (CD: “The Webster Blanton Band,” Bluebird 74321131812)

Recorded 15 February 1941, Los Angeles

Wallace Jones, Ray Nance –trumpets; Rex Stewart – cornet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol -trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

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Jumpin’ Punkins / Moon Mist (LP: “The Hollywood Bowl Concert” Unique Jazz UJ-001)

Recorded 31 August 1947 Live at the Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles

Shelton Hemphill, Dud Bascomb, Francis Williams, Harold Baker – trumpets; Ray Nance – trumpet, violin; Lawrence Brown, Claude Jones, Tyree Glenn – trombones; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Oscar Pettiford – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Brown Suede (CD: “Duke Ellington, The Centennial Edition” RCA Victor ‎– 09026-63386-2)

Recorded 29 September 1941, Los Angeles

Ray Nance – trumpet; Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard – clarinet; Harry Carney – baritone sax; Billy Strayhorn – piano; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

A Slip of the Lip (CD: “World Broadcasting Series, Volume 1” Circle ‎ CCD-101)

Recorded 9 November 1943, New York City

Wallace Jones, Rex Stewart, Taft Jordan – trumpet; Ray Nance – trumpet, vocal; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Skippy Williams, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Junior Raglin – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

CW Classics 1945-1946

He Should’a flip’d when he flop’d (CD: “Cootie Williams and his Orchestra 1945-1946” Classics 981)

Recorded 29 January 1946, New York City

Cootie Williams, Bob Merrill, Ermit V. Perry, George Treadwell, Billy Ford, Gene Redd – trumpet; Ed Burke, Bob Horton, Edward “Jack Raggs” Johnson – trombone; Rupert Cole, John Jackson– alto sax; Everett Gaines, Sam Taylor – tenor sax; Bob Ashton – baritone sax; Arnold Jarvis – piano; Sam “Christopher” Allen – guitar; Norman Keenan – bass; Butch Ballard – drums, Johnny Mercer – vocal.

— 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged concerts, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, Jazz, Johnny Hodges, Johnny Mercer, Mercer Ellington, music, news, Ray Nance, Sonny Greer | Leave a comment

Portrait of Jimmy Jones (Podcast #24-001)

Posted on January 31, 2024 by Ellington Reflections

“Jimmy Jones is a close member of our musical family. Outside of our original version, he and Toby Hardwick were the first to do “Come Sunday.” I have had many different associations with him, the most notable being when we did My People in Chicago in 1963. I could not be there during the entire run, and he took over many of my responsibilities, played the piano and directed the orchestra. Then, when we were touring with Ella Fitzgerald, he was acting as her pianist, conductor, and orchestrator.”

Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress

Jones

Jimmy Jones

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

(CD: “Jimmy Jones 1946-1947,” Classics 1301)

Old Juice on the Loose/A Woman’s Got a Right to Change her Mind

Recorded 10 January 1946, New York City

Joe Thomas – trumpet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Otto Hardwick – alto sax; Ted Nash – tenor sax; Harry Carney – baritone sax; Jimmy Jones – piano; Billy Taylor – bass; Shelly Manne – drums.

Come Sunday

Recorded 4 March 1947, New York City

Otto Hardwick – alto sax; Jimmy Jones – piano; Al Casey – guitar; Al Hall – bass.

New World A’ Coming

Recorded 4 March 1947, New York City

Jimmy Jones – piano; John Levy – bass; Denzil Best – drums.

New York City Blues/On a Turquoise Cloud/Bakiff

Recorded 1947, New York City

Jimmy Jones – piano

jazz-party

Hello Little Girl (CD: “Jazz Party” Columbia CK-40712)

Recorded 19 February 1959, New York City

Dizzy Gillespie, Cat Anderson, Harold Baker, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Jimmy Jones – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums, Jimmy Rushing – vocal.

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Satin Doll/The Old Circus Train (CD: “The Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington Cote d’Azur Concerts on Verve,” Verve 314 539 033-2 QS01)

Recorded 28 July 1966, Cote d’Azur, France

Ella Fitzgerald – vocal; Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Herbie Jones, Cootie Williams – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington, Jimmy Jones – piano; John Lamb – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums. Jimmy Jones – piano; Joe Comfort – bass; Gus Johnson – drums.

Image result for francis a and edward k album" I Like the Sunrise (CD: “Francis A. & Edward K.” Reprise Records 1024-2)

Recorded 11/12 December 1967, Los Angeles

Frank Sinatra – vocal; Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Jimmy Jones – piano; Jeff Castleman – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Orson (LP: “Ellington is Forever, Volume 2” Fantasy F-79008)

Recorded November/December 1975, Berkeley, California

Jimmy Jones – piano.

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In a Mellotone (LP: “Ellington is Forever, Volume 2” Fantasy F-79008)

Recorded July/August 1976, Berkeley, California

Nat Adderley – cornet; Quentin Jackson – trombone; Gary Bartz – soprano sax; Jimmy Jones – piano; Kenny Burrell – guitar; Monk Montgomery – bass; Philly Joe Jones – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Jones, Johnny Hodges, Lawrence Brown, Otto Hardwicke | Leave a comment

Portrait of Harold “Shorty” Baker (Podcast #23-011)

Posted on December 29, 2023 by Ellington Reflections

“Harold “Shorty” Baker came into the band in 1942 to give us our first trumpet section of four. He joined Ray Nance, Rex Stewart, and Wallace Jones, and with his phenomenal phrasing and tone control he was an immense asset. He ad-libbed hot or blues as though he were recalling some beautiful dreams of St. Louis, his home and birthplace. His way of playing a melody was absolutely personal, and he had no bad notes at all.”

– Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress

Duke Ellington and his Orchestra – El Gato

Harold “Shorty” Baker (1914-1966)

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love with Me (CD: “Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962” Columbia 5176872)

Recorded 10 November 1947 in New York City

Shelton Hemphill, Dud Bascomb, Francis Williams, Harold Baker, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Claude Jones, Tyree Glenn – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Oscar Pettiford – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Before My Time (from The Controversial Suite) (LP: “The Complete Duke Ellington 1947-1952” (French) CBS 66607)

Recorded 11 December 1951, New York City

Willie Cook, Harold Baker, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, Juan Tizol – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Willie Smith, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Wendell Marshall – bass; Louie Bellson – drums.

Stardust (CD: “All Star Road Band” Doctor Jazz WGK 39137)

Recorded 22 June 1957, Carroltown, PA

Willie Cook, Harold “Shorty” Baker, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Mr. Gentle and Mr. Cool/El Gato (CD: “Live at Newport 1958” Sony Music Distribution 53584)
Recorded 21 July 1958, New York City

Cat Anderson, Harold “Shorty” Baker, Clark Terry – trumpets; Ray Nance – trumpet, violin; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombones; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Bill Graham, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Duke Ellington, Harold "Shorty" Baker, Harry Carney, Johnny Hodges, Lawrence Brown, Ray Nance | Leave a comment

Portrait of Wellman Braud (Podcast #23-010)

Posted on December 1, 2023 by Ellington Reflections

“Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and Wellman Braud were like Jelly [Roll Morton]; they’d talk as long as anyone would listen and hung around outside the Band Box. After Braud got written up in Ripley’s “Believe It or Not” column, he was too big for anybody. Ripley said he could pick faster than any bass player. He quit Duke’s band and started one of his own. He got a nice little band together to play a place over in Jersey. He talked so much to the man who owned the place about where to put the tables and how things were in the wrong place, the man told him to get his band together and get the hell outta there. He was always talking himself in by showing the clipping from the column and then he’d talk himself right out again.”

George “Pops” Foster, The Autobiography of a New Orleans Jazzman

Wellman Braud [1891-1966]

Duke Ellington and his Orchestra, 1930

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The Indianapolis Star, 12 January 1935

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

(CD: “Duke Ellington, The Centennial Edition” RCA Victor ‎– 09026-63386-2)

Washington Wabble – Recorded 6 October 1927, New York City

Bubber Miley, Louis Metcalf – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Edgar Sampson, Otto Hardwick – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Black and Tan Fantasy/Blues I Love to Hear – Recorded 26 October 1927, New York City

Bubber Miley, Louis Metcalf – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Edgar Sampson, Otto Hardwick – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Black Beauty/Jubilee Stomp – Recorded 26 March 1928, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Bubber Miley, Louis Metcalf – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard, Otto Hardwick, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Freeze and Melt – Recorded 26 March 1928, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddy Jenkins – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums, chimes.

Old Man Blues – Recorded 20 August 1930, Los Angeles

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddy Jenkins – trumpet; Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

elling_duke_complete1_101b (CD: “The Complete 1933-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosaic Records #248)

Rose Room – Recorded 11 February 1932, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Harlem Speaks – Recorded 15 August 1933, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

small groups

Tough Truckin’ (CD: “The Complete 1936-1940 Variety, Vocalion and Okeh Small Group Sessions” Mosaic Records #235)

Recorded 5 March 1938, New York City

Rex Stewart – cornet; Johnny Hodges – soprano sax; Harry Carney – baritone sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Wellman Braud, Billy Taylor – bass

Portrait of Wellman Braud (CD: “New Orleans Suite” Warner Bros. 7411644)

Recorded 13 May 1970, New York City

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Fred Stone – trumpet; Booty Wood, Julian Priester, Chuck Connors – trumpet; Russell Procope, Norris Turney, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Rufus Jones – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Barney Bigard, Bubber Miley, Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, New Orleans, Otto Hardwicke, Wellman Braud | Leave a comment

Side by Side and Back to Back (Podcast #23-009)

Posted on October 29, 2023 by Ellington Reflections

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

centennial edition

(CD: “Duke Ellington, The Centennial Edition” RCA Victor ‎– 09026-63386-2)

I Can’t Give You Anything But Love (Recorded 30 October 1928 and 10 November 1928, NYC)

Arthur Whetsel, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Irving Mills, Baby Cox – vocal.

When A Black Man’s Blue (Record 21 November 1930 and 10 December 1930, NYC)

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Dick Robertson – vocal (21 November); Bennie Payne – vocal (10 December).

My Old Flame (Recorded 9 May 1934, Los Angeles)

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Ivie Anderson – vocal.

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My Old Flame (LP: “The Works of Duke, Volume 9” French RCA FPM1 7002)

Recorded 24 March 1934, Los Angeles

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Marshal Royal, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Ivie Anderson – vocal.

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Boy Meets Horn (CD: “World Broadcasting Series, Volume 1” Circle CCD-101)

Recorded 8 November 1943, NYC

Wallace Jones, Rex Stewart, Dizzy Gillespie, Taft Jordan – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwick, Skippy Williams, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Wilson Myers – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

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Boy Meets Horn (LP: “West Coast Tour” Jazz Bird Records JAZ-2010)

Recorded 20 June 1951, Birdland, NYC

Nelson Williams, Cat Anderson, Harold Baker, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, Juan Tizol – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Willie Smith, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Wendell Marshall – bass; Louie Bellson – drums.

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Concerto for Cootie (CD: “Roll ‘Em!” Vintage Jazz Classics VJC-1032)

Recorded 14 September 1941 at the Meadowbrook Country Club, Cedar Grove, New Jersey

Benny Goodman – clarinet; Cootie Williams, Jimmy Maxwell, Billy Butterfield – trumpet; Lou McGarity, Cutty Cutshall – trombone; Gene Kinsey, Clint Neagley – alto sax; George Berg, Vido Musso – tenor sax; Chuck Gentry – baritone sax; Mel Powell – piano; Tommy Morganelli – guitar; Marty Blitz –bass; Big Sid Catlett – drums.

Concerto for Cootie (CD: “The Treasury Shows, Vol. 25” Storyville 903 9025)

Recorded 5 May 1944 at the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC

Shelton Hemphill, Rex Stewart, Taft Jordan, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Claude Jones – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Otto Hardwick, Johnny Hodges, Skippy Williams, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Junior Raglin – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Harold "Shorty" Baker, Ivie Anderson, Lawrence Brown, Mae West, Ray Nance, Rex Stewart | Leave a comment

Portrait of Arthur Whetsel (Podcast #23-008)

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Ellington Reflections

“As a trumpet player, [Arthur Whetsel] had a tonal personality that has never really been duplicated. Sweet, but not syrupy, nor schmaltzy, nor surrealistic, it had a superiority of extrasensory dimensions. Both as a soloist and from the point of view of teamwork, he was a fine musician. Everything with him had to be of the best, and he was one of the really good readers.”

Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress

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Arthur Parker Whetsel [1905-1940]

Duke Ellington and his orchestra, with Arthur Whetsel and Fredi Washington, are featured in the 1929 short feature Black and Tan.

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

(CD: “Duke Ellington, The Centennial Edition” RCA Victor ‎– 09026-63386-2)

Black Beauty – Recorded 26 March 1928, New York City

Misty Mornin’ – Recorded 3 May 1929, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

The Dicty Glide/Stevedore Stomp – Recorded 7 March 1929, New York City

Awful Sad – Recorded 2 October 1928, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Bubber Miley – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

early ellington 2 (CD: “Early Ellington: The Original Decca Recordings (The Complete Brunswick and Vocalion Recordings of Duke Ellington, 1926-1931)” Decca GRD-3-640)

Awful Sad – Recorded 2 October 1928, New York City

Mood Indigo – Recorded 17 October 1928, New York City

Arthur Whetsel – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard – clarinet; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

(CD: “The OKeh Ellington” Columbia C2K 46177)

Rocky Mountain Blues – Recorded 14 October 1930

Arthur Whetsel – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard – clarinet; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Arthur Whetsel, Barney Bigard, Duke Ellington, Harry Carney | 1 Comment

Portrait of Norris Turney (Podcast #23-007)

Posted on August 29, 2023 by Ellington Reflections

norris turney

Norris Turney (Photo by Jan Persson)

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Checkered Hat (CD: “Togo Brava Suite” Storyville Records STCD 8323)

Recorded 3 February 1971, New York City

Cootie Williams, Eddie Preston, Harold “Money” Johnson, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Booty Wood, Malcolm Taylor, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope, Norris Turney, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Wild Bill Davis – organ; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

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Checkered Hat (CD: “Duke Ellington in Sweden 1973” Caprice Records CAP 21599)

Recorded 25 October 1973, Malmo, Sweden

Rolf Ericson, Mercer Ellington, Harold “Money” Johnson, Barrie Lee Hall, Johnny Coles – trumpet; Vincente Prudente, Art Baron, Ake Persson – trombone; Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope, Harold Minerve, Harold Ashby, Percy Marion, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Quentin “Rocky” White – drums; Alice Babs – vocal.

Fife (CD: “Uppsala 1971” Storyville Records 101 8482)

Recorded 9 November 1971, Uppsala, Sweden

Cootie Williams, Harold “Money” Johnson, Johnny Coles, Eddie Preston, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Booty Wood, Malcolm Taylor, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope, Norris Turney, Harold Minerve, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

B. P. Blues (CD: “Just a-sittin’ and a-rockin’” Black Lion Records – BLCD760148)

Recorded 28 August 1970, New York City

Ray Nance – cornet; Norris Turney – alto saxophone; Paul Gonsalves – tenor saxophone; Hank Jones – piano; Al Hall – bass; Oliver Jackson – drums.

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Soul Flute (CD: “Togo Brava Suite” Blue Note Records 7243 8 30082)

Recorded 22 October 1971, Bristol, UK

Cootie Williams, Johnny Coles, Harold “Money” Johnson, Eddie Preston, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Booty Wood, Malcolm Taylor, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope, Norris Turney, Harold Minerve, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds ; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

Bourbon Street Jingling Jollies (CD: “Never Before Released Recordings (1965-1972),” Music Masters 5041-2-C)

Recorded 23 July 1970, Milan

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Fred Stone, Nelson Williams – trumpets; Booty Wood, Chuck Connors, Malcolm Taylor – trombones; Russell Procope, Norris Turney, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

Black Swan (CD: “Duke Ellington’s 70th Birthday Concert” Solid State SS 19000)

Recorded 26 November 1969, Manchester, England

Norris Turney – flute; Wild Bill Davis – organ; Duke Ellington – piano; Victor Gaskin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

Hard Way (CD: “The Afro-Eurasian Eclipse” Original Jazz Classics OJCCD 645)

Recorded 17 February 1971, New York City

Cootie Williams, Eddie Preston, Harold “Money” Johnson, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Booty Wood, Malcolm Taylor, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope,

Norris Turney, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Rufus Jones – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Duke Ellington, Jazz, Norris Turney, podcast, Ray Nance, Rufus Jones | Leave a comment

Togo Brava Suite (Podcast #23-006)

Posted on July 29, 2023 by Ellington Reflections

In 1967, the west African nation of Togo released a postage stamp of Duke Ellington. Ellington reciprocated by writing the four movement Togo Brava Suite in 1971, the subject of this month’s episode of Ellington Reflections.

togo stamp

1967 Togo postage stamp celebrating Duke Ellington

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A performance of the Togo Brava Suite performed by the European Broadcasting Union Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Andrew Homzy

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Togo Brava Suite (CD: “Togo Brava Suite” Storyville Records STCD 8323)

Recorded 28 June 1971, New York City

Cootie Williams, Richard Williams, Harold “Money” Johnson, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Booty Wood, Malcolm Taylor, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope, Buddy Pearson, Norris Turney, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

Togo Brava Suite (CD: “Duke Ellington Live at the Whitney” Impulse! IMP 11732)

Recorded 10 April 1972, Whitney Museum, New York City

Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

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Togo Brava Suite (CD: “Togo Brava Suite” Blue Note Records 7243 8 30082)

Recorded 22 October 1971, Bristol, UK

— 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Duke Ellington, Harold Ashby, Jazz, Norris Turney, podcast, Rufus Jones, Togo | Leave a comment

Suite Thursday (Podcast #23-005)

Posted on May 29, 2023 by Ellington Reflections

“Then in 1960 we came up with Suite Thursday for the Monterey Festival that year…we tried to parallel John Steinbeck’s story, “Sweet Thursday,” which was set in Monterey’s Cannery Row.”

Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Misfit Blues/Schwiphti [from “Suite Thursday”] (CD: “The Great Paris Concert” Collectables 7818)

Recorded 1 February 1963 in Paris, France

Cootie Williams, Roy Burrowes, Cat Anderson – trumpet; Ray Nance – violin; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton,; Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Ernie Shepard – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Zweet Zursday/Lay-By [from “Suite Thursday”] (CD: “Duke Ellington in Grona Lund” Storyville 1038330)

Recorded 8 June 1963 in Stockholm, Sweden

Cootie Williams, Eddie Preston, Rolf Ericson – trumpet; Ray Nance – trumpet, violin; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton,; Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Ernie Shepard – bass; Sam Woodyard – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, John Steinbeck, Lawrence Brown, Paris, Ray Nance, Stockholm | Leave a comment

Parisian Birthday Celebration (Podcast #23-004)

Posted on April 29, 2023 by Ellington Reflections

“Over on the Left Bank in Paris, Billy Strayhorn and Aaron Bridgers and their In crowd used to take us to a place called Le Paysan on the Rue de Tournon, where we would have wonderful French soul food. Wine and appetizers would be served, and seated comfortably we would begin on the Pate de lievre (hare), proceed to the Rosette de Lyon (a small peppered sausage), the Pate encroute, Billy’s favorite andouillettes, boudin (a blood sausage), the Omelette Paysan (with potatoes, onion, and a kind of smoked bacon), the Tarte Tatin… on and on until we were stuffed.”

-Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

paris-blues1

Paris Stairs / Wild Man Moore (CD: “Paris Blues” Rykodisc RCD 10713)

For Wild Man Moore: Louis Armstrong – trumpet; others unknown

For Paris Stairs (2/3 May 1961) – Willie Cook, Edward Mullens, Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Louis Blackburn, Murray McEachern, Lawrence Brown, Britt Woodman, Juan Tizol – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Arthur Clark, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Oliver Nelson, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney, Harry Smiles – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Les Spann – guitar, flute; Aaron Bell – bass; Sonny Greer, Dave Jackson, Jimmy Johnson, Philly Joe Jones, Max Roach – drums

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A Midnight in Paris / Under Paris Skies / Comme Ci, Comme Ca / The River Seine (CD: “Midnight in Paris” Sony Music COL4684032)

Recorded 30 January 1962, New York City

Bill Berry, Harold “Shorty” Baker, Cat Anderson, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Leon Cox, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Featuring_Paul_Gonzalves

Paris Blues (CD: “Midnight in Paris” Sony Music COL4684032)

Recorded 1 May 1962, New York City

first time

Wild Man (CD: “First Time” Columbia CK 65571)

Recorded 6 July 1961, New York City

Willie Cook, Edward Mullens, Cat Anderson, Andres Merenguito, Thad Jones, Sonny Cohn, Snooky Young, Lennie Johnson, Ray Nance – trumpet; Louis Blackburn, Lawrence Brown, Juan Tizol, Henry Coker, Quentin Jackson, Benny Powell – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Marshal Royal, Johnny Hodges, Frank Wess, Paul Gonsalves, Frank Foster, Budd Johnson, Harry Carney, Charlie Fowlkes – reeds; Duke Ellington, Count Basie – piano; Freddy Green – guitar; Aaron Bell – bass; Sonny Payne, Sam Woodyard – drums.

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Guitar Amour (CD: “Buenos Aires Blues/11th Hour” Lone Hill Jazz LHJ10373)

Recorded August 15, 1962 New York City

Johnny Hodges – alto sax; with an orchestra conducted and arranged by Oliver Nelson; Ray Nance – violin; Bernie Leighton – piano; George Duvivier – bass; Osie Johnson – drums; others unknown.

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Guitar Amour (CD: “Duke Ellington in the Uncommon Market” Pablo 2308-247

Recorded 7 February 1963, Stockholm, Sweden

Cat Anderson, Cootie Williams, Roy Burrowes – trumpet; Ray Nance – violin; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope; Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Ernie Shepard – bass; Sam Woodyard – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, France, Harry Carney, Johnny Hodges, Lawrence Brown, Paris, Paul Gonsalves, podcast, Ray Nance | Leave a comment

Ellington 2023 – Duke and the Lights (Podcast #23-003)

Posted on March 31, 2023 by Ellington Reflections

ELLINGTON MEETING 2023

Since 1981, Ellington experts from around the world have been meeting every year in order to exchange and share their knowledge about Duke Ellington’s work and life. After the US, England, Canada, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands, La Maison du Duke welcomes for the first time in France the international symposium dedicated to one of the greatest creators of the 20th century.

27/28/29 avril – DUKE AND THE LIGHTS

A red thread articulated around Paris (City of Light regularly visited by the great orchestra of Duke Ellington) and Enlightenment thinkers whose Duke values are surprisingly close. For three days, the meeting offers an XXL program, with conferences, round tables and show cases. The best international experts guide us to the heart of Duke Ellington’s work and values in its relations with France. Program here.

Free access to conferences and showcases by reservation, within the limit of availability. Book your tickets here

SPECIAL EVENINGS

Friday 28 april, 8:15 pmCINEMA & PRESENTATION – Around the film Paris BluesCinéma l’Entrepôt, 7 rue Francis de Pressensé 75014 Paris – Tickets here

Projection of the film Paris Blues by Martin Ritt (music composed by Duke Ellington)
Presentation by Laurent Cugny, with Michele Corcella

Saturday 29 april, 8:30 pmCONCERT – Laurent Mignard DUKE ORCHESTRALe Bal Blomet, 33 Rue Blomet 75015 Paris – Tickets here

The Duke Orchestra led by Laurent Mignard celebrates its 20th anniversary in an historical venue (Le Bal Blomet – former Black Ball of the roaring twenties)
World premiere of the music of Boola, Ellington’s unfinished opera, based on unpublished scores unearthed from the archives of the Smithsonian Institution by Michael Kilpatrick (live comments)
Ellington French Touch, the influence of France in Duke’s work

Sunday 30 april, 3:00 pm and 5:00 pmCONCERT – Duke For Kids, Leila OlivesiSunset Jazz Club, 60 rue des Lombards 75001 Paris – Tickets here

Sunday 30 april, 9:00 pmCONCERT – New release and Jam SessionSunset Jazz Club, 60 rue des Lombards 75001 Paris – Tickets here

Live presentation of the album « Duke and Billy’s New Colors ». Julie Saury, Bruno Rousselet and Fred Couderc, eminent members of the Laurent Mignard Duke Orchestra for 20 years, present an alternative look at the ellingtonian repertoire, full of love and gratitude to the Duke and his partner Billy. Label : Juste une Trace – collection « Ellington Consequences »
Jam Session

Support and information : +33 6 11 78 91 02 – meeting@maisonduduke.com

MEMBERSHIP

The “Maison du Duke” (Duke’s place in Paris) lives for and by its members. In order to share Duke’s values of excellence and humanism, we invite you to join us or renew your membership. In addition to exclusive services on our website, we’ll be delighted to give you access to our Ellington’s unreleased CD collection. Join here …

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, Jazz, Maison du Duke, Paris, podcast | Leave a comment

One More Once… (Podcast #23-002)

Posted on March 1, 2023 by Ellington Reflections

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Drop Me Off in Harlem (CD: “Continuum” Fantasy FANCD 24765)

Recorded 16-17 July 1974, New York City

Mercer Ellington – conductor; Cootie Williams, James “Buddy” Bolden, Harold “Money” Johnson, Barrie Lee Hall, Jr. – trumpet; Art Baron, Vince Prudente, Chuck Connors – trombone; Harold Minerve, James Spaulding, Maurice Simon, Harold Ashby, Harry Carney – reeds; Lloyd Mayers – piano; Larry Ridley – bass; Quentin “Rocky” White – drums.

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Drummer’s Delight (CD:”The Complete 1936-1940 Variety, Vocalion and Okeh Small Group Sessions” Mosaic Records #235)

Recorded 19 January 1938, New York City

Rex Stewart – cornet; Juan Tizol – valve trombone; Barney Bigard – clarinet; Harry Carney – baritone sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Bug In A Rug/Kandylamb/The Mooche (CD: “Classic Capitol Jazz Sessions,” Mosaic MD12-170)

Recorded 24 February 1945. Los Angeles

Taft Jordan – trumpet, Otto Hardwicke – alto sax, Barney Bigard – clarinet, Emanuel “Duke” Brooks – piano; Fred Guy – guitar, Red Callender – bass, Sonny Greer – drums.

Diminuendo In Blue/Crescendo In Blue (LP: “West Coast Tour” Jazz Bird Records JAZ-2010)

Recorded 30 June 1951

Radio Broadcast, Birdland, New York City

Nelson Williams, Cat Anderson, Harold Baker, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, Juan Tizol – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope,Willie Smith(as); Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Wendell Marshall – bass; Louie Bellson – drums.

Cotton Tail (CD: “Cote D’Azur Concerts” Verve 314539033-2)

Recorded 27 July 1966, Juan-les-Pins, France

Ella Fitzgerald – vocal; Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Mercer Ellington, Cootie Williams – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; John Lamb – bass; Sam Woodyard – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Barney Bigard, Duke Ellington, Fred Guy, Harry Carney, Paul Gonsalves, Sonny Greer | Leave a comment

Reminiscing In Tempo (Podcast #23-001)

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Ellington Reflections

“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

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

RIT

Advertisement for Reminiscing In Tempo

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

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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.

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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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Daisy Ellington, Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, Juan Tizol, Ray Nance, Rex Stewart, Sonny Greer | Leave a comment

Cootie plays Duke, Part II (Podcast #22-013)

Posted on December 29, 2022 by Ellington Reflections

Cover shot by Jan Persson

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Concerto for Cootie (CD: Benny Goodman and Sid Catlett “Roll ’em!,” Vintage Jazz Classics VJC-1032)

Recorded 1941

Cootie Williams,

Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me (CD: “The Jubilee Shows – No. 77 and No. 78,” The Jubilee Shows 501 1004)

Recorded 1 May 1944, Hollywood

Ella Fitzgerald – vocal; Cootie Williams, Ermit V. Perry, George Treadwell, Harold “Money” Johnson – trumpet; Ed Burke or George Stevenson, Robert Horton – trombone; Charlie Holmes, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson – alto sax; Sam “The Man” Taylor, Lee Pope – tenor sax; Bud Powell – piano; Norman Keenan – bass; Sylvester “Vess” Payne – drums.

Mood Indigo/Perdido (CD: “Cootie + Un Concert A Minuit Avec Cootie Williams” Master Jazz Records – 8892853)

Recorded 31 January 1959, Paris (Mood Indigo)

Recorded 11 February 1959, Paris (Perdido)

Cootie Williams, Nelson “Cadillac” Williams (Perdido only) – trumpet; George Clark – tenor sax; Arnold Jarvis – piano, organ; Larry Dale – guitar; Guy Perderson (Perdido only) – bass; Lester Jenkins – drums.

I Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good)/It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)/Drop Me Off in Harlem (CD: “Do Nothing Till You Hear From . . . Cootie” Collectables – COL-CD-6121”)

Recorded 1960?

Cootie Williams – trumpet, vocal; unidentified vibraphone, baritone sax, guitar, piano, bass, drums.

Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me (LP: “Cootie and Rex – The Big Challenge” Hall of Fame Jazz Greats JG-602)

Recorded 30 April 1957, New York City

Cootie Williams – trumpet; Rex Stewart – cornet; Lawrence Brown, J.C. Higginbotham – trombone; Coleman Hawkins, Bud Freeman – tenor sax; Hank Jones – piano; Billy Bauer – guitar; Milt Hinton – bass; Gus Johnson – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Benny Goodman, Coleman Hawkins, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Rex Stewart | Leave a comment

Cootie plays Duke, Part I (Podcast #22-012)

Posted on November 29, 2022 by Ellington Reflections

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

CW Classics 1945-1946

Echoes of Harlem (CD: “Cootie Williams and his Orchestra 1945-1946” Classics 981)

Recorded 29 January 1946, New York City

Cootie Williams, Bob Merrill – trumpet, vocal; Ermit V. Perry, George Treadwell, Billy Ford, Clarence “Gene” Redd – trumpet; Ed Burke, Robert Horton, Edward Johnson – trombone; Rupert Cole, John Jackson – alto sax; Everett Gains, Sam Taylor – tenor sax; Bob Ashton – baritone sax; Arnold Jarvis – piano; Sam “Christopher” Allen – guitar; Norm Keenan – bass; George “Butch” Ballard – drums.

Echoes of Harlem (CD: “Cootie + Un Concert A Minuit Avec Cootie Williams” Master Jazz Records – 8892853)

Recorded 11 February 1959, Paris

Cootie Williams – trumpet; George Clark – tenor sax; Arnold Jarvis – piano; Larry Dale – guitar; Guy Perderson – bass; Lester Jenkins – drums.

Things Ain’t What They Used To Be (CD: “Cootie Williams and his Orchestra 1941-1944” Classics 827)

Recorded 6 January 1944, New York City

Cootie Williams, Ermit V. Perry, George Treadwell, Harold “Money” Johnson – trumpet; Ed Burke, George Stevenson, Robert Horton- trombone; Charlie Holmes, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson – alto sax; Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis – tenor sax; Bud Powell- piano; Norman Keenan – bass; Sylvester “Vess” Payne – drums, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson – vocal.

Caravan (CD: “Cootie Williams in Hi-Fi” RCA 63561-2)

Recorded 5 March 1958, New York City

Cootie Williams- trumpet; Billy Byers, Bobby Byrne, Lou McGarity- trombone; Dick Hixon- bass trombone; Phil Bodner, Elwyn Fraser, Nick Gaiazza, Romeo Penque, Boomie Richman-reeds; Lou Stein- piano; George Barnes-guitar; Eddie Safranski- bass; Don Lamond- drums.

Caravan (CD: “Do Nothing Till You Hear From . . . Cootie” Collectables – COL-CD-6121”)

Recorded 1960?

Cootie Williams – trumpet, vocal; unidentified vibraphone, baritone sax, guitar, piano, bass, drums.

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Concerto for Cootie (LP: “The Solid Trumpet of Cootie Williams” Moodsville MVLP-27)

Recorded 4 April 1962, Miami

Cootie Williams – trumpet; Nat Jones – piano; Harold Dodson – bass; Bill Peeples – drums.

Perdido (CD: “Big Bands at The Savoy, Cootie Williams & Luis Russell” JUCD 2064)

Recorded 12 February 1945 at the Savoy Ballroom, NYC

Cootie Williams, Harold “Money” Johnson, Ermit V. Perry, George Treadwell – trumpet; Ed Burke, Bob Horton – trombone; Charlie Parker, Frank Powell – alto sax; Lee Pope, Sam Taylor – tenor sax; Ed de Verteuil – baritone sax; Arnold Jarvis – piano; Leroy Kirkland – guitar; Carl Pruitt – bass; Sylvester Payne – drums.

I’m Beginning to see the Light (CD: “Cootie Williams and his Orchestra 1945-1946” Classics 981)

26 February 1945, New York City

Cootie Williams, Ermit V. Perry, George Treadwell, Harold “Money” Johnson – trumpet; Ed Burke, Robert Horton – trombone; Rupert Cole, Frank Powell – alto sax; Lee Pope, Sam Taylor – tenor sax; Ed de Verteuil – baritone sax; Arnold Jarvis – piano; Leroy Kirkland – guitar; Carl Pruitt – bass; Sylvester “Vess” Payne – drums, Warren Evans – vocal.

I’m Beginning to see the Light (LP: “Cootie and Rex – The Big Challenge” Hall of Fame Jazz Greats JG-602)

Recorded 30 April 1957, New York City

— 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Rex Stewart | Leave a comment

The New York Choral Society performs Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts (Podcast #22-011)

Posted on October 28, 2022 by Ellington Reflections

“The concert was performed for the first time on September 16, 1965, and it was successful beyond my wildest dreams, both in San Francisco and at a subsequent performance in the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church of New York on December 26. Duke Ellington Talked to the Lord in Grace Cathedral Last Night, read headlines above a UPI report in hundreds of newpapers across the country. “These were musicians offering what they did best – better than any others in the world – to the glory of God,” said the Saturday Review in an artcle entitled “The Ecumenical Ellington.””

Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress

LIVE STREAM from the 19 November Concert!

nycs sacred concert page

Use THIS LINK to reach the page shown above!

The Revival of an early “Crossover” Masterwork – Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts – an essay by conductor and composer Thomas Lloyd

James Little, Unapologetic Abstractionist Painter, Catches the Limelight – The New York Times

This year, he prepares for two gallery shows and a collaboration with Duke Ellington’s music.

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

In the Beginning God/David Danced Before the Lord with all his might (CD: “Duke Ellington, The Centennial Edition” RCA Victor ‎– 09026-63386-2)

Recorded 4 December 1933, Chicago

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Quentin Jackson – trombone; Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Hamilton, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; John Lamb – bass; Louie Bellson – drums; Brock Peters – vocal; Bunny Briggs – tap dancer;

Praise God/It’s Freedom (LP: “Second Sacred Concert” Prestige P-24045)

Recorded 19/20 February 1968, New York City

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jeff Castleman – bass; Steve Little – drums.

Meditation

Recorded 19/20 February 1968, New York City

Duke Ellington – piano; Jeff Castleman – bass.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Brock Peters, Bunny Briggs, Cat Anderson, David Hayes, Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, James Little, Johnny Hodges, Lawrence Brown, Louie Bellson, New York Choral Society, The New School College of Performing Arts | Leave a comment

Portrait of Louie Bellson (Podcast #22-010)

Posted on September 29, 2022 by Ellington Reflections

“Louis Bellson is the epitome of what Paul Gonsalves means when he says, “He’s a beautiful cat, man!” For in spite of his outrageous beauty, Louis Bellson is truly a beautiful person. With never a thought about getting even or getting the better of any man, he has the soul of a saint. There is nothing too good for someone he likes, and I don’t know anybody he doesn’t like or anybody who doesn’t like him.”

Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress

Jet, 13 November 1952

Jet Magazine, 13 November 1952

Jet , 11 December 1952

Jet Magazine, 11 December 1952

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The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

mdd 010

The Hawk Talks (CD: “Mingus chez Duke – Bandbox, New York 1953,” Maison du Duke MDD 010)

Recorded 4 February 1953, The Band Box, New York City

Willie Cook, Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, Juan Tizol – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Hilton Jefferson, Tony Scott, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Charles Mingus- bass; Louie Bellson – drums.

Ting-a-Ling (LP: “The Duke is on the Air,” Aircheck Records #4)

Recorded 13 August 1952, The Blue Note, Chicago

Willie Cook, Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, Juan Tizol – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Hilton Jefferson, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Wendell Marshall – bass; Louie Bellson – drums.

Skin Deep (CD: “The 1952 Seattle Concert,” Bluebird 07863 66531-2)

Recorded 25 March 1952, Seattle

Willie Cook, Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, Juan Tizol – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Willie Smith, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Wendell Marshall – bass; Louie Bellson – drums.

Johnny Come Lately/Passion Flower/The Jeep Is Jumpin’/Punkin’ (CD: “Classic Capitol Jazz Sessions,” Mosaic MD12-170)

Recorded 23 May 1952, Los Angeles

Clark Terry – trumpet; Juan Tizol – trombone; John Graas – French horn; Willie Smith – alto sax; Wardell Gray – tenor sax; Harry Carney – baritone sax; Billy Strayhorn – piano; Wendell Marshall – bass; Louie Bellson – drums.

Far-Eastern Weekend (CD: “Lush Life: The Billy Strayhorn Songbook,” Verve Records 529 908-2)

Recorded 24 January 1957, Los Angeles

Harry Edison, trumpet; Juan Tizol, valve trombone; Willie Smith, alto sax; Don Abney, piano; Truck Parham, bass; Louis Bellson, drums; Norman Granz, tambourine; other musicians uncredited.

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The Hawk Talks (CD: “Duke’s Big Four,” Pablo 2310 703)

Recorded 8 January 1973, Los Angeles

Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Pass – guitar; Ray Brown – bass; Louie Bellson – drums.

Beyond Category/Intimacy of the Blues (CD: “The Louis Bellson Explosion,” Original Jazz Classics 2310-755)

Recorded 21/22 May 1975, Los Angeles

Blue Mitchell, Snooky Young, Bobby Shew, Dick Mitchell, Dick Cooper, Cat Anderson – trumpet; Nick DiMaio, Gil Falco, Ernie Tack, Mayo Tiana – trombone; Don Menza, Pete Christlieb, Dick Spenser, Larry Covelli, Bill Byrne – saxophone; Nat Pierce, Ross Tompkins – keyboards; Mitch Holder – guitar; John Williams – bass; Paulo Magalhaes, Dave Levine – percussion.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Cat Anderson, Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, Harry James, Johnny Hodges, Juan Tizol, Lawrence Brown, Louie Bellson, Pearl Bailey, Ray Nance, Wardell Gray, Willie Smith | Leave a comment

Ken Peplowski Fundraiser

Posted on September 2, 2022 by Ellington Reflections

Ken is a great musician and he could use your help! He’s battling cancer and can’t work. The statement below is from the organizer of the drive, Frank Vignola. Please contribute what you can at this link

“When one of us is down, we are all down. Hi, my name is Frank Vignola. I am starting this campaign for our dear friend, Ken Peplowski, who has cancer and is forced to cancel most or all his upcoming work due to the effects of his treatments.

We have surpassed the 70,000 goal. THANK YOU. I’m going to push it a bit and ask we continue to raise money for our friend, Ken. He needs peace of mind to help in his healing, which, as we know, will be a difficult road.

I have received more than a few emails requesting me to keep the campaign open because some of you are just hearing about it and want to share. I will keep it open until November 1. Please continue to share. Your donations go directly to Ken!!!

Thank you for supporting such a great friend to us all.”

This is Ken’s version of the first movement of Duke Ellington’s 1947 “Liberian Suite,” “I Like the Sunrise.” Ken has been an enthusiastic booster for this podcast. Please help however you can!

Posted in Blog Post | Tagged clarinet, GoFundMe, Ken Peplowski | Leave a comment

The Perfume Suite (Podcast #22-009)

Posted on August 29, 2022 by Ellington Reflections

ERRATA — In the podcast, I said the later version of “The Perfume Suite” was recorded in 1961. Only “Strange Feeling” was recorded in 1961. The other three movements were recorded in 1957.

“Date with the Duke” is a George Pal production from 1947. This short film featured Duke Ellington performing selections from “The Perfume Suite” with talking and dancing perfume bottles.

Animation figures. 1983.0361.05A, 1983.0361.05B, 1983.0361.05C.

The perfume bottles are in the Smithsonian Institution.

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Girls Suite

The Perfume Suite: Under the Balcony/Dancers in Love/Coloratura (LP: “The Girl’s Suite and The Perfume Suite” Columbia C38028)

Recorded 2 December 1957, New York City

Cat Anderson, Andres Marenguito, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

The Perfume Suite: Strange Feeling (LP: “The Girl’s Suite and The Perfume Suite” Columbia C38028)

Recorded 1 June 1961, New York City

Cat Anderson, Willie Cook, Ray Nance, Ed “Moon” Mullens – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Lou Blackburn, Chuck Connors – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums; Milt Grayson – vocal.

R-15993016-1601560900-6261

The Perfume Suite: Strange Feeling (CD: “Complete Prestige Carnegie Hall 1943-1944 Concerts,” Definitive Records DRCD11210)

Recorded 1 December 1944, New York City

Cat Anderson, Shelton Hemphill, Rex Stewart, Taft Jordan, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Claude Jones – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Jimmy Hamilton, Al Sear, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; /junior Raglin – bass; Hillard Brown – drums; Al Hibbler – vocal.

— 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Al Hibbler, Billy Strayhorn, Cat Anderson, Duke Ellington, Milt Grayson, Perfume Suite | Leave a comment

The Deep South Suite (Podcast #22-008)

Posted on July 29, 2022 by Ellington Reflections

“In 1946, we might remind ourselves, the American South was a one-party apartheid society, the Klu Klux Klan still operated without police intervention and lynchings were still an accepted form of justice; in Congress, Southern senators and representatives prevented the passage of any civil rights legislation. The political intent of the Deep South Suite was originally recited by Leonard Feather as an introduction to the Vdisc recording.”

David Schiff, Going South: Going South: Representation in The Deep South Suite, Keynote address to Duke Ellington Conference 2014, Amsterdam

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

v discs

The Deep South Suite: Magnolias Dripping With Molasses/Hearsay/No One Was Looking/Happy-Go-Lucky Local (CD: “V Disc, A Musical Contribution by America’s Best for our Armed Forces Overseas.” Collectors’ Choice Music)

Recorded 23 November, 1946, Carnegie Hall, New York City

Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan, Cat Anderson, Francis Williams, Harold Baker(t); Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Wilbur De Paris, Claude Jones – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Oscar Pettiford – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Happy-Go-Lucky Local (CD: “The Amory Concert,” Squatty Roo Records SR-300)

Recorded 25 April 1955, The National Guard Armory, Washington, DC

Willie Cook, Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Rick Henderson, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Dave Black – drums.

Featuring_Paul_Gonzalves

Happy-Go-Lucky Local (CD: “Duke Ellington and his Orchestra featuring Paul Gonsalves,” Fantasy OJC 623 (F-9636))

Recorded 1 May 1962, New York City

Bill Berry, Roy Burrowes, Cat Anderson, Ray Nance – trumpet; Leon Cox, Lawrence Brown, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Sam Woodyard – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Cat Anderson, Duke Ellington, Harold "Shorty" Baker, Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves | 1 Comment

Portrait of Russell Procope, Part II (Podcast #22-007)

Posted on June 29, 2022 by Ellington Reflections

“I enjoyed every day I was a member of the Ellington band even though it was grueling trying to keep up with Duke. I knew I was a part of something that was very special, something that would never die. But the biggest joy I had, and I think the other musicians had too was the music. Duke constantly surprised me. Musically, I could never predict what was going on in Duke’s head.”

Russell Procope, Swing and Beyond

Joy1

Joy2

Russell Procope’s alto saxophone solo on “Jump for Joy.” Transcribed by Dr. Tom Reed

Thesis Cover

Dr. Tom Reed’s thesis Jimmy Hamilton and Russell Procope : the clarinet soloists of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, 1943-1974 can be found here.

albert system clarinet

An Albert system clarinet

Russell Procope (and Barney Bigard) played Albert system clarinets as opposed to the more common Boehm system clarinets. Here are two articles explaining the history differences between them:

Woodwind Forum

Brass ‘n Wind

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Idiom ’59, Part I (CD: “Festival Session” Sony Music Distribution COL4684022)

Recorded 8 September 1959, New York City

Cat Anderson, Harold Baker, Andres Marenguito, Willie Cook, Ray Nance – trumpets, Clark Terry – trumpet, flugelhorn; Britt Woodman, John Sanders, Quentin Jackson – trombones; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Jimmy Johnson, Sam Woodyard – drums.

Jones (CD: “Duke Ellington Live! At the Newport Jazz Festival ’59” Emarcy 842071-2)

Recorded 4 July 1959, Newport, Rhode Island

Cat Anderson, Harold Baker, Andres Marenguito, Willie Cook, Ray Nance – trumpets, Clark Terry – trumpet, flugelhorn; Britt Woodman, John Sanders, Quentin Jackson – trombones; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Jimmy Johnson, Sam Woodyard – drums.

When It’s Sleepy Time Down South (CD: “Recollections of the Big Band Era” Warner Bros. 7411628)

Recorded 14 December 1962, New York City

Cat Anderson, Ray Nance, Bill Berry, Roy Burrowes – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope; Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Ernie Shepard – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

jump for joy

Jump for Joy (CD: “Jump for Joy” Jazz Life CD CD 15012)

Recorded 3 July 1962, New York City

Bill Berry, Roy Burrowes, Cat Anderson, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

More (CD: “The Reprise Studio Recordings” Mosaic Records #193)

Recorded 16 April 1964, New York City

Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Cootie Williams, Rolf Ericson – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope; Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Major Holley – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

All My Loving (CD: “The Reprise Studio Recordings” Mosaic Records #193)

Recorded 19 January 1965, New York City

Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Cootie Williams, Ray Nance, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope; Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; John Lamb – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Swamp Goo (CD: “The Greatest Jazz Concert in the World” Pablo 2625-704)

Recorded 26 March 1967 in Carnegie Hall, New York City

Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Mercer Ellington, Cootie Williams – trumpets; Lawrence Brown, Chuck Connors, Buster Cooper – trombones; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; John Lamb– bass; Rufus Jones– drums.

Almighty God (LP: “Second Sacred Concert” Prestige P-24045)

Recorded 22 January 1968, New York City

In A Mellotone (CD: “Togo Brava Suite” Blue Note CDP 7243 8 30082 2 3)

Recorded 22 October 1971, Colston Hall, Bristol, UK

Cootie Williams, Johnny Coles, Harold “Money” Johnson, Eddie Preston, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Booty Wood, Malcolm Taylor, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope, Norris Turney, Harold Minerve, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

4:30 Blues (CD: “Duke Ellington’s 70th Birthday Concert” Solid State SS 19000)

Recorded 26 November 1969, Manchester, England

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Rolf Ericson – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope, Norris Turney, Johnny Hodges, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Victor Gaskin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

Second Line (CD: “New Orleans Suite,” Warner Bros. 7411644)

Recorded 27 April 1970, New York City

Cootie Williams, Al Rubin, Mercer Ellington, Fred Stone – trumpets; Booty Wood, Julian Priester, Malcolm Taylor – trombones; Russell Procope, Norris Turney, Johnny Hodges, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Rufus Jones – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Alice Babs, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Jimmy Hamilton, Ray Nance, Russell Procope | Leave a comment

Portrait of Russell Procope, Part I (Podcast #22-006)

Posted on May 29, 2022 by Ellington Reflections

“Russell Procope…. a man of dignity and gentility, of clean and gentlemanly appearance. What is more, he became a conscientious, all-around musician, one always to be depended on.”

Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress

This documentary features interviews of Russell Procope and Cootie Williams

For the Duke Ellington Society of Sweden’s 2021 Ellington Conference, clarinetist Samantha Wright presented an excellent lecture on Duke’s clarinet players. Find it here.

russell procope draft card

russell procope draft card back

Russell Procope’s World War II draft registration card.

Thesis Cover

Dr. Tom Reed’s thesis Jimmy Hamilton and Russell Procope : the clarinet soloists of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, 1943-1974 can be found here.

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Deep Creek (CD: Jelly Roll Morton, “The Pearls,” Bluebird 6588-2-RB)

Recorded 6 December 1928, New York City

Jelly Roll Morton – piano; Ed Anderson, Edwin Swayze – trumpet; William Cato – trombone, Russell Procope – clarinet, Paul Barnes – soprano sax, Joe Garland – tenor sax; Lee Blair – banjo; Bass Moore – tuba; Manzie Johnson – drums.

Echoes of Harlem (CD: “The Savory Collection: 1935-1940” Mosaic Records MD6-266)

Recorded 2 June 1940, New York City

Charlie Shavers – trumpet, Buster Bailey – clarinet, Russell Procope – alto sax, Billy Kyle – piano, John Kirby – bass, O’Neil Spencer – drums. Canada Lee – narration.

R-9363888-1479291108-4216 Honeysuckle Rose/Perdido (CD: “The Treasury Shows, Volume 14” Storyville 903 9014)

Recorded 20 October 1945, New York City

Cat Anderson, Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan – trumpet; Rex Stewart – cornet; Lawrence Brown, Claude Jones, Joe “Tricky Sam” Nanton – trombone; Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke – alto sax; Al Sears, Jimmy Hamilton – tenor sax; Harry Carney – baritone sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Jr. Raglin – bass; Big Sid Catlett – drums.

Mood Indigo/In A Mellotone (CD: ““Mingus chez Duke – Bandbox, New York 1953” Maison du Duke MDD 010)

Recorded 4 February 1953, The Band Box, New York City

Willie Cook, Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, Juan Tizol – trombones; Hilton Jefferson – alto sax; Russell Procope – alto sax, clarinet; Jimmy Hamilton, Tony Scott – tenor sax; Harry Carney – baritone sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Charles Mingus – bass; Louie Bellson – drums.

Before My Time (from The Controversial Suite) (LP: “The Complete Duke Ellington 1947-1952” (French) CBS 66607)

Recorded 11 December 1951, New York City

Indian Summer (CD: “Ellington ’56” Affinity CD CHARLY 20)

Recorded 7/8 February 1956, Chicago

Willie Cook, Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope – alto sax; Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves – tenor sax; Harry Carney – baritone sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Mood Indigo/Solitude (LP: “The Persuasive Sax of Russ Procope” Dot Records DLP-3010)

Recorded 1956

Russell Procope – alto sax; Paul Jordan – piano; Earl Backus – guitar; Remo Biondi – rhythm guitar; Mel Schmidt – bass; Frank Rullo – 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.

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Creole Rhapsody (Podcast #22-005)

Posted on April 29, 2022 by Ellington Reflections

“So I went out and wrote Creole Rhapsody, and I did so much music for it that we had to cut t up and do two versions. One came out on Brunswick and the other, longer one, on Victor. Irving [Mills] almost blew his connection at both companies for recording a number that was not only more than three minutes long, but took both sides of the record. That was the seed from which all kinds of extended works and suites later grew.”

Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress

Bob “Ironside” Hunt’s Harlem playing “Creole Rhapsody” – (June 2022)

Lansing_State_Journal_Sat__Aug_22__1931_ (1) The Lansing State Journal, 22 August 1931

Illustrated_Daily_News_Thu__Jan_19__1933_

Illustrated Daily News [Los Angeles, CA], 19 January 1933

Honolulu_Star_Bulletin_Sat__Jun_6__1931_

Record review of “Creole Rhapsody” from the Honolulu Star Bulletin, 6 June 1931

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

early ellington

Creole Rhapsody (Parts I & II) (CD: “Early Ellington – The Complete Brunswick And Vocalion Recordings Of Duke Ellington, 1926-1931” Decca/MCA Records GRD-3-640)

Recorded 20 January 1931, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

early ellington rca Creole Rhapsody (Parts I & II) (CD: Early Ellington (1927 – 1934), Bluebird 6852-2-RB)

Recorded 11 June 1931, Camden, NJ

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Creole Blues (CD: “Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962” Columbia 5176872)

Recorded 14 July 1960, Los Angeles

Lawrence Brown – trombone; Duke Ellington – piano; Aaron Bell – bass.

Neo-Creole (from “Change of Mind”) (LP: “Up In Duke’s Workshop” Pablo 2310-815)

Recorded 20 June 1969, New York City

Cootie Williams, Willie Cook, Mercer Ellington, Harold “Money” Johnson – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Benny Green, Chuck Connors – trombone; Norris Turney, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Paul Kondziela, Victor Gaskin – bass; Rufus Jones – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Harold Ashby, Harry Carney, Johnny Hodges, Lawrence Brown, Norris Turney, Sonny Greer | Leave a comment

Duke Ellington Society of Sweden 2022 Conference

Posted on March 28, 2022 by Ellington Reflections

dess

The Duke Ellington Society of Sweden’s 2022 Conference will take place on April 25, 26, 28 and 29 on Zoom. The language will be English as last year. And it is FREE.

“Twelve speakers from different strata of the international Ellington community have agreed to make presentations. They will cover areas such as Duke Ellington and Leonard Bernstein, Ellington Medleys, Ellington’s Experimentation Techniques in New Orleans Suite, Boola, Dance to the Duke and many more.”

Registration is now open. Go to https://forms.gle/3Vrh4BrpXwXnKyJh8 and fill in the short and simple form there. The deadline for registrations is 18 April.

April 25

7:00 PM CEST Welcome to Ellington 2022

7:05 PM Leïla Olivesi (FR)

Ellington Medleys

8:00 PM CEST Marcello Piras (IT)

Evidence of subtext in Ellington’s music

9:00 PM CEST Jack Chambers (CA)

Buried Treasures

April 26

7:00 PM CEST David Berger (USA)

Ellington the Arranger: 1930s

8:00 PM CEST Michele Corcella (IT)

Beyond the Blues – Duke Ellington’s experimentation techniques in the New Orleans Suite.

9:00 PM CEST Speaker to be decided

Ellington at the University of Wisconsin July 1972

April 28

7:00 PM CEST Invited keynote speaker: Professor Anna Celenza

Duke Ellington and Leonard Bernstein

08:00 PM CEST Pedro Cravinho (UK)

The Duke and The Queen – Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald’s first visit to Portugal revisited

9:00 PM CEST Steve Bowie (USA)

Kenny Burrell and Duke Ellington

April 29

7:00 PM CEST Isabelle Marquis (FR)

Dance to the Duke

7:30 PM CEST Ken Steiner (USA)

Rare and unissued recordings from the Steven Lasker Collection

8:00 PM CEST Michael Kilpatrick (UK)

Boola

9:00 PM CEST Marilyn Lester (USA)

The International Ellington Society – The Time Has Come

9:20 PM CEST Laurent Mignard (FR)

Welcome to Ellington Study Group Conference Paris 2023

09:35 PM CEST Ulf Lundin – Summing Up

There is a new email address for the conference. It is ellingtonmeeting2022@gmail.com and the mailbox will be checked every day.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, Kenny Burrell | Leave a comment

Beyond the Usual Suspects, Part II (Podcast #22-004)

Posted on March 8, 2022 by Ellington Reflections

Most Duke Ellington tribute concerts and recordings rely on just a handful of his compositions (Mood Indigo, Satin Doll, In A Sentimental Mood, etc.). The Duke Ellington Society refers to these songs as “the usual suspects.” While they are worthy of their status as standards, Ellington wrote thousands of compositions; there is plenty of his oeuvre that is ripe for exploration!

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

elling_duke_complete1_101b Azure (CD: “The Complete 1933-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosaic Records #248)

Recorded 22 April 1937, New York City

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

The_Original_Ellington_Suite Azure (CD: “The Original Ellington Suite” Pacific Jazz ‎– 7243 5 24567 2 7)

Recorded 22 August 1958, Los Angeles

Eric Dolphy – flute; John Pisano – guitar; Nat Gershman – cello; Hal Gaylor – bass; Chico Hamilton –drums.

I Don’t Know What Kind of Blues I’ve Got (CD: “The Blanton-Webster Band” Bluebird RCA 5659-2-RB35)

Recorded 2 December 1941, Los Angeles

Wallace Jones, Ray Nance, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

What Am I Here For (CD: “The Blanton-Webster Band” Bluebird RCA 5659-2-RB35)

Recorded 26 February 1942, Chicago

What Am I Here For/I Don’t Know What Kind of Blues I’ve Got (CD: “Jon Hendricks & Lambert, Hendricks & Ross Four Classic Albums” Avid Jazz AMSC1342)

Recorded May/June 1960

Dave Lambert, Jon Hendricks, Annie Ross – vocal; Gildo Mahones – piano; Ike Isaacs – bass; Jimmy Wornsworth – drums.

Highlights

Jumpin’ Punkins (CD: “Highlights of the Great 1940-1942 Band” Avid, AMSC1143)

Recorded 15 February 1941, Los Angeles

cecil taylor

Jumpin’ Punkins (CD: “The Complete Candid Recordings of Cecil Taylor and Buell Neidlinger” Mosaic 127)

Recorded 9 January 1961 in New York City

Cecil Taylor – piano; Clark Terry – trumpet; Roswell Rudd – trombone; Steve Lacy – soprano sax; Archie Shepp – tenor sax; Charles Davis – baritone sax; Buell Neidlinger – bass; Billy Higgins – drums.

Jumpin’ Punkins (CD: “Buell Neidlinger’s String Jazz – Locomotive” Soul Note – 121 161-2)

Recorded 24 and 25 June 1987 at Barigozzi Studio, Milano, Italy

Brenton Banks – violin; John Kurnick – mandolin; Marty Krystall – tenor sax; Buell Neidlinger – bass; Billy Osborne – drums.

Lunceford

Bird of Paradise (CD: “The Jimmie Lunceford Collection, 1930-47” Acrobat Music FADCD2042)

Recorded 29 May 1935, New York City

Jimmie Lunceford – director; Eddie Tompkins, Paul Webster, Sy Oliver – trumpet; Elmer Crumbley, Russell Bowles, Eddie Durham – trombone; Jimmie Lunceford, Willie Smith, Earl Carruthers, Laforet Dent, Dan Grissom, Joe Thomas – reeds; Edwin Wilcox – piano; Al Norris – guitar; Moses Allen – bass; Jimmy Crawford – drums.

Bird of Paradise (CD: “New York Concert” MusicMasters Jazz – 01612-65122-2)

Recorded 20 May 1964, Wollman Auditorium, Columbia University, New York

Duke Ellington – piano.

— 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Ben Webster, Buell Neidlinger, Cecil Taylor, Chico Hamilton, Clark Terry, Duke Ellington, Eric Dolphy, Jimmie Blanton, Jimmie Lunceford, Lambert Hendricks and Ross, Mercer Ellington, Rex Stewart, Sonny Greer | Leave a comment

Beyond the Usual Suspects, Part I (Podcast #22-003)

Posted on February 22, 2022 by Ellington Reflections

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

elling_duke_complete1_101b

The Sergeant Was Shy (CD: “The Complete 1932-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosaic Records #248)

Recorded 28 August 1939, Boston

Wallace Jones, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

The Sergeant Was Shy (CD: “The Gene Krupa Story” Properbox 1)

Recorded 1 July 1940, New York City

Edward “Corky”Cornelius, Torg Halten, Rudy Novack, Shorty Sherock – trumpet; Sid Brantley, Al Jordan, Jay Kelliher, Floyd O’Brien, Babe Wagner – trombone; Tony D’Adario – piano; Ray Biondi – guitar; Biddy Bastien – bass; Gene Krupa – drums.

Love Is In My Heart (CD:”The Complete 1936-1940 Variety, Vocalion and Okeh Small Group Sessions” Mosaic Records #235)

Recorded 7 July 1937, New York City

Rex Stewart and his 52nd Street Stompers: Rex Stewart – cornet; Freddy Jenkins – trumpet; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Harry Carney – baritone sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Brick Fleagle – guitar; Hayes Alvis – bass; Jack Maisel – drums.

Love Is In My Heart (CD: “The Gene Krupa Story” Properbox 1)

Recorded 20 February 1946, New York City

Red Rodney, Joe Triscari, Vince Hughes, Jimmy Millazzio – trumpet; Harry Terrill, Charlie Kennedy – alto sax; Charlie Ventura, Buddy Wise – tenor sax; Joe Koch – baritone sax; Teddy Napoleon – piano; Mike Triscari – guitar; Irv Lang – bass; Gene Krupa – drums.

Orson (CD: “The Complete Capitol Recordings of Duke Ellington” Mosaic Records MD5-160)

Recorded 7 April 1953, Los Angeles

Willie Cook, Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, Juan Tizol – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Rick Henderson, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Wendell Marshall – bass; Butch Ballard – drums.

Orson (LP: “Ellington is Forever, Volume 2” Fantasy F-79008)

Recorded November/December 1975, Berkeley, California

Jimmy Jones – piano.

Happy Anatomy (CD: “Anatomy of a Murder” Columbia/Legacy CK 65569)

Recorded early June 1959 in Los Angeles

Ray Nance – trumpet; Jimmy Hamilton – tenor sax and clarinet; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Jimmy Johnson – drums.

Happy Anatomy (CD: “Jon Hendricks & Lambert, Hendricks & Ross Four Classic Albums” Avid Jazz AMSC1342)

Recorded May/June 1960

Dave Lambert, Jon Hendricks, Annie Ross – vocal; Gildo Mahones – piano; Ike Isaacs – bass; Jimmy Wornsworth – drums.

Cop Out (CD: “All Star Road Band” Doctor Jazz WGK 39137)

Recorded 22 June 1957, Carroltown, PA

Willie Cook, Harold Baker, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Cop Out (CD: “Across the Tracks” Concord Jazz CCD-30388)

Recorded 18 & 19 June 2007, New Jersey

Scott Hamilton – tenor sax; Gene Ludwig – organ; Duke Robillard – guitar; Chuck Riggs – drums.

Happy-Go-Lucky Local (CD: “Ellington ’55” EMI Music Distribution 0688827)

Recorded 17 January 1954, Chicago

Willie Cook, Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Ray Nance, Dizzy Gillespie – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, George Jean – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Rick Henderson, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Wendell Marshall – bass; Dave Black – drums.

Happy-Go-Lucky Local (CD: “Rex Stewart & The Henri Chaix Orchestra – Baden 1966 and Montreux 1971” Sackville Records SKCD-2061)

Recorded 12 June 1966, Baden, Switzerland

Rex Stewart – cornet; Jo Gagliardi – trumpet; Andre Faist – trombone; Roger Zufferey – alto sax; Michel Pilet – tenor sax; Henri Chaix – piano; Alian Du Bois – guitar; Georges Furrer – bass; Romano Cavicchiolo – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Cat Anderson, Duke Ellington, Gene Krupa, Harry Carney, Henri Chaix, Jimmy Jones, Johnny Hodges, Kenny Burrell, Lambert Hendricks and Ross, Ray Nance, Rex Stewart, Russell Procope, Scott Hamilton | Leave a comment

Portrait of Charlie Barnet, Part II (Podcast #22-002)

Posted on January 28, 2022 by Ellington Reflections

“Meanwhile, I was looking around for musicians who were sympathetic to my musical ideas and would fit my plans. I now wanted to incorporate Duke Ellington’s harmonic approach and tone colors with Count Basie’s rhythmic drive.”

Charlie Barnet, Those Swinging Years – The Autobiography of Charlie Barnet

“Barnet’s religion is well known to his friends. Converted at the age of 16, he has been a devout Ellingtonian ever since. From 1939 until the late 40’s, when his own bandleading career was in its days of wine and grosses, much of his success was due to the musical homage he paid to the Ducal sounds.”

Leonard Feather, Down Beat, 1964

New York Amsterdam Star-News, 13 December 1941

Detroit_Free_Press_Thu__Jan_14__1943_

Detroit Free Press, 14 January 1943

esq sept 1943a1 CB

esq sept 1943b1 CB

Esquire, September 1943

Los Angeles Sentinel, 30 June 1949

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Portrait of Charlie Barnet, Part I (Podcast #22-001)

Posted on January 12, 2022 by Ellington Reflections

“Charlie Barnet has always been a wonderful friend to me. Because of his musicianship, good judgement, and good taste, he has always had people working for him whose potential was immense. Some who come to my mind are Lena Horne, Kay Starr, Judy Ellington, Clark Terry, Billy May, Andy Gibson, Willie Smith, Al Killian, and Spud Murphy. At the same time, he constantly bolstered my ego by playing a book almost full of our compositions. The arrangements of our things – no copycat versions – were done to fit the Charlie Barnet band, and they were suitable for whatever occasion he played.”

Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress

DESS A big thank you to Ulf Lundin and the Duke Ellington Society of Sweden for the kind words and support for this podcast! You can hear his interview with me here.

With a vocal and dancing by Bunny Briggs

Charlie Barnet, Lionel Hampton, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey in a scene from “A Song is Born”

Duke’s “Dallas Doings” figures into Andy Gibson’s arrangement of “Rockin’ in Rhythm” for the Charlie Barnet band. (Barnet credits it to Billy May in his autobiography.)

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Charlie Barnet’s autobiography is out of print, but used copies can be cheaply found at the bookfinder.com website – here.

This song was written to “commemorate” the Palomar fire.

Daily_News_Mon__Oct_2__1939_ (2)

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

elling_duke_complete1_101b

In A Mizz (CD: “The Complete 1932-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosaic Records #248)

Recorded 12 June 1939, New York City

Wallace Jones, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwick, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Ivie Anderson – vocal.

small groups

Moonlight Fiesta (CD: ”The Complete 1936-1940 Variety, Vocalion and Okeh Small Group Sessions” Mosaic Records #235)

Recorded 16 June 1937, New York City

Barney Bigard and his Jazzopators: Rex Stewart – cornet; Juan Tizol – valve trombone; Barney Bigard – clarinet; Harry Carney – baritone sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Charlie Barnet – maracas. fiesta From “The Duke, where and when” (www.tdwaw.ca)

Ellingtonians play Ellington (Podcast #21-007)

Posted on December 22, 2021 by Ellington Reflections

“Spanning over five decades (1923-1974), the Duke Ellington orchestra was nursery, proving ground and finishing school for dozens of jazzmen. ” – Jazzmessengers.com

Ellington alumni Charles Mingus and Cat Anderson play “Perdido”

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

CW 1945

Everything But You (CD: “Cootie Williams and his Orchestra 1945-1946” Classics 981)

Recorded 19 July 1945, New York City

CW 1945

I’m Beginning to see the light (CD: “Cootie Williams and his Orchestra 1945-1946” Classics 981)

Recorded 26 February 1945, New York City

Bechet

The Mooche (CD: “The Legendary Sidney Bechet” Bluebird – 6590-1-RB

Recorded 14 October 1941, New York City

Sidney Bechet (Henry Goodwin –trumpet; Vic Dickenson – trombone; Sidney Bechet – soprano sax; Don Donaldson – piano; Ernest Williamson – bass; Manzie Johnson – drums.) Recorded 14 October 1941 NYC

Capitol Mosaic

The Mooche/Mood Indigo (CD: “Classic Capitol Jazz Sessions” Mosaic MD12-170)

Recorded 24 February 1945. Los Angeles

Taft Jordan – trumpet, Otto Hardwicke – alto sax, Barney Bigard – clarinet, Emanuel “Duke” Brooks – piano; Fred Guy – guitar, Red Callender – bass, Sonny Greer – drums.

CW 1941-1944

Things Ain’t What They Used To Be (CD: “Cootie Williams And His Orchestra – 1941-1944” Classics 827)

Recorded 6 January 1944, New York City

Cootie Williams, Ermit V. Perry, George Treadwell, Harold “Money” Johnson- trumpet; Ed Burke, George Stevenson, Robert Horton- trombone; Charlie Holmes, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson- alto sax; Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis- tenor sax; Bud Powell- piano; Norman Keenan- bass; Sylvester “Vess” Payne- drums, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson – vocal.

Hibbler

It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing (CD: “Shoutin’ Swingin’ & Makin’ Love” Chess – CHD-9327)

Recorded 1948 or 1949, New York City

Al Hibbler – vocal; Ray Nance – trumpet; Tyree Glenn – trombone; Ben Webster – tenor sax; Billy Strayhorn – piano; Oscar Pettiford or Alvin “Junior” Raglin – bass; Fletcher Jackson – drums.

Harry Carney with strings

I Got It Bad and That Ain’t Good (CD: “Ben Webster, Harry Carney – With Strings (Music For Loving / Music With Feeling” Verve Records – 314 527 774-2)

Recorded December 1954, New York City

Harry Carney – baritone sax; Jimmy Hamilton – clarinet; Ray Nance – trumpet, violin; Tony Miranda – French horn; Mac Ceppos, Martin Donegan, Ben Gerrard, Howard Kay, Eugene Orloff, Sylvan Shulman, Zelly Smirnoff, Isadore Zir – violin; Sidney Edwards, Doris Johnson, Alan Shulman – cello; Leroy Lovett – piano; Billy Bauer – guitar; Wendell Marshall – bass; Louie Bellson – drums.

Duke Ellington and Friends

Caravan (CD: “Duke Ellington & Friends” Verve Records – 833 291-2)

Recorded 26 January 1955, New York City

Lawrence Brown – trombone; Sam “The Man” Taylor – tenor sax; Leroy Lovett – piano; Lloyd Trotman – bass; Louis Bellson – drums.

CW do nothing

Caravan (CD: “Do Nothing Till You Hear From . . . Cootie” Collectables – COL-CD-6121”)

Recorded c. 1960, New York City

Cootie Williams – trumpet; other musicians unidentified

buccaneer

Warm Valley (CD: “Jimmy Hamilton Live at The Buccaneer” Jazz Time JTM 8159)

Recorded 24 September 1982 in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands (The Buccaneer)

Jimmy Hamilton – alto sax, tenor sax; Gary Mayone – piano; Joe Straws – bass; Delroy Thomas – drums.

Big Challenge

I’m Beginning to see the light (LP: “Cootie & Rex, The Big Challenge” Jazz Greats JG-602)

Recorded 7 May 1957, New York City

Rex Stewart – cornet; Cootie Williams – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, J. C. Higginbotham – trombone; Coleman Hawkins, Bud Freeman – tenor sax; Hank Jones – piano; Billy Bauer – guitar; Milt Hinton – bass; Gus Johnson – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Al Hibbler, Al Sears, Barney Bigard, Ben Webster, Billy Strayhorn, Bud Freeman, Coleman Hawkins, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Fred Guy, J.C. Higginbotham, Jimmy Hamilton, Juan Tizol, Lawrence Brown, Otto Hardwicke, Rex Stewart, Sam "The Man" Taylor, Sidney Bechet, Sonny Greer, Taft Jordan | Leave a comment

Portrait of Jimmy Hamilton, Part III (Podcast #21-006)

Posted on December 2, 2021 by Ellington Reflections

“It took considerable courage for Mr. Hamilton, whose quietly conversational improvising was so memorably showcased in the Duke Ellington Orchestra, to join a trio of players associated with the jazz avant-garde and make music without the support of a rhythm section. But he handles everything gracefully, even the broiling intensity of extended pieces by Mr. Carter and Mr. Batiste.”

-Robert Palmer, New York Times, 1 June 1986

THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS – JULY 12: Clarinet player Jimmy Hamilton (ex Duke Ellington Orchestra) performs live on stage at the North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague, Holland on July 12 1984 (photo by Frans Schellekens/Redferns)

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Hurdle Gurdle (CD: “The Greatest Jazz Concert in the World” Pablo 2625-704)

Recorded 1 July 1967 in Los Angeles (Hollywood Bowl)

——

Take the “A” Train (CD: “1967 European Tour” Lone Hill Jazz LHJ10105)

Recorded 22 February 1967 in Rome (Teatro Sistina)

——

Stranger on the Shore/Satin Doll/Don’t Get Around Much Anymore (CD: “Jimmy Hamilton Live at The Buccaneer” Jazz Time JTM 8159)

Recorded 24 September 1982 in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands (The Buccaneer)

Jimmy Hamilton – clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax; Gary Mayone – piano; Joe Straws – bass; Delroy Thomas – drums.

——

Groovin’ High/ Jeep’s Blues/ Honeysuckle Rose (LP: “Clarinet Summit In Concert at The Public Theater,” India Navigation IN-1062)

Recorded Spring 1981 in New York City (The Public Theater)

Jimmy Hamilton, John Carter, Alvin Batiste – clarinet; David Murray – bass clarinet.

——

Waltz A Minute (LP: “Clarinet Summit In Concert at The Public Theater, Volume II,” India Navigation IN-1067)

Recorded Spring 1981 in New York City (The Public Theater) Jimmy Hamilton, John Carter, Alvin Batiste – clarinet; David Murray – bass clarinet.

— 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Alvin Batiste, clarinet, David Murray, Duke Ellington, Jimmy Hamilton, John Carter | Leave a comment

Portrait of Jimmy Hamilton, Part II (Podcast #21-005)

Posted on October 30, 2021 by Ellington Reflections

hamilton

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

What Am I Here For?/Bohemia After Dark (CD: “Jimmy Hamilton and the New York Jazz Quintet” Fresh Sound Records FSCD 2002)

Recorded 1955 in New York City

Clark Terry – trumpet; Jimmy Hamilton – clarinet; Barry Galbraith – guitar; Sid Gross – rhythm guitar; Oscar Pettiford – bass; Osie Johnson – drums.

blue note

Tonk (CD: “Live at the Blue Note” Blue Note CDS 8286372)

Recorded 9 August 1959 in Chicago

Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Harold “Shorty” Baker, Willie Cook, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Sam Woodyard, Jimmy Johnson – drums.

Caline (aka “Silk Lace”) (CD: “The Great 1963 Paris Concert, Unissued Material” Maison du Duke MDD 009)

Recorded 23 February 1963

jazz party

Red Shoes (CD: “Jazz Party” Columbia CK-40712)

Recorded 19 February 1959 in New York City

Cat Anderson, Harold Baker, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums, Jimmy Rushing – vocal.

Virgin Jungle (CD: “Concert in the Virgin Islands” Collectables 6734)

Recorded 14 April 1965 in Chicago

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Richard Williams – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; John Lamb – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Ad Lib on Nippon (CD: “The Far East Suite” Bluebird 7640-2-RB)

Recorded 19-21 December 1966, New York City

— 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, clarinet, Duke Ellington, Jimmy Hamilton, podcast | Leave a comment

Portrait of Jimmy Hamilton, Part I (Podcast #21-004)

Posted on August 4, 2021 by Ellington Reflections

“[Jimmy Hamilton] usually manages anything musical that he sets his mind to, and there, I think, is the key to any attempt at describing him. He has the capacity to discipline himself and the diligence to study in order to learn. He practices endlessly and scarcely ever gets away from the school rules. You might say that he is a tutor-rooter, and a credit to his tutor!”

– Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress

Jimmy_Hamilton__Aquarium_NYC,_Nov_1946_Gottlieb_03801

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Progressive Gavotte (CD: “Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962” Columbia 5176872)

Recorded 11 November 1947, New York City

Shelton Hemphill, Dud Bascomb, Francis Williams, Ray Nance, Harold Baker – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Claude Jones, Tyree Glenn – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Billy Strayhorn – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Oscar Pettiford – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Duet –

The One that Got Away – Charlie Shavers – trumpet; Jimmy Hamilton – clarinet; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Don Byas – tenor sax; Red Norvo – vibraphone; Billy Strayhorn – piano; Remo Palmeiri – guitar; Sonny Greer – drums.

Take the “A” Train (CD: “Duke Ellington at the Hollywood Empire,” Storyville 101 8346)

Recorded 10 February 1949, Empire Club Broadcast, Hollywood, California

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

Air Conditioned Jungle –

Recorded 1 September 1945, New York City

Cat Anderson, Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Claude Jones – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Russell Procope, Al Sears, Jimmy Hamilton, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Junior Raglin – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

The Tattooed Bride (CD: “The Great Concerts, Cornell University 1948,” Nimbus Records, Ni-2727)

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

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

It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing (CD: “The Complete Capitol Recordings of Duke Ellington” Mosaic Records MD5-160)

Recorded 17 June 1954, New York City

— 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.

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And the Trumpets Sing! (Podcast #21-003)

Posted on July 5, 2021 by Ellington Reflections

RayNance Ray Nance, photo by Lee Tanner

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Dear Old Southland (CD: “Duke Ellington, The Centennial Edition” RCA Victor ‎– 09026-63386-2)

Recorded 4 December 1933, Chicago

Louis Bacon – trumpet, vocal; Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwick, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Rude Interlude (CD: “Duke Ellington, The Centennial Edition” RCA Victor ‎– 09026-63386-2)

Recorded 26 September 1933, Chicago

Louis Bacon – trumpet, vocal; Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwick, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

I’ll Come Back For More (CD: “Duke Ellington, The Centennial Edition” RCA Victor ‎– 09026-63386-2)

Recorded 20 March 1939, New York City

Louis Bacon – trumpet, vocal; Rex Stewart – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard – clarinet; Duke Ellington – piano; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

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Baby, Ain’tcha Satisfied (CD: “The Duke’s Men: Small Groups, Vol. 1” Columbia C2K 46995)

Recorded 12 December 1934, New York City

Rex Stewart – cornet, vocal; George Stevenson – trombone; Rudy Powell, Bingie Madison – reeds; Roger “Ram” Ramirez – piano; Billy Taylor – bass; Jack Maisel – drums.

Ain’t The Gravy Good (CD:”The Complete 1936-1940 Variety, Vocalion and Okeh Small Group Sessions” Mosaic Records #235)

Recorded 28 February 1939, New York City

Cootie Williams – trumpet, vocal; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

small groups

Peckin’ (CD:”The Complete 1936-1940 Variety, Vocalion and Okeh Small Group Sessions” Mosaic Records #235)

Recorded 20 May 1937, New York City

Cootie Williams – trumpet, vocal; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwick, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Hayes Alvis – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

small groups

Dry Long So (CD:”The Complete 1936-1940 Variety, Vocalion and Okeh Small Group Sessions” Mosaic Records #235)

Recorded 14 February 1940, Chicago

Cootie Williams – trumpet, vocal; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Bli-Blip (CD: “The Blanton-Webster Band” Bluebird RCA 5659-2-RB35)

Recorded 26 September 1941 in Los Angeles

Ray Nance – vocal, trumpet; Wallace Jones, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

duke 100

You’re Just an Old Antidisestablishmentarianismist (CD: “Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962” Columbia 5176872)

Recorded 30 September 1947 in Los Angeles

Ray Nance – vocal, trumpet; Shelton Hemphill, Dud Bascomb, Francis Williams, Harold Baker – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Claude Jones, Tyree Glenn – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Oscar Pettiford – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

world broadcasting vol 2

It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing (CD: “World Broadcasting Series, Volume 2” Circle ‎ CCD-102)

Recorded 1 December 1943, New York City

Ray Nance – trumpet, violin, vocal; Taft Jordan – trumpet, vocal; Wallace Jones, Rex Stewart, Harold Baker – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Johnny Hodges(as); Otto Hardwick(cl,as); Skippy Williams(ts); Harry Carney(cl,as,bar); Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Junior Raglin – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Take the “A” Train (CD: “The Private Collection, Volume 2: Dance Concerts California” ) LMR LMR CD 83001

Recorded 4 March 1958, Travis Air Force Base

Ray Nance – vocal; Harold Baker, Clark Terry – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Bill Graham, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Clark Terry, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Harold "Money" Johnson, Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton, Louis Bacon, Ray Nance, Rex Stewart, Taft Jordan, Trumpet | Leave a comment

My Favorite (Ellington) Things, according to the iPod (Podcast #21-002)

Posted on June 15, 2021 by Ellington Reflections

“iPod – 10,000 songs in your pocket”

– Apple marketing slogan

8C5A9F7C-CD0E-421F-BF30-8F1E7E72041B

This is my “transcription” of Jimmy Hamilton’s clarinet solo on “Sonnet for Caesar” from c. 1982…

This is the song that has the most plays on my iPod. My grandfather had this on 78 rpm and I used to listen to it – a lot. I still do!

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Portrait of Bert Williams (CD: “The Webster Blanton Band,” Bluebird 74321131812)

Recorded 28 May, 1940 Chicago

Wallace Jones, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart – trumpets; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombones; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Ben Webster, Harry Carney -reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Chatter Box (CD: “Fargo, ND, November 7, 1940” Vintage Jazz Classics VJC-1019/20-2)

Recorded 7 November 1940 at The Crystal Ballroom in Fargo, North Dakota

Wallace Jones, Rex Stewart, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol -trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Heaven (LP: “Second Sacred Concert” Prestige P-24045)

Recorded 22 January 1968, New York City

Rhapsody In Blue (CD: “Recollections of the Big Band Era” Atlantic Jazz 7567-90043-2)
Recorded 20 December 1962, New York City

Cootie Williams, Roy Burrowes, Cat Anderson, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Ernie Shepard – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Sonnet for Caesar (LP/CD “Such Sweet Thunder” Columbia CL 1033/Columbia/Legacy 65568)

Recorded 15 April 1957, New York City

Willie Cook, Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombones; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Tang (CD: “The Afro-Eurasian Eclipse” Original Jazz Classics OJCCD 645)

Recorded 17 February 1971, New York City

Cootie Williams, Eddie Preston, Harold “Money” Johnson, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Booty Wood, Malcolm Taylor, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope,

Norris Turney, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

The Sleeping Lady and the Giant Who Watches Over Her (CD: “Latin American Suite” Original Jazz Classics OJC20 469-2)

Recorded 7 January 1970, New York City

Cat Anderson, Willie Cook, Mercer Ellington, Cootie Williams – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Paul Gonsalves, Harold Ashby, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jeff Castleman – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

Joog Joog (LP: “The World of Duke Ellington, Volume 2” Columbia KG 33341)

Recorded 22 December 1949, New York City

Ray Nance – trumpet; Tyree Glenn – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Johnny Hodges, Jimmy Forrest, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Wendell Marshall – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Lu Elliott, Kay Davis – vocal.

Praise God and Dance (LP: “Second Sacred Concert” Prestige P-24045)

Recorded 22 January 1968, New York City

— 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Alice Babs, Billy Strayhorn, Cat Anderson, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Ray Nance | Leave a comment

Potrait of Tyree Glenn (Podcast #21-001)

Posted on June 1, 2021 by Ellington Reflections

“Tyree, to me, is a very beautiful trombone player. He plays real good legit trombone, and when he applied the plunger to it his tone remained very precise and clean, so that you were tempted to like it better than Tricky’s because it was so clean. But then, Tricky’s was so plaintive. Tyree is a very agile-minded musician and he always wants to do a lot of things….[H]e is one of the most effective plunger trombones I have ever heard.”

– Duke Ellington, “Duke’s Bones”

William Tyree Glenn

(23 November 1910 – 18 May 1974)

Tyree Glenn’s Birth Certificate

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Hy’a Sue (CD: “Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962” Columbia 5176872)

Recorded 14 August 1947, Los Angeles

Shelton Hemphill, Dud Bascomb, Francis Williams, Ray Nance, Harold Baker – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Claude Jones, Tyree Glenn – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Oscar Pettiford – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Solid Old Man (CD: “Duke Ellington at the Hollywood Empire,” Storyville 101 8346)

Recorded 10 February 1949, Empire Club Broadcast, Hollywood, California

Sultry Serenade (CD: “Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962” Columbia 5176872)

Recorded 6 October 1947, Los Angeles

Shelton Hemphill, Dud Bascomb, Ray Nance, Francis Williams – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Tyree Glenn, Claude Jones – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Oscar Pettiford – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Dance #2 (from “The Liberian Suite”) (CD: “Duke Ellington Carnegie Hall Concerts, December 1947,” Prestige 2PCD-24075-2)

Recorded 26 December 1947, Carnegie Hall, NYC

Shelton Hemphill, Al Killian, Francis Williams, Ray Nance, Harold Baker – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Claude Jones – trombone; Tyree Glenn – vibraphone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Oscar Pettiford, Junior Raglin – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Limehouse Blues (CD: “The Great Concerts, Cornell University 1948,” Nimbus Records, Ni-2727)

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

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

In A Mellow Tone/ Cotton Tail (CD: “Duke with a Difference” – Clark Terry, Original Jazz Classics OJCCD-229-2, RLP 12-246)

Recorded 6 September 1957, NYC

Clark Terry – trumpet, Tyree Glenn – trombone, vibraphone; Britt Woodman – trombone; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Paul Gonsalves – tenor sax; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

DE and Brewer Columbia

Mood Indigo (CD: “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing,” Columbia CK 37340)

Recorded 6 September 1973, NYC

Teresa Brewer – vocal; Duke Ellington – piano; Tyree Glenn – trombone; Russell Procope – clarinet; Harry Carney – bass clarinet; Jeff Beck – guitar; Herb Bushler, Wulf Freedman – electric bass; Bernard “Pretty” Purdie – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Teresa Brewer, Trombone, Tyree Glenn, Vibes, Vibraphone | Leave a comment

Portrait of Harold Ashby (Podcast #20-007)

Posted on November 8, 2020 by Ellington Reflections

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Jeep’s Blues/Out of Nowhere (CD:

Recorded 1961

Ray Nance – trumpet; Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves – tenor sax; Sir Charles Thompson – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Jo Jones – drums.

I Can’t Get Started (CD: “The Private Collection, Volume 9” Saja Records 91233-2)

Recorded 7 November 1968, New York City

Harold Ashby – tenor sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Jeff Castleman – bass; Rufus Jones.

Black Power (LP: “Paris Jazz Party” Affinity AFF 57)

Recorded 1 November 1969, Paris

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Ambrose Jackson, Harold “Money” Johnson – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Francois Guin, Chuck Conners – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Norris Turney, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano: Victor Gaskin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

Thanks for the Beautiful Land on the Delta (CD: “New Orleans Suite,” Warner Bros. 7411644)

Recorded 27 April 1970, New York City

Thanks for the Beautiful Land on the Delta (CD: “Never Before Released Recordings (1965-1972),” Music Masters 5041-2-C)

Recorded 23 July 1970, Milan

Some Summer Fun (LP: “The Intimate Ellington” Pablo 2310-787)

Recorded 15 June 1970, New York City

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Fred Stone – trumpets; Booty Wood, Chuck Connors, Julian Priester – trombones; Russell Procope, Norris Turney, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Wild Bill Davis – organ; Joe Benjamin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

Chinoiserie (LP: “Concerts in Canada” Ellington ’87)

Recorded 25 May 1973, Winnipeg

Cootie Williams, Mercer Ellington, Harold “Money” Johnson, Johnny Coles – trumpet; Vincente Prudente, Murray McEachern, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope, Harold Minerve, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Doug Harris, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

The Brotherhood (LP: “Duke Ellington’s Third Sacred Concert, The Majesty of God” RCA APL 1-0785)

Recorded 24 October 1973, Westminster Abbey, London

Blue Serge (CD: “Continuum” Fantasy FANCD 24765)

Recorded 16-17 July 1974, New York City

Struttin’ with some Barbeque (CD: “I’m Old Fashioned” Stash Records ST-CD-545)

Recorded 1991

Harold Ashby – tenor sax; Richard Wyands – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Connie Kay – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Ben Webster, Duke Ellington, Harold Ashby, Jeff Castleman, Louis Armstrong, Paul Gonsalves, Tenor Sax, Third Sacred Concert | Leave a comment

Portrait of Joya Sherrill (Podcast #20-006)

Posted on June 28, 2020 by Ellington Reflections

“[Joya] did such a good job on “I’m Beginning to See the Light” that we have been playing it ever since. It is a tribute to her diction and articulation, too, that when I ask them to join in singing it with us, audiences all over the world seem to know the words.”

– Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress

Joya2

Joya Sherrill

[20 August 1924 – 28 June 2010]

Joya metronome

Joya Sherrill and Duke Ellington on the cover of the November 1945 issue of Metronome magazine. (With thanks to David Fletcher)

Joya studio

November 1945 issue of Metronome magazine. (With thanks to David Fletcher)

Audio, but no video, of Duke Ellington’s 30 August 1970 appearance on Joya’s Fun School (Thanks, Mike!)

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Black brown and beige2

Black, Brown & Beige (CD: Bluebird 6641-2-RB)

I’m Beginning to See the Light

(All of a Sudden) My Heart Sings

Kissing Bug

Everything But You

Tell Ya What I’m Gonna Do

The Wonder of You

Capitol Jazz Sessions

Blue Jay (CD: “Classic Capitol Jazz Sessions” Mosaic Records MD12-170)

Recorded 26 January 1945, Los Angeles

Joya Sherrill – vocal; Rex Stewart – cornet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Al Sears – tenor sax; Harry Carney – baritone sax; Eddie Heywood – piano; Ulysses Livingston – guitar; Jr. Raglin – bass; Keg Purnell – drums.

My People

The Blues (CD: “My People – The Complete Show” Storyville Records 1018430)

Recorded 20 August 1963, Chicago

Joya Sherrill – vocal; Bill Berry, Ziggy Harrell, Nat Woodard, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Booty Wood, John Sanders – trombone; Russell Procope, Rudy Powell, Harold Ashby, Pete Clark, Bob Freedman – reeds; Billy Strayhorn – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Louie Bellson – drums; Juan Amalbert – conga.

joya sings duke

Joya Sherrill Sings Duke (CD: Verve 547 266-2)

Mood Indigo/Kissing Bug

Recorded 12 January 1965, Chicago

Joya Sherrill – vocal; Cootie Williams – trumpet; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Ernie Harper – piano; John Lamb – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing/Day Dream/I’m Beginning to See the Light

Recorded 20 January 1965, New York City

Joya Sherrill – vocal; Ray Nance – violin, cornet; Billy Strayhorn – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Shep Shepherd – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Harold Ashby, Joya Sherrill, Mercer Ellington, Ray Nance, Rex Stewart | 2 Comments

Portrait of Juan Tizol (Podcast #20-005)

Posted on May 31, 2020 by Ellington Reflections

“Juan Tizol was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and suitably named after the saint, San Juan. He studied and mastered every instrument in the orchestra, but finally settled down to specialize on the valve trombone. He came to Washington, D.C., about 1920 in Marie Lucas’ orchestra, and played the Howard Theatre and the T.O.B.A. circuit. When we decided to add a valve trombone, [Arthur] Whetsol took the responsibility of convincing him to join us at the Cotton Club in 1929. He was a tremendous asset to our band….”

– Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress

tizol_full

Juan Tizol

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Charles Mingus played for a brief stint in the band of his hero Duke Ellington. Juan Tizol, Ellington’s longtime trombonist and sometime arranger, asked Mingus to play a certain solo, which the bass player decided to change slightly. The alteration so infuriated Tizol he threatened Mingus with his bolo knife. Mingus responded by attacking him during a performance. Here, according to Mingus in his Beneath the Underdog, is what the Duke said to him afterwards.

“Now Charles,” he says, looking amused, putting Cartier links into the cuffs of his beautiful hand-made shirt, “you could have forewarned me–you left me out of the act entirely! At least you could have let me cue in a few chords as you ran through that Nijinsky routine. I congratulate you on your performance, but why didn’t you and Juan inform me about the adagio you planned so that we could score it? I must say I never saw a large man so agile–I never saw anybody make such tremendous leaps! The gambado over the piano carrying your bass was colossal. When you exited after that I thought, ‘That man’s really afraid of Juan’s knife and at the speed he’s going he’s probably home in bed by now.’ But no, back you came through the same door with your bass still intact. For a moment I was hopeful you’d decided to sit down and play but instead you slashed Juan’s chair in two with a fire axe! Really, Charles, that’s destructive. Everybody knows Juan has a knife but nobody ever took it seriously–he likes to pull it out and show it to people, you understand. So I’m afraid, Charles–I’ve never fired anybody–you’ll have to quit my band. I don’t need any new problems. Juan’s an old problem, I can cope with that, but you seem to have a whole bag of new tricks. I must ask you to be kind enough to give me your notice, Mingus.”

From the blog “Billy and Dad’s Emporium”

Juan Tizol’s Oral Jazz History Interview can be found here

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

small groups

Caravan (CD: “The Complete 1936-1940 Variety, Vocalion and Okeh Small Group Sessions” Mosaic Records #235)

Recorded 19 December, 1936 in Los Angeles

Cootie Williams – trumpet; Juan Tizol – valve trombone; Barney Bigard – clarinet; Harry Carney – baritone sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

elling_duke_complete1_101b

Jubilesta (CD: “The Complete 1932-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosaic Records #248)

Recorded 20 September 1937, New York City

Highlights

Conga Brava/Moon Over Cuba (CD: “Highlights of the Great 1940-1942 Band” Avid, AMSC1143)

Keb-lah/The Sphinx/Zanzibar/You Can’t Have Your Cake and Eat It (CD: “The Fabulous Ellingtonians” Mercury 830 926-2)

Recorded 7 April 1946, Los Angeles

Dick Cathcart – trumpet; Juan Tizol – valve trombone; Willie Smith – alto sax, vocal; Babe Russin – tenor sax; Arnold Ross – piano; Irving Ashby – guitar; Ed Mihelich – bass; Nick Fatool – drums.

on the air

Bakiff (LP: “The Duke is On the Air” Aircheck Records #4)

Recorded 30 July 1952 in Chicago

Willie Cook, Cat Anderson, Clark Terry – trumpet; Ray Nance – violin; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, Juan Tizol – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Hilton Jefferson, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Wendell Marshall – bass; Louie Bellson – drums.

jazz after midnight

Caravan (CD: “The Complete After Midnight – The Complete Session” Capitol Jazz 7243 5 20087 2 8)

Recorded

Nat “King” Cole – vocal, piano; Juan Tizol – valve trombone;

Perdido (CD: “Duke Ellington, The Centennial Edition” RCA Victor ‎– 09026-63386-2)

Pyramid (CD: “The Great 1963 Paris Concert, Unissued Material” Maison du Duke MDD 009)

Recorded

— 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Barney Bigard, Caravan, Clark Terry, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, Harry James, Johnny Hodges, Juan Tizol, Nat "King" Cole, Perdido, Puerto Rico, Valve Trombone | Leave a comment

New (and temporary) schedule for Ellington Reflections

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Ellington Reflections

Due to time limitations and a manuscript deadline, Ellington Reflections will be monthly until the end of the year. The next episode will be out on May 30^th. Thanks for your continued support!

Posted in podcast | Leave a comment

Portrait of Sam Woodyard (Podcast #20-004)

Posted on April 5, 2020 by Ellington Reflections

“Sometimes we would write something that seemed or was expected to be below bland, but when Sam added his thing to it, immediately it took on a new dimension, exotic, zesty, or maybe lecherous soul. Sam the Man, who began with his hand on the plan for the stand of his drums – exotic as the tabla, lecherous as the cuica, his elbow on the snare drum.”

Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress

samwoodyard389

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

hawkins impules

Limbo Jazz (CD: “Duke Ellington meets Coleman Hawkins” Impulse! IMPD-162)

Recorded 18 August 1962, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Coleman Hawkins – tenor sax; Harry Carney – baritone sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Theme from “The Asphalt Jungle” (CD: “The Great Paris Concert” Collectables 7818)

Recorded 1 February 1963, Paris

Bonga

Stompin’ at the Savoy (CD: “The Great Paris 1963 Concert – Unissued Material” La Maison du Duke, MDD 009)

Recorded 23 February 1963, Paris

Cat Anderson, Cootie Williams, Roy Burrowes, Ray Nance – trumpet;Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Jimmy
Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Ernie
Shepard – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Virgin Jungle (CD: “The Door” Novus 3049-2-N)

Recorded 4/5 July 1988 in Paris

Steve Lacy, Steve Potts – soprano sax; Irene Aebi – violin; Bobby Few – piano; Jean-Jacques Avinel – bass; Sam Woodyard, Oliver Johnson – drums.

Posted in podcast | Leave a comment

Variations on a Theme Song (Podcast #20-003)

Posted on March 21, 2020 by Ellington Reflections

“”Our theme is [Billy Strayhorn’s] “Take the ‘A’ Train,” and I can still hear his voice clearly clearing up any point of indecision with his watchword: “Ever onward and upward!” Many people are indebted to Billy Strayhorn, and I more than anybody.”

-Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress

Nance A Train solo 1 Nance A Train solo 2

Ray Nance’s classic trumpet solo on the original version of Take the “A” Train. Transcribed by Bryan Wendell Bennett for his Master’s Thesis, “Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart, and Ray Nance: Duke Ellington’s trumpet soloists 1940-1942”

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Highlights

Take the “A” Train (CD: “Highlights of the Great 1940-1942 Band” Avid, AMSC1143)

Recorded 15 February 1941, Los Angeles

carnegie 48

Manhattan Murals (CD: “Carnegie Hall, November 13, 1948” Vintage Jazz Classics 1024)

Recorded 13 November 1948 at Carnegie Hall, New York City

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

Greatest Concert

Take the “A” Train (LP: “The Greatest Jazz Concert In the World” Pablo 2625-070)

Recorded 26 March 1967, Carnegie Hall, New York City

Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson – piano; Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Hamilton, Harry Carney – reeds; John Lamb – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Al Killian, Billy Strayhorn, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Jimmy Hamilton, Oscar Peterson, Ray Nance, Take the "A" Train | Leave a comment

Portrait of Rex Stewart, Part II (Podcast #20-002)

Posted on February 22, 2020 by Ellington Reflections

“In the Ellington band, Stewart quickly blossomed into a major jazz soloist with a wide range of style and technique. He was a fine melodist, could improvise with a Beiderbecke-like grace (he was a great admirer of Bix’s playing), provide sharply crackling muted choruses of immense drive, or play open solos in a uniquely jaunty manner. Rex also became adept at the plunger-muted growl style which was, by the time he joined, a tradition in the Ellington orchestra. Most importantly, he developed a surprisingly accurate and elaborate manner of playing with the valves of his cornet only half-depressed.”

– Eddie Lambert, Duke Ellington, A Listener’s Guide

Rex Stewart Autograph

Here’s a 1966 video Rex Stewart performing “St. Louis Blues” in Switzerland

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Duke-at-Fargo-1

Chatter Box (CD: “Fargo, ND, November 7, 1940” Vintage Jazz Classics VJC-1019/20-2)

Recorded 7 November 1940 at The Crystal Ballroom in Fargo, North Dakota

Zaza (CD: “The Fabulous Ellingtonians” Mercury 830 926-2)

Recorded 5 June 1944, New York City

Rex Stewart – cornet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Tab Smith – alto sax; Harry Carney –baritone sax; Johnny Guarnieri – piano; Brick Fleagle – guitar, arranger; Cozy Cole – drums.

Frantic Fantasy (aka Prairie Fantasy) (CD: “World Broadcasting Series, Volume 1” Circle ‎ CCD-101)

Recorded 8 November 1943, New York City

Wallace Jones, Rex Stewart, Dizzy Gillespie,Taft Jordan – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Skippy Williams, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Wilson Myers – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Blue Skies (CD: “World Broadcasting Series, Volume 4” Circle ‎ CCD-104)

Recorded 3 January 1945, New York City

Shelton Hemphill, Rex Stewart, Taft Jordan, Cat Anderson, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Claude Jones – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Junior Raglin – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

rex on his own B.O. Blues (CD: “Rex Stewart On His Own” JDC Records JDC 70179240)

Recorded 8 February 1946

Rex Stewart – cornet, vocal; Stafford Simon – trumpet; Sandy Williams – trombone; Pete Clark – tenor sax; Mike Colucchio – piano; Wilson Myers – bass, vocals; Bazeley “Bay” Perry – drums.

newport C Jam Blues (LP: Various Artists, “Newport Jazz Festival Live (Unreleased Highlights from 1956, 1958, 1963”) Columbia C2 38262)

Recorded 4 July 1958 live at The Newport Jazz Festival

Cootie Williams – trumpet; Rex Stewart – cornet; Tyree Glenn – trombone; Hilton Jefferson – alto sax; Ben Webster – tenor sax; Billy Strayhorn – piano; Oscar Pettiford – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

One Hundred Years from today (LP: “The Big Reunion” Jazz Greats JG-624)

Recorded

I Knew You When (LP: “Cootie & Rex, The Big Challenge” Jazz Greats JG-602)

Recorded 7 May 1957, New York City

It Ain’t Necessarily So (LP: “Stewart-Williams & Co. – Porgy and Bess Revisited” Disques Swing SW-8414)

Recorded late 1958, New York City

Cootie Williams (“Porgy”) – trumpet; Rex Stewart (“Sportin’ Life”) – cornet; Lawrence Brown (“Serena” and “Clara”) – trombone; Hilton Jefferson (“Bess”) – alto sax; Pinky Williams (“Jake”) – baritone sax; Bernie Glow, Joe Wilder, Ernie Royal, Al Derisi – trumpet; Urbie Green, Eddie Bert, Sonny Russo – trombone; Sid Cooper, Walt Levinsky, Al Klink, Boomie Richman – reeds; Buddy Weed – piano; Barry Galbraith – guitar; Milt Hinton – bass; Don Lamond – drums; plus string section.

Redhead My Girl is Just Enough for Me (LP: “Redhead” Design Records ‎– SS-42)

Recorded

Rex Stewart – cornet; Joe Venuto – marimba; Bucky Pizzarelli – guitar; Leonard Gaskin – bass; Mousey Alexander – drums.

Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off (LP: “Chatter Jazz, The Talkative Horns of Rex Stewart & Dickie Wells” RCA Victor LSP-2024)

Recorded

Rex Stewart – cornet; Dickie Wells – trombone; John Bunch – piano; Leonard Gaskin – bass; Charlie Masterpaolo – drums.

St. Louis Blues/Happy Go Lucky Local (CD: “Rex Stewart & the Henry Chaix Orchestra ‎– Baden 1966 and Montreux 1971” Sackville Recordings ‎– SKCD-2061)

Recorded 12 June 1966 in Baden, Switzerland

Rex Stewart – cornet, vocal; Jo Gagliardi – trumpet; André Faist – trombone; Roger Zufferey – alto sax; Michel Pilet – tenor sax; Henri Chaix – piano; Alain Du Bois – guitar; Georges Furrer – bass; Romano Cavicchiolo – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Cootie Williams, cornet, Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, pedal tones, Rex Stewart | Leave a comment

Portrait of Rex Stewart, Part I (Podcast #20-001)

Posted on February 2, 2020 by Ellington Reflections

“…[H]e was an exciting player who made a big contribution during the years he was with us – 1934-45. He was extremely versatile and we made use of his virtuosity on “Trumpet in Spades” and “Boy Meets Horn.” His half-valved effects on the latter have never been forgotten, but he should not be judged only by demonstrations of that kind.”

– Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress

Boy meets horn

Boy Meets Horn, the autobiography of Rex Stewart

Morning Glory 1 Morning Glory 2

This transcription of Rex Stewart’s cornet solo on Morning Glory is from “Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart, and Ray Nance: Duke Ellington’s trumpet soloists 1940-1942”
by Bryan Wendell Bennet

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

The Stampede (CD: “The Fletcher Henderson Story: A Study In Frustration” Essential Jazz Classics ‎– EJC55511)

Rec 14 May 1926,

Russell Smith, Joe Smith, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Benny Morton – trombone; Don Redman, Buster Bailey, Coleman Hawkins – reeds, Fletcher Henderson – piano; Charlie Dixon – banjo; Ralph Escudero – tuba; Kaiser Marshall – drums.

elling_duke_complete1_101b

(CD: “The Complete 1933-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosaic Records #248)

Trumpet In Spades

Recorded 17 July 1936, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Pete Clark, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Hayes Alvis – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Boy Meets Horn

Recorded 2 September 1938, New York City

Sugar Hill Shim-Sham/Tea And Trumpets (CD: ”The Complete 1936-1940 Variety, Vocalion and Okeh Small Group Sessions” Mosaic Records #235)

Recorded 7 July 1937, New York City

Rex Stewart, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Harry Carney – baritone sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Brick Fleagle – guitar; Hayes Alvis – bass; Jack Maisel – drums.

Fat Stuff Serenade (CD: “Duke Ellington, The Centennial Edition” RCA Victor ‎– 09026-63386-2)

Recorded 20 March 1939

Rex Stewart, Louis Bacon – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard – clarinet; Duke Ellington – piano; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer = drums.

Low Cotton/Montmartre/Finesse (CD: “Djangologie/USA, Volumes 5-6” Disques Swing ‎– CDSW 8424/6)

Recorded

Rex Stewart – cornet; Barney Bigard – clarinet; Django Reinhardt – guitar; Billy Taylor – bass.

Tootin’ Through The Roof (CD: “Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962” Columbia 5176872)

Recorded 14 October 1939, Chicago

Morning Glory (CD: “Highlights of the Great 1940-1942” Avid EMSC1143)

Recorded 6 March 1940, Chicago

Wallace Jones, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.;

Dusk (CD: “Highlights of the Great 1940-1942” Avid EMSC1143)

Recorded 28 May 1940, Chicago

Without A Song (CD: “Duke Ellington, The Centennial Edition” RCA Victor ‎– 09026-63386-2)

Recorded 2 November 1940, Chicago

Rex Stewart – cornet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Ben Webster- tenor sax; Harry Carney – baritone sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Boy Meets Horn (CD: “World Broadcasting Series, Volume 1” Circle ‎ CCD-101)

Recorded 8 November 1943, New York City

world volume 3

Harlem Airshaft (CD: “World Broadcasting Series, Volume 3” Circle ‎ CCD-103)

Recorded 1 December 1943, New York City

Wallace Jones, Rex Stewart, Taft Jordan, Ray Nance, Harold Baker – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Skippy Williams, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Junior Raglin – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Coleman Hawkins, Cootie Williams, cornet, Django Reinhardt, Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, Johnny Hodges, pedal tones, Rex Stewart | Leave a comment

Beyond the “Usual Suspects” once more (Podcast #19-021)

Posted on December 25, 2019 by Ellington Reflections

1959 holiday card

Despite having a major new work to promote (Such Sweet Thunder), in this 1957 television appearance Ellington has to take time away from it in order to play a greatest hits medley (aka “The Usual Suspects”).

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

All Too Soon (CD: “Highlights of the Great 1940-1942” Avid EMSC1143)

Recorded 22 July 1940, New York City

All Too Soon (CD: “Jazz Royalty: Earl Hines Plays Duke Ellington” Soul Note ‎SN 1170)

Recorded 18 March 1974, New York City

Earl Hines – piano.

early ellington rca Cotton Club Stomp (CD: Early Ellington (1927 – 1934), Bluebird 6852-2-RB)

Recorded 3 May 1929, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard, Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Cotton Club Stomp (CD: “Bug Music” Nonesuch 79438-2)

Recorded May 1996 in New York City

Charles Lewis, James Zollar, Steve Bernstein –trumpet; Craig Harris – trombone; Don Byron, Steve Wilson, Robert DeBellis – reeds; Paul Meyers – banjo; Kenny Davis – bass; Pheeroan akLaff – drums.

trane Take the Coltrane (CD: “Duke Ellington & John Coltrane” MCA MCAD-39103)

Recorded 26 September 1962, New York City

John Coltrane – tenor sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Garrison – bass; Elvin Jones – drums.

Take the Coltrane (CD: “The Hill” MCA MCAD-39103)

Recorded 29 November 1986, New York City

David Murray – tenor sax; Richard Davis – bass; Joe Chambers – drums.

Paris Blues (CD: “Midnight in Paris” Sony Music COL4684032)

Recorded 30 January 1962, New York City

steve lacy gil evans Paris Blues (CD: “Paris Blues” Sunnyside Records SSC 3505,)

Recorded 30 November/1 December 1987, Paris

Steve Lacy – soprano sax; Gil Evans – electric piano.

Acht O’Clock Rock (CD: “Duke Ellington, The Centennial Edition” RCA Victor ‎– 09026-63386-2)

Recorded 15 November 1967, San Francisco

red hot indigo

Acht O’Clock Rock (CD: “Red Hot + Indigo” Kinetic Records RHO-13IND)

Recorded

Steven Bernstein – trumpet; Don Byron – clarinet; Art Baron – trombone; John Medeski – piano; Chris Wood – bass; Billy Martin – drums.

Jingle Bells (CD: “Jingle Bell Jazz” Columbia CK 40166)

Recorded 21 June 1962, New York City

Bill Berry, Roy Burrowes, Cat Anderson, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Britt Woodman, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Auld Lang Syne (CD: “Recollections of the Big Band Era” Atlantic Jazz 7 90043-2)

Recorded 29 December 1962, New York City

Cootie Williams, Roy Burrowes, Cat Anderson, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Britt Woodman, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Ernie Shepard – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, David Murray, Don Byron, Duke Ellington, Earl Fatha Hines, Gil Evans, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, John Coltrane, Martin, Medeski, Steve Lacy, Wood | Leave a comment

Duke Ellington’s Wordless Melodies for the Soprano (Podcast #19-020)

Posted on November 29, 2019 by Ellington Reflections

Dr. Lisa M. Clark’s thesis, Synchrony of the Sublime: A Performer ‘s Guide to Duke Ellington’s Wordless Melodies for Soprano can be found here

Adelaide Hall

Adelaide Hall [1901-1993]

“The Victor recording of Creole Love Call introduces a device which Ellington was to use at intervals throughout his career – the blending of a wordless female voice with the instrumental textures. The singer her is Adelaide Hall, and the first chorus presents the main them sung by her over three low-register clarinets, a delicious tonal combination…”

-Eddie Lambert, Duke Ellington: A Listener’s Guide

Kay Davis

Kay Davis [ 1920-2012]

“Kay Davis was an honor student of Northwestern University, where she studied opera and majored in music. She had perfect pitch, could sight-read, and had all the gifts, so we decided to use her voice as an instrument. This was in addition to her interpretations of regular songs with words, and it proved very successful on several numbers.”

-Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress

Alice Babs

Alice Babs [1924-2014]

“[Alice Babs] is just one of the rare people, one of the rarest artists. Whenever I get an opportunity to do anything I feel is out of the ordinary, I think of her. So when I got ready to do my second sacred concert in 1968, where I had to go up over the top of the first, I sent to Sweden to bring her to New York. There were a couple of things in that concert which required real musicianship, which had to read and executed just as they were planned, and she was the one I had complete confidence in to do that. She is a terrific musician, and when I look at the pictures of her taken in the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine – why, I think she looks like an angel! She is a beautiful person who has overcome the problem of singing as pretty as she looks. In referring to her, one never says, “There are just a few left,” because she was probably the only one born.”

-Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

early ellington rca Creole Love Call/Blues I Love To Sing (CD: Early Ellington (1927 – 1934), Bluebird 6852-2-RB)

Recorded 26 October 1927, New York City

Bubber Miley, Louis Metcalf – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Rudy Jackson, Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums, Adelaide Hall – vocal.

Transbluency ( A Blue Fog That you can almost see through) (CD: “Black, Brown & Beige” Bluebird 6641-2-RB)

Recorded 9 July 1946, Los Angeles

Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan, Cat Anderson, Francis Williams, Ray Nance, Harold Baker – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Wilbur De Paris, Claude Jones – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Oscar Pettiford – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Kay Davis – vocal.

jazz collectors

The Beautiful Indians: Minnehaha (CD: “The Jazz Collector Editor ” Laserlight Digital 15 753)

Recorded 5 December 1946, New York City

Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan, Francis Williams, Reunald Jones, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Wilbur DeParis, Claude Jones – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Oscar Pettiford – bass; Sonny Greer – drums. Kay Davis – vocal.

duke 100 On a Turquoise Cloud (CD: “Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962” Columbia 5176872)

Recorded 22 December 1947, New York City

Ray Nance – violin; Lawrence Brown, Tyree Glenn – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Oscar Pettiford, Junior Raglin – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Kay Davis – vocal.

Second_Sacred_Concert

T.G.T.T. – Duke Ellington (LP: “Second Sacred Concert” Prestige P-24045)

Recorded 22 January 1968, New York City

Duke Ellington – electric piano; Alice Babs – vocal.

— 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Adelaide Hall, Alice Babs, Billy Strayhorn, Bubber Miley, Duke Ellington, Kay Davis, Lisa M. Clark, University of Kentucky | Leave a comment

Beyond the “Usual Suspects” [Again] (Podcast #19-019)

Posted on November 16, 2019 by Ellington Reflections

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

elling_duke_complete1_101b Azure (CD: “The Complete 1933-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosaic Records #248)

Recorded 22 April 1937, New York City

steve lacy Azure (CD: “Sempre Amore” Soul Note ‎SN 1170)

Recorded 17 February 1986, Milan, Italy

Steve Lacy – soprano sax; Mal Waldron – piano

Everything But You (CD: “Black, Brown & Beige” Bluebird 6641-2-RB)

Recorded 1 May 1945, New York City

Everything But You (CD: “Cootie Williams – In Chronology, 1945 – 1946” Classics 981)

Recorded 19 July 1945, New York City

Cootie Williams, Ermit V. Perry, George Treadwell, Billy Ford, Clarence “Gene” Redd – trumpet; Ed Burke, Dan Logan, Robert Horton – trombone; Rupert Cole, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson, Sam “The Man” Taylor, Lee Pope, George Favors – reeds; Arnold Jarvis – piano; Carl Pruitt – bass; Sylvester Payne – drums.

The_Original_Ellington_Suite Everything But You (CD: “The Original Ellington Suite” Pacific Jazz ‎– 7243 5 24567 2 7)

Recorded 22 August 1958, Los Angeles

Eric Dolphy – flute; John Pisano – guitar; Nat Gershman – cello; Hal Gaylor – bass; Chico Hamilton –drums.

Image result for francis a and edward k album" I Like the Sunrise (CD: “Francis A. & Edward K.” Reprise Records 1024-2)

Recorded 11/12 December 1967, Los Angeles

Frank Sinatra – vocal; Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jeff Castleman – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

sunrise I Like The Sunrise (CD: “Sunrise” Arbors Records ARCD 19458)

Recorded 18/19 April 2017, Union City, New Jersey

Ken Peplowski – clarinet; Bob Millikan, Jon-Erik Kellso, Randy Reinhart, Andy Gravish – trumpets; John Allred, Harvey Tibbs, Bruce Eidem, Jennifer Wharton – trombones; Jack Stuckey, Jon Gordon, Mark Lopeman, Adrian Cunningham, Carl Maraghi – reeds; Ehud Asherie – piano; Matt Munisteri – bass; Chuck Redd – drums.

Bojangles (CD: “Duke Ellington, The Centennial Edition” RCA Victor ‎– 09026-63386-2)

Recorded 4 May 1940 Los Angeles

zoot Bojangles (CD: “Passion Flower – Zoot Sims plays Duke Ellington” Pablo OJCCD-939-2)

Zoot Sims – tenor sax; Bobby Bryant, Oscar Brashear, Al Aarons, Earl Gardner – trumpet; J.J. Johnson, Britt Woodman, Grover Mitchell, Benny Powell – trombone; Marshal Royal, Buddy Collette, Plas Johnson, Frank Wess – reeds; Jimmy Rowles – piano; John Collins – guitar; John Heard – bass; Shelly Manne – drums.

Tulip or Turnip (CD: “Happy Birthday, Duke! Volume 4” Laserlight Digital 15 786)

Recorded 29 April 1954, Portland, Oregon

Tulip or Turnip (CD: “Hello Rev” Concord Jazz CCD-4027)

Recorded 1 August 1976 at the Concord (California) Summer Festival

Bill Berry, Blue Mitchell, Cat Anderson, Gene Goe, Jack Sheldon – trumpet; Benny Powell, Britt Woodman, Jimmy Cleveland, Tricky Lofton – trombone; Don Menza, Jack Nimitz, Lanny Morgan, Marshal Royal, Richie Kamuca – reeds; Dave Frishberg – piano; Monty Budwig – bass; Frank Capp – drums.

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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Bill Berry, Billy Strayhorn, Cat Anderson, Chico Hamilton, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Eric Dolphy, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Hodges, Ken Peplowski, Mal Waldron, Steve Lacy, Zoot Sims | Leave a comment

“Rabbit’s Blues” – A Conversation with Johnny Hodges biographer Con Chapman (Podcast #19-018)

Posted on October 22, 2019 by Ellington Reflections

“You ever drink any cool, clean spring water? You can add things to it, make lemonade, beer, coffee, or what have you, but when you’re thirsty it’s hard to beat it just as it is. And it’s probably better for you than the kind hyped up with chlorine. Well, to me, Johnny [Hodges] was like that spring water – the real thing, unadulterated. He didn’t change either. Maybe he added ideas as he went along, but he was always true to himself.”

–Earl “Fatha” Hines

rabbits blues

con chapman

Johnny Hodges interviewed by Willis Conover in 1955

From the Oxford University Press Blog – Seven Things You Don’t Know About Johnny Hodges

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

51GibiarjzL._SX355_

Rabbit’s Blues (CD: “The Best of Johnny Hodges” Worten Jazz 221 407-205)

Recorded 15 January 1951

Nelson Williams – trumpet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Al Sears – tenor sax; Leroy Lovett – piano; Al McKibbon – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Billy Strayhorn – arranger.

Wabash Blues (CD: “Back to Back” Verve Records 521 404-2)

Recorded 20 February 1959, New York City

Harry “Sweets” Edison – trumpet; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Les Spann – guitar; Al Hall – bass; Jo Jones – drums.

Highlights

The Giddybug Gallop (CD: “Highlights of the Great 1940-1942 Band” Avid AMSC1143)

Recorded 5 June 1941, Los Angeles

Wallace Jones, Ray Nance, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Barney Bigard, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

dukes men vol 2

Jeep’s Blues (CD: “The Duke’s Men, Volume 2” Columbia Jazz Masterpieces C2K 48835)

Recorded 28 March 1938, New York City

Cootie Williams – trumpet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

The Jeep Is Jumpin’

Recorded 24 August 1938, New York City

Same personnel as “Jeep’s Blues”

Blood Count (CD: “The Jaywalker” Storyville Records 101 8390)

Recorded 23 June 1967, Los Angeles

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; John Lamb – bass; Chris Columbus – drums.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Alto Sax, Billy Strayhorn, Biography, Con Chapman, Duke Ellington, Jeep's Blues, Johnny Hodges, Oxford University Press, Soprano Sax | Leave a comment

Portrait of Jimmie Blanton (Podcast #19-017)

Posted on October 5, 2019 by Ellington Reflections

“Jimmy [sic] Blanton revolutionized bass playing, and it has not been the same since. No one had played with the same perspective before. He played melodies that belonged to the bass and always had a foundation quality. Rhythmically, he supported and drove at the same time. He was just too much.”

-Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress

Jimmy BLANTON, American contrabass player.

Jimmie Blanton in concert with the Duke Ellington orchestra

A Master’s Thesis by Robert Nash, “The Solo Vocabulary of Jazz Bassist Jimmie Blanton” can be found HERE.

Jimmie Blanton headstone

The modest headstone of James Harvey Blanton, Jr., located in Chattanooga, Tennessee (photo courtesy of Ken Steiner)

blanton

Pittsburgh Courier, 15 August 1942

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Plucked Again/Blues (CD: “The Complete 1932-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosaic Records #248)

Recorded 22 November 1939, Chicago

Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmie Blanton -bass.

(CD: “Highlights of the Great 1940-1942” Avid EMSC1143)

Concerto for Cootie

Recorded 15 March 1940, Chicago

In A Mellotone

Recorded 5 September 1940, Chicago

Wallace Jones, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Barney Bigard, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Jack the Bear

Recorded 6 March 1940, Chicago

Sepia Panorama

Recorded 24 July 1940, New York City

Mr. J. B. Blues/Pitter Panther Patter

Recorded 1 October 1940, Chicago

Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmie Blanton -bass.

Duke-at-Fargo-1

Sepia Panorama/Pussy Willow (CD: “Fargo, ND, November 7, 1940” Vintage Jazz Classics VJC-1019/20-2)

Recorded 7 November 1940 at The Crystal Ballroom in Fargo, North Dakota

This ones for Blanton Pitter Panther Patter (CD: “This One’s for Blanton” Pablo PACD-2310-721-2)

Recorded 5 December 1972, Las Vegas

Duke Ellington – piano; Ray Brown – bass.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Bass, Ben Webster, Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, Jimmie Blanton | Leave a comment

Ellingtonian Geography (Podcast #19-016)

Posted on September 21, 2019 by Ellington Reflections

“Night Life was New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Paris, Berlin; uptown, downtown; Harlem, out South; anywhere where they wore that gorgeous velvet mantle.”

– Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Washington Wobble (CD: “Duke Ellington, The Centennial Edition” RCA Victor ‎– 09026-63386-2)

Recorded 6 October 1927, New York City

Bubber Miley, Louis Metcalf – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Rudy Jackson, Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Mack Shaw – tuba; Sonny Greer – drums.

New York City Blues (LP: “The Complete Duke Ellington 1947-1952” CBS 462986 2)

Recorded 30 December 1947, New York City

Harold “Shorty” Baker – trumpet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Junior Raglin – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Treasury Show Vol. 7 Blue Belles of Harlem (CD: “The Treasury Shows, Volume 7” D.E.T.S. ‎– 903 9007)

Recorded 7 July 1945, New York City

Mobile Blues (CD: “The Duke’s Men, Volume 2” Columbia Jazz Masterpieces ‎– C2K 48835)

Recorded 21 December 1938, New York City

Cootie Williams – trumpet; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

New East St. Louis Toodle-oo (CD: “Reminiscing In Tempo” Legacy ‎– CK 48654)

Recorded 5 March 1937, New York City

Isfahan (CD: “All Star Road Band, Volume 2” Doctor Jazz FDC 5011)

Recorded 31 May 1964, Chicago

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Nat Woodard – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Peck Morrison – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Dallas Doings (CD: “Duke Ellington, The Centennial Edition” RCA Victor ‎– 09026-63386-2)

Recorded 26 September 1933, Chicago

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins, Louis Bacon – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Oculpaca (CD: “Latin American Suite” Fantasy OJC20 469-2)

Recorded 5 November 1968, New York City

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Willie Cook – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harold Ashby, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jeff Castleman – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

Rumpus in Richmond (CD: “Highlights of the Great 1940-1942” Avid EMSC1143)

Recorded 22 July 1940, New York City

Cootie Williams, Wallace Jones, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe “Tricky Sam” Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Ben Webster, Barney Bigard, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Montevideo (CD: “Piano Reflections” Capitol Jazz ‎– CDP 7 92863 2)

Recorded 3 December 1953, New York City

Duke Ellington – piano; Wendell Marshall – bass; Dave Black – drum, Ralph Collier – congas.

Moon Over Cuba (CD: “Highlights of the Great 1940-1942” Avid EMSC1143)

Recorded 2 July1941, Los Angeles

Ray Nance, Wallace Jones, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe “Tricky Sam” Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Ben Webster, Barney Bigard, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Oklahoma Stomp (CD: “Early Ellington – The Complete Brunswick And Vocalion Recordings Of Duke Ellington, 1926-1931” Decca/MCA Records GRD-3-640)

Recorded 29 October 1929, New York City

Cootie Williams, Freddy Jenkins – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Teddy Bunn – guitar; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Howard “Blinky” Randolph – kazoo.

A Midnight In Paris (CD: “Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962” Columbia 5176872)

Recorded 21 June 1962, New York City

Paris Blues (CD: “Duke Ellington and his Orchestra featuring Paul Gonsalves” Fantasy ‎– F-9636)

Recorded 1 May 1962, New York City

— 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Barney Bigard, Billy Strayhorn, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Sonny Greer | Leave a comment

The Treasury Shows, Pt. V (Podcast #19-015)

Posted on September 1, 2019 by Ellington Reflections

“In April 1945, Duke Ellington began what was to be the largest single recording project of his career, though it is most unlikely that he or anyone else thought of it in such terms at the time… [He] signed an agreement with the newly formed American Broadcasting Company to broadcast a series of hour-long Saturday afternoon network shows under the title “A Date With The Duke.”… The recordings of these complete broadcasts…make up the largest single block of material in the Ellington discography.”

– Eddie Lambert, A Listener’s Guide – Duke Ellington

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

(Under construction…..)

— 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Cat Anderson, Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, Jimmy Hamilton, Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton, Johnny Hodges, Juan Tizol, Lawrence Brown, Paul Gonsalves, Radio, Ray Nance, Russell Procope, Sonny Greer, U. S. Treasury Department | Leave a comment

Portrait of Lawrence Brown, Pt. II (Podcast #19-014)

Posted on August 4, 2019 by Ellington Reflections

“As a soloist, his taste his impeccable, but his greatest role is that of an accompanist. The old timers used to say, ‘Soloists are made, but accompanists are born’. Lawrence Brown is the accompanist par excellence. During the many years he was with us, records prove that his solo performances had the widest range from classical standard up to, around, and above the jet-swept contour of the vision we almost hear.”

-Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress

ellington-1965-15

Lawrence Brown’s interview for the Jazz Oral History Project can be found here.

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Globe Trotter (CD: “Four Classic Albums” Avid Jazz AMSC999)

Recorded 15 January 1951, New York City

Emmett Berry – trumpet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Al Sears – tenor sax; Leroy Lovett – piano; Lloyd Trotman – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Creole Blues (CD: “Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962” Columbia 5176872)

Recorded 14 July 1960, Los Angeles

Lawrence Brown – trombone; Duke Ellington – piano; Aaron Bell – bass.

Stardust (CD: “Johnny Hodges, soloist, Billy Strayhorn and The Orchestra” Verve 314 557 543-2)

Recorded 11/12 December 1961, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Cat Anderson, Harold “Shorty” Baker, Bill Berry, Howard McGhee, Eddie “Moon” Mullens – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Quentin Jackson, Chuck Connors – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope; Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Jimmy Jones – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums

Rose of the Rio Grande (CD: “The Great Paris Concert” Collectables 7818)

Recorded 1 February 1963, Paris

Minnie the Moocher (CD: “Recollections of the Big Band Era” Warner Bros. 7411628)

Recorded 13 December 1962, Chicago

Let’s Go Fly a Kite (CD: “The Reprise Studio Recordings” Mosaic Records #193)

Recorded 6/8/9 September 1964, Chicago

Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Cootie Williams, Nat Woodard – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope; Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Eddie Johnson, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; John Lamb – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

I Left my Heart In San Francisco (CD: “The Reprise Studio Recordings” Mosaic Records #193)

Recorded 27 April 1964, New York City

Cat Anderson, Rolf Ericson, Cootie Williams, Herbie Jones – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope; Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Major Holley – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Stompy Jones/Mood Indigo (CD: “Everybody Knows Johnny Hodges” GRP/Impulse! GRD-116)

Recorded 8 March 1965, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Ray Nance, Cat Anderson – trumpet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Jimmy Hamilton, Harold Ashby – reeds; Jimmy Jones – piano; Richard Davis – bass; Gus Johnson (on “Stompy Jones”), Johnny Hodges, Jr. (on “Mood Indigo”) – drums.

A Beautiful Friendship (CD: “The Reprise Studio Recordings” Mosaic Records #193)

Recorded 21 January 1965, New York City

Cat Anderson, Ray Nance, Cootie Williams, Herbie Jones – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope; Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; John Lamb – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Rabbit Out of the Hat (CD: Johnny Hodges/Wild Bill Davis – “Con-Soul & Jazz, Wild Bill is the Boss!” Lone Hill Jazz LHJ10283)

Recorded 17 January 1966, New York City

Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton – clarinet; Wild Bill Davis – organ; Billy Butler – guitar; Bob Bushnell – bass; Joe Marshall – drums.

Rockville (CD: Johnny Hodges/Wild Bill Davis – “Con-Soul & Jazz, Wild Bill is the Boss!” Lone Hill Jazz LHJ10283)

Recorded 10/11 September 1966, Grace’s Little Belmont, Atlantic City

Lawrence Brown – trombone; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Bob Brown – tenor sax; Wild Bill Davis – organ; Dickie Thompson – guitar; Bobby Durham – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, Jimmy Hamilton, Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton, Johnny Hodges, Juan Tizol, Lawrence Brown, Russell Procope, Sonny Greer, Trombone, Wild Bill Davis | Leave a comment

Portrait of Lawrence Brown, Pt. I (Podcast #19-013)

Posted on July 21, 2019 by Ellington Reflections

“I have never worked beside a man that played as consistently and as beautiful as this man played. He had so much soul. I have to say soul. He could play blues, he could play melody, and he could almost cry on the trombone. He made such beautiful records.”

-Trombonist Quentin Jackson on Lawrence Brown

Lawrence Brown

Lawrence Brown’s interview for the Jazz Oral History Project can be found here.

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

elling_duke_complete1_101b

(CD: “The Complete 1933-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosaic Records #248)

Sheik of Araby. Recorded 16 May 1932, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Ducky Wucky. Recorded 19 September 1932, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Slippery Horn. Recorded 18 May 1932, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Slippery Horn. Recorded 17 February 1933, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwick, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Little Posey. Recorded 14 October 1939, Chicago

Blue Light. Recorded 22 December 1938, New York City

Wallace Jones – trumpet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Barney Bigard, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Transbluency ( A Blue Fog That you can almost see through) (CD: “Black, Brown & Beige” Bluebird 6641-2-RB)

Recorded 9 July 1946, Los Angeles

duke 100 On a Turquoise Cloud (CD: “Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962” Columbia 5176872)

Recorded 22 December 1947, New York City

world vol. 3 Blue Cellophane (CD: “World Broadcasting Series, Volume 3” Circle ‎ CCD-103)

Recorded 2 January 1945, New York City

Vol 19

Circe (CD: “The Treasury Shows, Volume 19” DETS

Recorded 18 May 1946, New York City

Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan, Cat Anderson, Francis Williams, Reunald Jones, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Wilbur DeParis, Claude Jones – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Oscar Pettiford – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

ellington hollywd bowl

The Golden Cress (LP: “The Hollywood Bowl Concert” Unique Jazz UJ-001)

Recorded 31 August 1947 Live at the Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles

— 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton, Johnny Hodges, Juan Tizol, Lawrence Brown, Sonny Greer, Trombone | Leave a comment

The Treasury Shows, Pt. IV (Podcast #19-012)

Posted on July 7, 2019 by Ellington Reflections

– Eddie Lambert, A Listener’s Guide – Duke Ellington

The recordings heard on this podcast episode came from the following CDs:

vol 16 Duke Ellington And His Orchestra ‎– The Treasury Shows Vol.16

D.E.T.S. ‎– 903 9016

Tracklist

1-1 (Theme) Take The “A” Train & Broadcast Intro

1-2 Just A-Sittin’ And A-Rockin’

1-3 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

1-4 9:20 Special

1-5 Frustration(1)

1-6 Ellington Bond Promo

1-7 Dancing In The Dark

1-8 Dancing In The Dark

1-9 Crosstown

1-10 Passion Flower

1-11 Bond Promo

1-12 Victory Drive

1-13 Get On Board Little Children

1-14 (Theme) Take The “A” Train And Broadcast Return

1-15 Black, Brown & Beige : Come Sunday, Light 12:14

1-16 Ellington Bond Promo 1:22

1-17 11:60 PM 2:04

1-18 Tell It To A Star 2:13

1-19 I Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues 3:12

1-20 Cotton Tail 3:16

1-21 Waiting For The Train To Coming In 2:02

1-22 Star Spangled Banner & Broadcast Closing 2:03

1-23 Subtle Slough 3:01

1-24 Main Steam 1:57

1-25 Bakiff 4:29

1-26 Waiting For The Train To Coming In 2:02

2-1 (Theme) Take The “A” Train & Broadcast Intro 0:50

2-2 Walking With My Honey 1:50

2-3 Jack The Bear 3:40

2-4 Autumn Serenade 3:57

2-5 Ellington Bond Promo 0:50

2-6 Tell It To A star 2:16

2-7 Hey Diddle Diddle 2:04

2-8 I Can’t Begin To Tell You 3:16

2-9 How Deep Is The Ocean 3:29

2-10 The Wonder Of You 2:39

2-11 Victory Drive 1:18

2-12 As Long As I Live & Broadcasting Closing 1:18

2-13 Take The “A” Train 0:26

2-14 Interview With Duke Ellington 0:35

2-15 The Canteen Bounce 1:51

2-16 Perdido 0:14

2-17 Interview With Duke Ellington 1:42

2-18 Hayfoot, Strawfoot 2:03

2-19 Don’t Get Around Much Anymore 4:30

2-20 Interview With Duke Ellington 1:32

2-21 A Slip Of The Lip 2:44

2-22 Things Ain’t What They Used To Be 0:14

2-23 Interview With Duke Ellington 1:39

2-24 Ring Them Bells 3:53

2-25 Moon Mist 0:28

2-26 C Jam Blues 2:30

2-27 It Don’t Mean A Thing 2:40

2-28 Tonight I Shall Sleep 2:10

2-29 Ring Them Bells 3:21

2-30 Don’t Get Around Much Anymore 2:21

2-31 Things Ain’t What They Used To Be 0:21

Credits

Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Nat Jones (5) (tracks: 1-22 to 1-25, 2-12 to 2-31), Otto Hardwicke (tracks: 1-1 to 1-22, 2-1 to 2-12)

Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney

Bass – Junior Raglin (tracks: 1-22 to 1-25, 2-13 to 2-31), Lloyd Trotman (2) (tracks: 1-1 to 1-22), Oscar Pettiford (tracks: 2-1 to 2-12)

Cornet – Rex Stewart, Rex Stewart (tracks: 1-1 to 1-22, 2-1 to 2-12)

Drums – Sonny Greer

Guitar – Fred Guy

Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn

Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington

Producer – Jerry Valburn

Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears (tracks: 1-1 to 1-22, 2-1 to 2-24, ), Ben Webster (tracks: 1-23 to 1-25, 2-13 to 2-24), Elmer Williams (tracks: 2-25 to 2-31)

Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton

Trombone – Bernard Archer (tracks: 2-25 to 2-31), Claude Jones (tracks: 1-1 to 1-22, 2-12, 2-24), Joe Nanton (tracks: 1-1 to 1-25, 2-13 to 2-31), Juan Tizol (tracks: 1-23 to 1-25, 2-13 to 2-24), Lawrence Brown (tracks: 1-1 to 1-22, 2-1 to 2-31), Sandy Williams (tracks: 1-23 to 1-25)

Trumpet – Cat Anderson (tracks: 1-1 to 1-22, 2-1 to 2-12), Harold Baker (tracks: 1-23 to 1-25, 2-13 to 2-31), Ray Nance (tracks: 1-23 to 1-25, 2-13 to 2-31), Shelton Hemphill (tracks: 1-1 to 1-22, 2-1 to 2-12),Taft Jordan (tracks: 1-1 to 1-22, 2-1 to 2-31), Wallace Jones (tracks: 1-23 to 1-25, 2-13 to 2-31)

Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 1-19), Joya Sherrill (tracks: 1-12 , 1-17, 2-4, 2-10, 2-11, ), Kay Davis (tracks: 1-8 , 1-19), The Mellotones (9) (tracks: 1-13, 2-7)

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-22 – Treasury Broadcast No. 30, Radio City, Studio 6-B, NYC, November 10,1945 (ABC)
Tracks 1-23 to 1-24 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, June 7, 1943 (MPS)
Track 1-25 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, June , 1943 (MPS)
Tracks 2-1 to 2-12 – Treasury Broadcast No.31, Radio City, Studio 6-B, November 17,1945 (ABC)
Tracks 2-13 to 2-24 – The Fitch Bandwagon Broadcast from Radio City, Studio 6-B, NYC, May 30, 1943
Tracks 2-25 to 2-31 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, September 5, 1943 (MPS)

Vol 17 Duke Ellington And His Orchestra ‎– The Treasury Shows Vol.17

D.E.T.S. ‎– 903 9017

Tracklist

1-1 (Theme) Take The “A” Train & Intro 0:47

1-2 Way Low 4:10

1-3 “C” Jam Blues 4:16

1-4 The Kissing Bug 3:21

1-5 Duke Ellington Bond Promo 4:03

1-6 Just A-Sittin’ And A-Rockin’ 4:12

1-7 Caldonia 2:44

1-8 Fancy Dan 3:01

1-9 I’m Just A Lucky So And So 5:21

1-10 Take The “A” Train 3:33

1-11 Take The “A” Train 1:42

1-12 The Last Time I Saw You 3:10

1-13 On The Atchison, Topeka And Santa Fe 2:41

1-14 Duke Ellington Bond Promo 1:14

1-15 If I Loved You 2:54

1-16 I Can’t Begin To Tell You 3:46

1-17 The Wonder Of You 2:51

1-18 Riff ‘N’ Drill And Close 2:34

1-19 Take The “A” Train 0:25

1-20 Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me 3:30

1-21 It Don’t Mean A Thing If Ain’t Got That Swing 2:54

1-22 Things Ain’t What They Used To Be 0:57

1-23 Take The “A” Train 0:35

1-24 San Fernando Valley 2:51

1-25 Way Low (Aborted) ; Suddenly It Jumped 3:10

1-26 Summertime (Incomplete) 0:37

1-27 On The Alamo 2:27

1-28 Things Ain’t What They Used To Be 1:12

2-1 Caravan 3:34

2-2 Rugged Romeo 2:58

2-3 Sono 4:07

2-4 Air Conditioned Jungle 5:56

2-5 Circe 4:47

2-6 Rhapsoditty 7:03

2-7 Fugueaditty 2:25

2-8 Take The “A” Train 1:02

2-9 Jam-A-Ditty 4:05

2-10 Magenta Haze 5:11

2-11 Diminuendo In Blue/Transbluency/Crescendo In Blue 12:08

2-12 Pitter Panther Patter 2:29

2-13 The Suburbanite 3:55

2-14 Boys Meets Horn 3:52

2-15 Jump For Joy 2:15

2-16 Three Cent Stomp (Incomplete) 1:29

2-17 Solid Old Man 3:05

2-18 How Blue The Night 1:41

2-19 Ring Dem Bells 1:33

Credits

Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke

Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney

Bass – Junior Raglin (tracks: 1-19 to 1-28, 2-13 to 2-31), Oscar Pettiford (tracks: 1-1 to 1-18, 2-14 to 2-19)

Drums – Sonny Greer

Guitar – Fred Guy

Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn

Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington

Producer – Jerry Valburn

Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears (tracks: 1-1 to 1-18, 2-1 to 2-13)

Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Elmer Williams (tracks: 1-19 to 1-28, 2-14 to 2-19), Jimmy Hamilton

Trombone – Claude Jones, Joe Nanton (tracks: 2-14 to 2-19), Juan Tizol (tracks: 1-23 to 1-25, 2-13 to 2-24), Lawrence Brown

Trumpet – Bernard Flood (tracks: 2-1 to 2-13), Cat Anderson (tracks: 1-1 to 1-18, 2-1 to 2-13), Ray Nance (tracks: 1-19 to 1-28, 2-14 to 2-19), Rex Stewart (tracks: 1-1 to 1-28, 2-14 to 2-19), Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan (tracks: 1-19 to 1-28, 2-1 to 2-19)

Trumpet, Violin – Ray Nance (tracks: 1-19 to 1-28, 2-14 to 2-19)

Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 1-9, 1-26,), Joya Sherrill (tracks: 1-4, 1-17 ), The Mellotones (9) (tracks: 1-7)

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-18 – Treasury Broadcast No. 32, Radio City, Studio 6-B, NYC, November 24,1945 (ABC)
Tracks 1-19 to 1-22 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, April 9, 1943 (MPS)
Tracks 1-23 to 1-28 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, April 20 , 1943 (MPS)
Tracks 2-1 to 2-13 – Treasury Broadcast No. 33, Civic Opera House, Chicago, ILL, January 20, 1946
Tracks 2-14 to 2-16 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, April 21, 1944 (MBS)
Tracks 2-25 to 2-31 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, April 27, 1944 (MBS)

Vol 18 Duke Ellington And His Orchestra ‎– The Treasury Shows Vol.18

D.E.T.S. ‎– 903 9018

Tracklist

1-1 Jam-A-Ditty 1:20

1-2 Blues Is The Night 2:55

1-3 Passion Flower 3:00

1-4 Take The “A” Train 0:45

1-5 Mood To Be Wooed 4:38

1-6 Caravan 4:16

1-7 Bond Promo 1:09

1-8 Don’t Take Your Love From Me 4:10

1-9 Take The “A” Train 0:48

1-10 The Blues 7:47

1-11 Bond Promo 1:08

1-12 Sono 5:27

1-13 One O’Clock Jump 5:19

1-14 I’m Just A Lucky So-And-So 3:26

1-15 Riff Staccato 2:59

1-16 Just A-Sittin’ And A-Rockin’ 1:34

1-17 Rockabye River (Hop, Skip, Jump) 2:48

1-18 Jumping Frog Jump 3:39

1-19 Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me 2:58

1-20 Johnny Come Lately 2:38

1-21 Poinciana 2:37

1-22 On The Alamo 2:31

1-23 Three Cent Stomp 3:36

1-24 I Didn’t Know About You 3:01

2-1 Take The “A” Train 0:54

2-2 Stompy Jones 4:17

2-3 Moon Mist 3:11

2-4 Bond Promo 1:17

2-5 Just A-Sittin’ And A-Rockin’ 4:57

2-6 I Can’t Believe That You ‘re In Love With Me 4:19

2-7 Sophisticated Lady 2:34

2-8 Bond Promo 1:09

2-9 Jennie 2:35

2-10 I’m Just A Lucky So-And-So 3:02

2-11 Black Brown And Beige : Come Sunday & Light 11:48

2-12 Bond Promo 0:12

2-13 We’ll Be Together Again 3:29

2-14 Hollywood Hangover 4:18

2-15 Subtle Slough 4:21

2-16 Bond Promo 1:04

2-17 Perdido 3:05

2-18 Time Alone Will Tell 2:27

2-19 San Fernando Valley 1:53

2-20 Stomp, Look And Listen 4:09

2-21 Concerto For Cootie 0:34

2-22 Long Ago And Far Away 2:35

2-23 Someone 2:08

2-24 Suddenly It Jumped 2:55

2-26 Things Ain’t What They Used To Be 1:38

Credits

Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke (tracks: 1-1 to 1-24, 2-18 to 18-24), Russell Procope(tracks: 2-1 to 2-17)

Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney

Bass – Junior Raglin (tracks: 1-17 to 1-24, 2-18 to 2-25), Oscar Pettiford (tracks: 1-1 to 1-16, 2-1 to 2-17)

Cornet – Rex Stewart (tracks: 1-17 to 1-24, 2-18 to 2-24)

Drums – Sonny Greer

Guitar – Fred Guy

Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn

Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington

Producer – Jerry Valburn

Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears (tracks: 1-1 to 1-16, 2-1 to 2-17, 2-22 to 2-25), Elmer Williams (tracks: 1-17 to 1-24, 2-18 to 2-21)

Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton

Trombone – Claude Jones, Joe Nanton, Lawrence Brown, Wilbur De Paris (tracks: 1-1 to 1-16, 2-1 to 2-17)

Trumpet – Bernard Flood (tracks: 1-1- to 1-3), Cat Anderson (tracks: 1-1 to 1-16), Francis Williams(tracks: 1-1 to 1-16, 2-1 to 2-17), Reunald Jones (tracks: 1-4 to 1-16, 2-1 to 2-17), Hemphill, Taft

Trumpet, Violin – Ray Nance

Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 1-9, 1- 14, 1-19, 2-5, 2-22 ), Kay Davis (tracks: 2-13)

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-3 – Broadcast ,KABC Studios, San Antonio, Texas, April 13, 1946(ABC)
Tracks 1-4 to 1-16 – Treasury Broadcast No. 34, Howard Theatre, Washington, D.C., April 20, 1946 (ABC)
Tracks 1-17 to 1-24 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, April 28 , 1943 (MBS)
Tracks 2-1 to 2-17 – Treasury Broadcast No. 35, Municipal Auditorium, Worcester, Mass., April 27, 1946 (ABC)
Tracks 2-18 to 2-25 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, May 12&19, 1944 (MBS)
Tracks 1-1 to 1-16 issued on LP DETS 34
Tracks 2-1 to 2-17 issued on LP DETS 35

Vol 19 Duke Ellington And His Orchestra ‎– The Treasury Shows Vol.19

D.E.T.S. ‎– 903 9019

Tracklist

1-1 Take The “A” Train 0:36

1-2 Just A-Sittin’ And A-Rockin’ 4:02

1-3 Duke Ellington Bond Promotion 0:58

1-4 9:20 Special 3:48

1-5 I Can’t Get Started 4:12

1-6 Flamingo 0:54

1-7 Fancy Dan 3:33

1-8 Diminuendo In Blue 3:00

1-9 Transbluency 4:02

1-10 Crescendo In Blue 3:57

1-11 Duke Ellington Bond Promotion 1:09

1-12 Someone 3:07

1-13 Three Cent Stomp 3:47

1-14 Duke Ellington Bond Promotion 1:08

1-15 I’m Just A Lucky So-And-So 2:47

1-16 Intro 0:34

1-17 Barzillai Lew 2:39

1-18 The “C” Jam Blues 2:40

1-19 Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me 3:52

1-20 Subtle Slough 3:26

1-21 Take The “A” Train 0:13

2-1 In A Mellotone 2:59

2-2 I’m Just A Lucky So-And-So 2:35

2-3 Announcement 0:34

2-4 Sono 4:34

2-5 Rugged Romeo 3:21

2-6 Circe 4:46

2-7 Air Conditioned Jungle 5:08

2-8 Full Moon And Empty Arms 2:20

2-9 Announcement 0:20

2-10 Duke Ellington Bond Promotion 0:48

2-11 Laughin’ On The Outside 3:27

2-12 Take The “A” Train 1:49

2-13 Take The “A” Train 0:52

2-14 Just A-Sittin’ And A-Rockin’ 4:24

2-15 Crosstown 2:55

2-16 Duke Ellington Bond Promotion 1:11

2-17 Summertime 3:12

2-18 Teardrops In The Rain 3:07

2-19 Frankie And Johnny 8:02

2-20 Duke Ellington Bond Promotion 1:12

2-21 Hop, Skip And Jump 2:57

2-22 Take The “A” Train 0:32

2-23 Take It From Here 2:18

2-24 Later Tonight 1:12

2-25 Wait For Me Mary 2:18

2-26 Go Away Blues 2:02

2-27 Tonight I Shall Sleep 1:59

2-28 Don’t Get Around Much Anymore 1:12

Credits

Alto Saxophone – Nat Jones (5) (tracks: 1-16 to 1-21, 2-22 to 2-28)

Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope (tracks: 1-15 to 2-15, 2-1 to 2-21)

Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney

Bass – Junior Raglin (tracks: 1-16 to 1-21, 2-22 to 2-28), Oscar Pettiford (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-21)

Cornet – Rex Stewart (tracks: 1-17 to 1-24, 2-18 to 2-24)

Drums – Sonny Greer

Guitar – Fred Guy

Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn

Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington

Producer – Jerry Valburn

Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-21), Elmer Williams (tracks: 1-16 to 1-21, 2-22 to 2-28), Elmer Williams (tracks: 1-17 to 1-24, 2-18 to 2-21)

Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton

Trombone – Bernard Archer (tracks: 1-16 to 1-21, 2-22 to 2-28), Claude Jones (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-21), Joe Nanton, Lawrence Brown, Wilbur De Paris (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-21)

Trumpet – Cat Anderson (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-21), Francis Williams (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-21), Reunald Jones (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-21), Shelton Hemphill (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-21), Taft Jordan, Wallace Jones (tracks: 1-16- to 1-21, 2-22 to 2-28)

Trumpet, Violin – Ray Nance

Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 1-6, 1- 15, 2-2, 2-17, 2-27), Betty Roché (tracks: 2-26), Kay Davis (tracks: 1-15, 2-8)

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-15 – Treasury Broadcast No. 36, Dartmouth College, Hanoner, NH, May 4,1946, (ABC)
Tracks 1-16 to 1-21 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, September 3, 1943 (MBS)
Tracks 2-1 to 2-21 – Treasury Broadcast No. 37 & 38, Radio City, New York, May 18 & 25, 1946 (ABC)
Tracks 2-22 to 2-28 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, September 1, 1943 (MBS)

Vol 20 Duke Ellington And His Orchestra ‎– The Treasury Shows Vol.20

D.E.T.S. ‎– 903 9020

Tracklist

1-1 Take The “A” Train 0:40

1-2 A Flower Is A Lonesome Thing 3:29

1-3 Duke Ellington Bond Promo 0:58

1-4 Main Steam 3:19

1-5 A Ghost Of A Chance 3:14

1-6 Interview With Duke Ellington 0:39

1-7 In A Jam 3:22

1-8 I’m Just A Lucky So-And-So 3:48

1-9 Stomp, Look And Listen 3:45

1-10 Come Rain Or Come Shine 3:18

1-11 Duke Ellington Bond Promo 1:29

1-12 Things Ain’t What They Used To Be 2:07

1-13 Summertime 2:57

1-14 Jack The Bear 3:33

1-15 Sentimental Lady 3:19

1-16 In A Mellotone 3:07

1-17 Rockin’ In Rhythm 4:23

2-1 Take The “A” Train 0:43

2-2 Mood To Be Wooded 4:47

2-3 Duke Ellington Bond Promo 1:03

2-4 Johnny Come Lately 2:40

2-5 They Say It’s Wonderful 2:45

2-6 Strange Love 2:44

2-7 Honeysuckle Rose 3:17

2-8 Don’t Take Your Love From Me 4:44

2-9 Duke Ellington Bond Promo 1:04

2-10 Blue On The Double 4:40

2-11 Take The “A” Train 0:36

2-12 Take The “A” Train 0:51

2-13 Come Sunday 6:27

2-14 Light 4:24

2-15 Duke Ellington Bond Promo 1:01

2-16 Lover Man 3:23

2-17 Riff Staccato 3:10

2-18 Mood Indigo 4:39

2-19 Duke Ellington Bond Promo 1:08

2-20 Riff’N’Drill 2:17

2-21 Johnny Come Lately 1:32

2-22 Emancipation Celebration 2:25

2-23 Go Away Blues 2:06

2-24 Don’t Get Around Much Anymore 2:13

2-25 Things Ain’t What They Used To Be 1:00

Credits

Alto Saxophone – Otto Hardwicke (tracks: 1-1 to 1-12, 2-1 to 2-20)

Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Johnny Hodges, Nat Jones (5) (tracks: 1-13 to 1-17, 2-21 to 25)

Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney

Bass – Junior Raglin (tracks: 1-13 to 1-17, 2-21 to 2-25), Oscar Pettiford (tracks: 1-1 to 1-12, 2-1 to 2-20)

Drums – Sonny Greer

Guitar – Fred Guy

Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn

Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington

Producer – Jerry Valburn

Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears (tracks: 1-1 to 1-12, 2-1 to 2-20), Ben Webster (tracks: 1-13 to 1-17, 2-21 to 2-25)

Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton

Trombone – Claude Jones (tracks: 1-1 to 1-12, 2-1 to 2-20), Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol (tracks: 1-13 to 1-17, 2-21 to 2-25), Lawrence Brown, Wilbur De Paris (tracks: 1-1 to 1-12, 2-1 to 2-20)

Trumpet – Cat Anderson (tracks: 1-1 to 1-12, 2-1 to 2-20), Francis Williams (tracks: 1-1 to 1-12, 2-1 to 2-20), Harold Baker (tracks: 1-13 to 1-17, 2-21 to 2-17), Reunald Jones (tracks: 1-1 to 1-12, 2-1 to 2-20), Shelton Hemphill (tracks: 1-1 to 1-12, 2-1 to 2-20), Taft Jordan (tracks: 1-1 to 1-12, 2-1 to 2-25),Wallace Jones (tracks: 1-16- to 1-21, 2-22 to 2-28)

Trumpet, Violin – Ray Nance

Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 1-8, 1- 13, 2-2, 2-8, 2-24), Betty Roché (tracks: 2-23), Kay Davis (tracks: 2-5), Marion Cox (tracks: 1-5), Ray Nance (tracks: 2-17)

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-12 – Treasury Broadcast No. 39, Rehearsal Hall, Paramount Theatre, NYC ,June 1, 1946, (ABC)
Tracks 1-13 to 1-17 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, September 10, 1943 (MBS)
Tracks 2-1 to 2-20 – Treasury Broadcast No. 40, WEEU Studios, Reading, PA., June 8, 1946 (ABC)
Tracks 2-21 to 2-25 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, September 7, 1943 (MBS)

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, Jimmy Hamilton, Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton, Johnny Hodges, Kay Davis, Lawrence Brown, Mercer Ellington, Nat Jones, Ray Nance, Sonny Greer, Storyville Records, U. S. Treasury Department | Leave a comment

Old Wine and New Bottles (Podcast #19-011)

Posted on June 16, 2019 by Ellington Reflections

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Birmingham Breakdown (CD: “Early Ellington – The Complete Brunswick And Vocalion Recordings Of Duke Ellington, 1926-1931” Decca/MCA Records GRD-3-640)

Recorded 29 November 1926, New York City

Bubber Miley, Louis Metcalf – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; unknown, Edgar Sampson, Otto Hardwicke – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Mack Shaw – tuba; Sonny Greer -drums.

Birmingham Breakdown (CD: “Cotton Club 1938, Volume 1” Galaxy Music ‎– 3801122)

Recorded 15 May 1938, CBS broadcast, Cotton Club, New York City

Doin’ The Voom Voom (CD: “Early Ellington – The Complete Brunswick And Vocalion Recordings Of Duke Ellington, 1926-1931” Decca/MCA Records GRD-3-640)

Recorded 8 January 1929, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Bubber Miley, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard(cl,ts); Johnny Hodges(cl,ss,as); Harry Carney(cl,as,bar); Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy(bj); Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

elling_duke_complete1_101b Doin’ The Voom Voom(CD: “The Complete 1932-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosaic Records #248)

Recorded 6 June 1939, New York City

Rent Party Blues (CD: “Early Ellington – The Complete Brunswick And Vocalion Recordings Of Duke Ellington, 1926-1931” Decca/MCA Records GRD-3-640)

Recorded 1 March 1929, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney -reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

small groups Rent Party Blues (CD: ”The Complete 1936-1940 Variety, Vocalion and Okeh Small Group Sessions” Mosaic Records #235)

Recorded 21 March 1939, New York City

Cootie Williams – trumpet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

early ellington rca Black Beauty (CD: Early Ellington (1927 – 1934), Bluebird 6852-2-RB)

Recorded 26 March 1928, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Bubber Miley, Louis Metcalf – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard, Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

bbbcd Black Beauty (CD: “Black, Brown & Beige” Bluebird 6641-2-RB)

Recorded 16 May 1945, New York City

Black Beauty (CD: “Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962” Columbia 5176872) Recorded 14 July 1960, Los Angeles

Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Paul Gonsalves – tenor sax; Harry Carney – baritone sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Sam Woodyard – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Bubber Miley, Cootie Williams, Cotton Club, Duke Ellington, Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton, Johnny Hodges, Lawrence Brown, Sonny Greer | Leave a comment

Portrait of Otto Hardwicke (Podcast #19-010)

Posted on June 2, 2019 by Ellington Reflections

“The amazing thing about [Duke Ellington] is that the language, the slant, everything, it’s all acquired. It didn’t rub off from someone else, and it wasn’t a legacy, either. He went inside himself to find it. He’s an only, that’s for sure. They threw away carbons.”

-Otto Hardwicke

Otto

Otto Hardwicke

Otto Hardwicke autograph

Otto Hardwicke’s autograph

Ellington-Bass-Sax-e1510430131798

Publicity photograph of the Duke Ellington reed section. Top – Johnny Hodges – alto sax, Barney Bigard – tenor sax, Harry Carney – alto sax. Bottom – Otto Hardwicke – bass sax.

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

early ellington

Doin’ the Frog (CD: “Early Ellington – The Complete Brunswick And Vocalion Recordings Of Duke Ellington, 1926-1931” Decca/MCA Records GRD-3-640)

Recorded 29 December 1927, New York City

Okeh Ellington

Jubilee Stomp (CD: “The Okeh Ellington” Columbia C2K 46177)

Recorded 19 January 1928, New York City

Bubber Miley, Louis Metcalf – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard, Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

small groups

(CD: ”The Complete 1936-1940 Variety, Vocalion and Okeh Small Group Sessions” Mosaic Records #235)

The Boys from Harlem – recorded 21 December 1938, New York City

Swing Pan Alley – recorded 2 August 1938, New York City

Cootie Williams – trumpet; Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Barney Bigard, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

In A Sentimental Mood (CD: “Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962” Columbia 5176872)

Recorded 30 April 1935, New York City

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

Duke-at-Fargo-1

Sophisticated Lady (CD: “Fargo, ND, November 7, 1940” Vintage Jazz Classics VJC-1019/20-2)

Recorded 7 November 1940 at The Crystal Ballroom in Fargo, North Dakota

vol 4

I Should Care (CD: “The Treasury Shows, Volume 4” DETS 903 9004)

Recorded 19 May 1945, Live at the Paradise Theatre, Detroit

— 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Alto Sax, Baritone Sax, Barney Bigard, Bass Sax, Bubber Miley, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Fred Guy, Harry Carney, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Sonny Greer | Leave a comment

Happy Birthday, Duke! (Podcast #19-009)

Posted on May 18, 2019 by Ellington Reflections

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

box

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Britt Woodman, Butch Ballard, Dave Black, Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, Jimmy Hamilton, John Sanders, Paul Gonsalves, Rick Henderson, Wendell Marshall | Leave a comment

Portrait of Bubber Miley (Podcast #19-008)

Posted on April 20, 2019 by Ellington Reflections

“Bubber Miley was from the body and soul of Soulville. He was raised on soul and saturated and marinated in soul. Every note he played was soul filled with the pulse of compulsion…..

Bubber was born in South Carolina, but his family moved to New York when he was quite young, and he was raised there. His growl solos with the plunger mute were another of our early sound identities, and between 1925 and 1929 he laid the foundation of a tradition that has been maintained ever since by men like Cootie Williams and Ray Nance.” –

– Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Early Ellington (1927 – 1934), Bluebird 6852-2-RB

Black and Tan Fantasy, recorded 6 October 1927, Camden, New Jersey

Bubber Miley, Louis Metcalf – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; unknown, Edgar Sampson, Otto Hardwicke – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Mack Shaw – tuba.

East St. Louis Toodle-oo, recorded 3 December 1927, New York City

Doin’ the Voom Voom and Flaming Youth, recorded 16 January 1929, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Bubber Miley, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

early ellington

Early Ellington – The Complete Brunswick And Vocalion Recordings Of Duke Ellington, 1926-1931, Decca/MCA Records GRD-3-640 (3 CD set)

The Mooche, recorded 17 October 1928, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Bubber Miley, unknown – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Okeh Ellington

The Okeh Ellington, Columbia C2K 46177 (2 CD set)

Take it Easy, recorded 19 January 1928, New York City

The Mooche, recorded 1 October 1928, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Bubber Miley – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Lonnie Johnson – guitar; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Baby Cox – vocal.

bix beiderbeck

The Bix Beiderbecke Story, Proper Records P1362 (4 CD set)

Louisiana, recorded 23 April 1928, New York City

Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra: Henry Busse, Charles Margulis, Eddie Prinder – trumpet; Bix Beiderbecke – cornet; Boyce Cullen, Wilbur Hall, Bill Rank, Jack Fulton – trombone; Irving Friedman, Chet Hazlett, Rube Crozier, Frank Trumbauer, Red Mayer, Charles Strickfaden – reeds; Kurt Dierterle, Mischa Russell, Matty Malneck, Mario Perry, John Bowman, Charles Gaylord – violin; Roy Bargy, Lennie Hayton – piano; Mike Pingitore – banjo; Min Leibrook – tuba; Mike Trafficante – bass; Hal McDonald – drums; Bing Crosby, Jack Fulton, Austin Young, Charles Gaylord – vocal.

Rockin’ Chair, recorded 21 May 1930, New York City

Bix Beiderbecke – cornet; James “Bubber” Miley – trumpet; Tommy Dorsey – trombone; Arnold Brilhart, Benny Goodman, Bud Freeman – reeds; Joe Venuti – violin; Hoagy Carmichael – piano, vocal; .Eddie Lang – guitar; Harry Goodman – bass; Gene Krupa – drums; Irving Brodsky – vocal.

— 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Barney Bigard, Bing Crosby, Bix Beiderbecke, Bubber Miley, Cootie Williams, Cotton Club, Duke Ellington, Fred Guy, Freddy Guy, Harry Carney, Hoagy Carmichael, Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton, Johnny Hodges, Paul Whiteman, Ray Nance, Sonny Greer, Wellman Braud | Leave a comment

Portrait of Fred Guy (Podcast #19-007)

Posted on April 7, 2019 by Ellington Reflections

“Freddy Guy was born in Georgia, but he had been in New York most of his life when he joined us in 1925, and he knew Harlem backwards and forwards. He was rather a serious type of fellow, and was always giving us advice, but his guitar was a metronome and the beat was always where it was supposed to be. He was a good man at managing finances, too. Herman Stark, the manager of the Cotton Club, used to say to me, “You are going to be a very famous star, but Freddy Guy is going to wind up with the money.””

-Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress

guy and duke

Fred Guy and Duke Ellington, 1925

Fred Guy, 1946

Fred Guy's Autograph.jpg

Fred Guy’s Autograph (from eBay)

Fred Guy played and endorsed Levin, a Swedish guitar brand

fred guy newspaper clipping

The Atlanta Constitution, Thursday, 25 November 1971

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Rainy Nights (CD: 1924-1926: Birth of a Band, Vol. 1 EPM #HS151042)

Recorded November, 1924 New York City

Bubber Miley – trumpets; Charlie Irvis – trombone; Otto Hardwicke – alto sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Sonny Greer – drums.

41HG64z6N4L._SX450_

Echoes of the Jungle (CD: Highlights from the Duke Ellington Centennial Edition (1927-1973) RCA Victor 09026636722)

Recorded 16 June 1931, Camden, New Jersey

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

elling_duke_complete1_101b

The Sergeant Was Shy (CD: “The Complete 1932-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosaic Records #248)

Recorded 28 August 1939, Boston

stereo reflections

Warm Valley (CD: “Duke Ellington: Stereo Reflections In Ellington” Natasha Imports ‎– NI-4016)

Recorded 31 July 1940, Detroit

Wallace Jones, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Ben Webster, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

bbbcd

Caravan (CD: “Black, Brown & Beige” Bluebird 6641-2-RB)

Recorded 11 May 1945, New York City

Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan, Cat Anderson, Ray Nance, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Claude Jones – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Junior Raglin – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Banjo, Billy Strayhorn, Cotton Club, Duke Ellington, Fred Guy, Freddy Guy, Guitar, Johnny Hodges, Sonny Greer | 2 Comments

The Treasury Shows, Pt. III (Podcast #19-006)

Posted on March 24, 2019 by Ellington Reflections

– Eddie Lambert, A Listener’s Guide – Duke Ellington

The recordings heard on this podcast episode came from the following CDs:

Treasury Show Vol. 11

Duke Ellington And His Orchestra ‎– The Treasury Shows Vol.11

D.E.T.S. ‎– 903 9011

Tracklist

1-1 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

1-2 Mood Indigo

1-3 Duke Ellington Bond Promo

1-4 In A Jam

1-5 Everything But You

1-6 Pianistically Allied

1-7 I Don’t Mind

1-8 Duke Ellington Bond Promo

1-9 The Jeep Is Jumpin’

1-10 Take The “A” Train (Station Break)

1-11 Take The “A” Train (Broadcast Return)

1-12 Black And Tan Fantasy

1-13 I’m Beginning To See The Light

1-14 Duke Ellington Bond Promo

1-15 After All

1-16 Don’t You Know I Care

1-17 (Back Home Again In) Indiana

1-18 The More I See You

1-19 Duke Ellington Bond Promo

1-20 Let The Zoomers Drool (Broadcast Close)

1-21 Suddenly It Jumped

1-22 Every Hour On The Hour

1-23 Cotton Tail

1-24 Everything But You (Broadcast Close)

2-1 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-2 On The Alamo

2-3 Duke Ellington Bond Promo

2-4 Sugar Hill Penthouse

2-5 Stomp, Look And Listen

2-6 There’s No You

2-7 Jumpin’ Pumpkins

2-8 Body And Soul – Duke Ellington Bond Promo

2-9 Station Break

2-10 Take The “A” Train (Broadcast Return)

2-11 – A Tropical Triumvirate (Medley)

A) Caravan

B) Flamingo

C) Air Conditioned Jungle

2-12 Everything But You – Duke Ellington Bond Promo

2-13 Pitter Panther Patter

2-14 One O’Clock Jump

2-15 Moon Mist

2-16 Duke Ellington Bond Promo

2-17 Jump For Joy

2-18 (Theme) Take The “A” Train (Broadcast Close)

2-19 A Door Will Open

2-20 Lily Belle

2-21 West Indian Dance

2-22 Waiting For The Train To Come In

2-23 Blues On The Double

Credits

Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke

Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney

Bass – Junior Raglin

Cornet – Rex Stewart

Drums – Sonny Greer

Guitar – Fred Guy

Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn

Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington

Producer – Jerry Valburn

Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears

Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton

Trombone – Claude Jones, Joe Nanton, Lawrence Brown

Trumpet – Cat Anderson, Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan

Trumpet, Violin – Ray Nance (tracks: 1-1 to 1-20, 2-1 to 2-18)

Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 1-16, 1-22, 2-11(C)), Joya Sherrill (tracks: 1-5 , 1-13 , 2-16, 2-22, 2-25), Kay Davis (tracks: 1-18 , 2-6, 2-24), Marie Ellington (tracks: 1-7), Ray Nance (tracks: 2-17)

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-20 – Treasury Broadcast No. 20, Fieldston Ballroom, Marsh Field, Massachusetts, August 25, 1945 (ABC)
Tracks 1-21 to 1-24 – Broadcast from the New Zanzibar, NYC, October 7, 1945 (MBS)
Tracks 2-1 to 2-18 – Treasury Broadcast No. 21, Earle Theatre, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 1,1945 (ABC)
Tracks 2-19 to 2-23 – Broadcast from the New Zanzibar, NYC, October 18, 1945 (MBS)

Treasury Show Vol. 12

Duke Ellington And His Orchestra ‎– The Treasury Shows Vol.12

D.E.T.S. ‎– 903 9012

Tracklist

1-1 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

1-2 Carnegie Blues

1-3 Duke Ellington Bond Promo

1-4 I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me

1-5 Mood To Be Wooed

1-6 Kissing Bug

1-7 A Group Of Three Billy Strayhorn Compositions

A) Chelsea Bridge

1-8 Duke Ellington Bond Promo

B) (I Want) Something To Live For

C) Clementine (Station Break)

1-9 Take The “A” Train (broadcast Return)

1-10 A Series Of Four In A Minor Mood

A) Way Low

B) Solid Old Man

1-11 Duke Ellington Bond Promo

C) Summertime

D) Old King Dooji

1-12 If I Loved You

1-13 Unbooted Character

1-14 Just A-Sittin And A-Rockin

1-15 Duke Ellington Bond Promo

1-16 Hollywood Hangover (Broadcast Close)

1-17 Opening

1-18 Caravan

1-19 Three Cent Stomp

1-20 Yesterday

2-1 Blues On The Double

2-2 Riff Staccato

2-3 Cotton Tail

2-4 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-5 Subtle Slough

2-6 C-Jam Blues

2-7 Duke Ellington Bond Promo

2-8 Every Hour On The Hour

2-9 Thw Jeep Is Jumpin’ (Station Break)

2-10 Take The “A” Train (Broadcast Return)

2-11 Creole Love Call

2-12 Frankie And Johnny

2-13 Everything But You

2-14 Emancipation Celebration

2-15 Warm Valley

2-16 Take The “A” Train (Broadcast Close)

Credits

Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke

Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney

Bass – Junior Raglin

Cornet – Rex Stewart

Drums – Sonny Greer

Guitar – Fred Guy

Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn

Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington

Producer, Liner Notes – Jerry Valburn

Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears

Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton

Trombone – Claude Jones, Joe Nanton, Lawrence Brown

Trumpet – Cat Anderson, Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan

Trumpet, Violin – Ray Nance

Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 2-8), Joya Sherrill (tracks: 1-6 , 2-13), Kay Davis (tracks: 1-12 , 2-11, 2-24),Ray Nance (tracks: 2-2)

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-16- Treasury Broadcast No. 22, Radio City Studio 6B, Blue Network, September 8, 1945 (ABC)
Tracks 1-17 to 2-3 – Broadcast from the New Zanzibar, NYC, October 1, 1945 (NBC)
Tracks 2-4 to 2-16 – Treasury Broadcast No. 23,Radio City Studio 6B, September 15,1945 (ABC)

Treasury Show Vol. 13

Duke Ellington And His Orchestra ‎– The Treasury Shows Vol.13

D.E.T.S. ‎– 903 9013

Tracklist

1-1 Someone

1-2 Riff Staccato

1-3 Homesick That’s All

1-4 Kissing Bug

1-5 (Theme) Take The “A” Train Into Station Break

1-6 (Theme) Take The “A” Train And Broadcast Return

1-7 Time’s A-Wastin

1-8 DE Bond Promo

1-9 Three Cent Stomp

1-10 There’s No You

1-11 Fancy Dan

1-12 Everything But You

1-13 Fickle Fling

1-14 DE Bond Promo

1-15 Blue Serge

1-16 Take The “A” Train Opening

1-17 Stompy Jones

1-18 Walkin With My Honey

1-19 Everything About You

1-20 In A Mellotone

1-21 Solid Old Man

2-1 I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But The Blues

2-2 Blue Skies

2-3 Suddendly It Jumped

2-4 Take The “A” Train Into Broadcast Closing

2-5 (Theme)Take The “A” Train

2-6 Main Steam

2-7 Carnegie Blues

2-8 I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me

2-9 DE Bond Promo

2-10 What Am I Here For

2-11 Lilly Belle

2-12 Homesick, That’s All

2-13 Go Away Blues

2-14 Frantic Fantasy

2-15 If You Are But A Dream

2-16 DE Bond Promo

2-17 Jack The Bear

2-18 Every Hour On The Hour

2-19 Cotton Bell

2-20 Lament In A Minor Mood

2-21 DE Bond Promo

2-22 Teardrops In The Rain

2-23 I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But The Blues

2-24 Things Ain’t What They Used To Be Into Broadcasting Closing

Credits

Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke

Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney

Bass – Junior Raglin

Cornet – Rex Stewart

Drums – Sonny Greer

Guitar – Fred Guy

Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn

Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington

Producer – Jerry Valburn

Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears

Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton

Trombone – Claude Jones, Joe Nanton, Lawrence Brown

Trumpet – Cat Anderson, Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan

Trumpet, Violin – Ray Nance (tracks: 1-1 to 1-21, 2-5 to 2-24)

Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 2-1, 2-18, 2-23), Joya Sherrill (tracks: 1-4 , 2-13 ), Kay Davis (tracks: 1-10 , 2-1, 2-23), Ray Nance (tracks: 1-2)

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-15 – Treasury Broadcast No. 24, Radio City, Studio 6-B, Blue Network, September 22,1945 (ABC)
Tracks 1-16 to 2-4 – Broadcast from the New Zanzibar, NYC, September 24, 1945 (NBC)
Tracks 2-5 to 2-24 – Treasury Broadcast No. 25, Radio City, Studio 6-B, September 1,1945 (ABC)

Treasury Show Vol. 14.jpg

Duke Ellington And His Orchestra ‎– The Treasury Shows Vol.14

D.E.T.S. ‎– 903 9014

Tracklist

1-1 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

1-2 Time’s A-Wastin

1-3 Every Hour On The Hour

1-4 Bond Promo

1-5 Hollywood Hangover

1-6 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

1-7 Autumn Serenade

1-8 Hop Skip And Jump

1-9 Riding On A Blue Note

1-10 I’ll Buy That Dream

1-11 Bond Promo

1-12 Riff’N Drill

1-13 Tell Ya What I’m Gonna Dream

1-14 How Deep Is The Ocean ?

1-15 Mood Indigo

1-16 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

1-17 Three Tunes In The Blue Mood

A) Diminuendo In Blue

B) I Got It Bad

C) Crescendo In Blue

1-18 Everything But You

1-19 Bond Promo

1-20 Everything But You

1-21 Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea

1-22 After All

1-23 Out Of This World

1-24 C-Jam Blues

1-25 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-1 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-2 Ultra Blue

2-3 Teardrops In The Rain

2-4 Time On My Hands

2-5 (Theme)Take The “A” Train

2-6 Riff Staccato

2-7 Ko-Ko

2-8 If I Loved You

2-9 Bond Promo

2-10 Subtle Slough

2-11 Honeysuckle Rose

2-12 Perdido

2-13 Air Conditioned Jungle

2-14 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-15 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-16 Waiting For The Train To Come In

2-17 I’d Do It All Over Again

2-18 Bond Promo

2-19 Fancy Dan

2-20 Homesick, That’s All

2-21 Blues On The Double

2-22 Every Hour On The Hour

2-23 Bond Promo

2-24 Caravan

2-25 Riff’N Drill

2-26 Things Ain’t What They Used To Be

Credits

Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Russell Procope (tracks: 2-1 to 2-26)

Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney

Bass – Junior Raglin

Cornet – Rex Stewart

Drums – Sidney Catlett (tracks: 1-1 to 1-25), Sonny Greer (tracks: 2-1 to 2-26)

Guitar – Fred Guy

Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn

Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington

Producer – Jerry Valburn

Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears

Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton

Trombone – Claude Jones, Joe Nanton, Lawrence Brown

Trumpet – Cat Anderson, Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan

Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 2-22, ), Joya Sherrill (tracks: 1-7 , 1-13 , 1-18, 2-5), Kay Davis (tracks: 2-8)

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-25 – Treasury Broadcast No. 26, Radio City, Studio 6-B, October 13,1945 (ABC)
Tracks 2-1 to 2-26 – Treasury Broadcast No. 27, Radio City, Studio 6-B, September 1,1945 (ABC)

Treasury Show Vol. 15.jpg

Duke Ellington And His Orchestra ‎– The Treasury Shows Vol.15

D.E.T.S. ‎– 903 9015

Tracklist

1-1 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

1-2 Johnny Come Lately

1-3 I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me

1-4 I’ll Buy That Dream

1-5 Stomp Look And Listen Into Station Break

1-6 (Theme) Take The “A” Train And Broadcast Return

1-7 The Wonder Of You

1-8 Ellington Bond Promo

1-9 Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho

1-10 The General Jumped At Dawn

1-11 Mood To Be Wooed

1-12 Three Cent Stomp

1-13 Yesterdays

1-14 Ellington Bond Promo

1-15 Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me

1-16 Stompy Jones

1-17 Time’s A-Wastin’ And Broadcast Closing

1-18 As Time Goes By

1-19 Way Low

1-20 Around My Heart

1-21 Perdido

1-22 Ogeechee River Lullaby

2-1 Oh! Lady Be Good

2-2 Nevada

2-3 Just Squeeze Me (Subtle Slough)

2-4 (Theme) Take The “A” Train & Broadcast Intro

2-5 Clementine

2-6 The Jeep Is Jumpin’

2-7 Don’t Take Your Love From Me

2-8 It Don’t Mean A Thing

2-9 Ellington Bond Promo

2-10 If You Are But A Dream

2-11 Emancipation Celebration

2-12 Caldonia

2-13 Ring Them Bells Into Station Break

2-14 (Theme) Take The “A” Train And Broadcast Return

2-15 A Door Will Open

2-16 Ellington Bond Promo

2-17 Court Session

2-18 That’s For Me

2-19 On The Atcheson, Topeka And The Santa Fe

2-20 Every Hour On The Hour

2-21 Ellington Bond Promo

2-22 How Deep Is The Ocean

2-23 Ellington And The Announcer “Joya’s Audition” Victory Drive

2-24 Autumn Serenade

2-25 (Theme) Take The “A” Train Into Broadcast Closing

Credits

Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Kermit Scott (tracks: 1-18), Nat Jones (tracks: 1-19 to 2-3), Otto Hardwicke (tracks: 1-1 to 17-1, 2-4 to 2-25)

Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Oett “Sax” Mallard (tracks: 1-18)

Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney

Bass – Junior Raglin

Cornet – Rex Stewart (tracks: 1-1 to 1-17, 2-4 to 2-25)

Drums – Sidney Catlett (tracks: 1-1 to 1-25)

Guitar – Fred Guy

Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn

Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington

Producer – Jerry Valburn

Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears, Ben Webster (tracks: 1-18 to 2-3)

Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton

Trombone – Claude Jones, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol (tracks: 1-18 to 2-3 ), Lawrence Brown (tracks: 1-1 to 1-22, 2-4 to 2-25), Sandy Williams (tracks: 2-1 to 2-3)

Trumpet – Cat Anderson (tracks: 1-1 to 1-17, 2-4 to 2-25), Harold Baker (tracks: 1-18 to 2-3), Ray Nance (tracks: 1-18 to 2-3), Shelton Hemphill (tracks: 1-1 to 1-17, 2-4 to 2-25), Taft Jordan (tracks: 1-1 to 1-17, 2-1 to 2-25), Wallace Jones (tracks: 1-18 to 2-3)

Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 2-22 ), Joya Sherrill (tracks: 1-7 , 1-13 , 1-18, 2-5), Kay Davis (tracks: 2-8),The Golden Gate Quartet (tracks: 1-9,1-10), The Mellotones (9) (tracks: 2-12)

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-17 – Treasury Broadcast No. 28, Radio City, Studio 6-B, October 27,1945 (ABC)
Track 1-18 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, May 23, 1943 (MBS)
Tracks 1-19 to 1-22 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, May 28, 1943 (MBS)
Tracks 2-1 to 2-3 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, June 6, 1943 (MBS)
Tracks 2-4 to 2-25 – Treasury Broadcast No. 29, Radio City, Studio 6-B, November 3,1945 (ABC)

Posted in podcast | Tagged Al Sears, Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton, Johnny Hodges, Jr. Raglin, Lawrence Brown, Sonny Greer, U. S. Treasury Department | Leave a comment

Duke Ellington, Raconteur Extraordinaire (Podcast #19-005)

Posted on March 2, 2019 by Ellington Reflections

Ellington at the mic.jpg

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

pasadena 1953

Monologue (Pretty and the Wolf) (CD: “The 1953 Pasadena Concert” Vogue 600105)

Recorded 20 March 1953, Pasadena California

Duke Ellington – narrator; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope – clarinet; Harry Carney – bass clarinet; Wendell Marshall – bass; Butch Ballard – drums.

Ballet of the Flying Saucers/Zajj’s Dream (CD: “A Drum Is A Woman” Sony Music Distribution COL4713202)

Recorded 25 September 1956, New York City

Willie Cook, Cat Anderson, Ray Nance – trumpet; Clark Terry – trumpet, flugelhorn; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombones; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Rick Henderson, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano and narration; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums; Joya Sherrill, Margaret Tynes, Choir – vocals.

My People

My People/The Blues (CD: “My People – The Complete Show” Storyville Records 1018430)

Recorded 20, 21 & 27 August 1963, Chicago

Duke Ellington – speech; Bill Berry, Ziggy Harrell, Nat Woodard, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Booty Wood, John Sanders – trombone; Russell Procope, Rudy Powell, Harold Ashby, Pete Clark, Bob Freedman – reeds; Billy Strayhorn – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Louie Bellson – drums; Juan Amalbert – conga; Joya Sherrill – vocal.

yale concert

The Little Purple Flower, Parts I and II (LP: “The Yale Concert” Fantasy Records F9433)

Recorded 26 January 1968, New Haven, Connecticut

Concerts in Canada

Chinoiserie (LP: “Concerts in Canada” Special Release of the Canadian Duke Ellington Society commemorating Ellington ’87 may 16 – 18 Toronto)

Recorded 25 May 1973, Winnepeg

The Clown

Recorded 29 September 1969, UC Berkley

Duke Ellington – narrator; Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Willie Cook, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Benny Green, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Victor Gaskin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

70th birthday concert

Ellington Final Speech (CD: “Duke Ellington’s 70th Birthday Concert” Solid State SS 19000)

Recorded 26 November 1969, Manchester, England

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Charles Mingus, Duke Ellington, Harold Ashby, Harry Carney, Jazz Podcast, Jimmy Hamilton, My People, podcast | Leave a comment

The Treasury Shows, Pt. II (Podcast #19-004)

Posted on February 17, 2019 by Ellington Reflections

– Eddie Lambert, A Listener’s Guide – Duke Ellington

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

vol 6

vol 7

vol 8

vol 9

vol 10

Posted in podcast | Tagged Al Hibbler, Al Sears, Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton, Johnny Hodges, Joya Sherrill, Kay Davis, Lawrence Brown, Otto Hardwicke, Ray Nance, Sonny Greer, Storyville Records, Taft Jordan, U. S. Treasury Department, War Bonds, World War II | Leave a comment

And Now For Something Completely Different…. (Podcast #19-003)

Posted on February 2, 2019 by Ellington Reflections

“Moon Maiden represents my public debut as a vocalist, but I don’t really sing. I’m a pencil cat. My other number will be I Want To See The Dark Side Of Your Moon, Baby. Everybody dreams about going to the moon, but I have too many obligations here, too many projects I haven’t completed.”

–Duke Ellington

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Moon Maiden (LP: “The Intimate Ellington” Pablo 2310-787)

Recorded 14 July 1969, New York City

Duke Ellington – vocal, celeste.

live and rare

Moon Maiden (CD: “Live and Rare” Bluebird 09026-63953-2)

Recorded 4 September 1969, New York City

Cootie Williams, Willie Cook, Lloyd Michaels – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Benny Green, Chuck Connors – trombone; Norris Turney, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano, vocal; Wild Bill Davis – organ;Paul Kondziela, Victor Gaskin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

jump for joy

Black and Tan Fantasy (CD: “Jump for Joy” Jazz Life CD CD 15012)

Recorded 25 May 1962, New York City

mosiac capitol

Discontented Blues / Once In A Blue Mood (CD: “The Complete Capitol Recordings of Duke Ellington” Mosaic Records MD5-160)

Recorded 19 May 1955, Chicago

Ray Nance – trumpet; Quentin Jackson – trombone; Russell Procope – clarinet, alto sax; Duke Ellington – electric piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Dave Black – drums.

stereo reflections

(CD: “Duke Ellington: Stereo Reflections In Ellington” Natasha Imports ‎– NI-4016)

Mood Indigo/Hot And Bothered/Creole Love Call

Recorded 3 February 1932, New York City

East St. Louis Toodle-O/Lot O’ Fingers/Black And Tan Fantasy

Recorded 9 February 1932, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Freddie Jenkins, Cootie Williams – trumpet; Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Apollo 11, Barney Bigard, Billy Strayhorn, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Jazz, Jazz Podcast, Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton, Johnny Hodges, Ray Nance, Sonny Greer | Leave a comment

Portrait of Johnny Hodges, Pt. III (Podcast #19-002)

Posted on January 19, 2019 by Ellington Reflections

–Earl “Fatha” Hines

hodges

Johnny Hodges

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1963 Payroll ledger sheet for the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Johnny Hodges (line 12) was the highest paid member of the band.

Click here for a link to hear Johnny Hodges interview by Willis Conover

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Jeep’s Blues (CD: “Ellington at Newport 1956 (Complete)” Columbia Legacy C2K 64932)

Recorded 07 July, 1956 Live at The Newport Jazz Festival Newport, RI

Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Willie Cook, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Hamilton, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

such sweet thunder

Half the Fun / The Star-Crossed Lovers (LP/CD “Such Sweet Thunder” Columbia CL 1033/Columbia/Legacy 65568)

Recorded 24 April 1957, New York City

Willie Cook, Cat Anderson(t); Clark Terry(t,fl); Ray Nance – violin; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombones; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

anatomy

Flirtibird (CD: “Anatomy of a Murder” Columbia/Legacy CK 65569)

Recorded early June 1959 in Los Angeles

Cat Anderson, Harold Baker, Gerald Wilson, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Jimmy Johnson – drums.

recollections The Midnight Sun Will Never Set / Goodbye (CD: “Recollections Of The Big Band Era” Atlantic Jazz ‎– 7 90043-2)

private collection vol 8 Rondolet (CD: “Duke Ellington ‎– The Private Collection, Volume Eight Studio Sessions” Saja Records ‎– 7 91232-2)

cool rock Hi, June (CD: “Cool Rock” LaserLight Digital ‎– 15 782)

greatest jazz concert in the world Blood Count (LP: “The Greatest Jazz Concert In The World” Pablo Records ‎– 2625 704)

molther bill

Snibor (CD: “…And his Mother called him Bill” RCA 6287)

Recorded 28 August 1967, New York City

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Mercer Ellington – trumpets; Clark Terry – flugelhorn; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper – trombones; Chuck Connors – bass trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Steve Little – drums.

new orleans suite

Blues for New Orleans (CD: “New Orleans Suite,” Warner Bros. 7411644)

Recorded 27 April, 1970 New York City

Cootie Williams, Al Rubin, Mercer Ellington, Fred Stone – trumpets; Booty Wood, Julian Priester, Malcolm Taylor – trombones; Russell Procope, Norris Turney, Johnny Hodges, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Wild Bill Davis – organ; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Rufus Jones – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Benny Goodman, Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, Johnny Hodges, Quincy Jones, Wild Bill Davis | Leave a comment

Portrait of Johnny Hodges, Pt. II (Podcast #19-001)

Posted on January 5, 2019 by Ellington Reflections

“I don’t suppose there is anybody in the business who can do more with a melody than Johnny Hodges.”

–Wild Bill Davis

hodges strayhorn

Johnny Hodges and Billy Strayhorn

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

hodges verve mosaic Straight Back (CD: “The Complete Verve Johnny Hodges Small Group Sessions 1956-61” Mosaic MD6-200)

Recorded 7 April 1959, New York City

Harold “Shorty” Baker – trumpet; Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Jimmy Hamilton, Ben Webster – reeds; Jimmy Jones – piano; Les Spann – guitar; Ray Brown – bass; Jo Jones – drums.

Echoes of Harlem/ Black, Brown and Beautiful (CD: Oliver Nelson “Black, Brown and Beautiful” )

Recorded 17/19 March 1970, New York City

Ernie Royal, Snooky Young, Marvin Stamm, Randy Brecker – trumpets; Al Grey, Garnett Brown, Quentin Jackson, Thomas Mitchell – trombones; Johnny Hodges, Danny Bank, Frank Wess, Jerome Richardson, Jerry Dodgion, Joe Farrell, Bob Ashton – reeds; Hank Jones – piano; Ron Carter – bass; Grady Tate – drums.

hodges buenos aires Wanderlust (CD: Johnny Hodges “Buenos Aires Blues” Lone Hill Jazz ‎– LHJ10373)

Recorded 26 May 1963, New York City

Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Lalo Schifrin – piano; Barry Galbraith – guitar; George Duvivier – bass; Dave Baker – drums.

hodges jazz masters Squatty Roo (CD: “Johnny Hodges, Verve Jazz Masters 35” Verve 314 521 857-2)

Recorded 20 February 1959, New York City

Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Dizzy Gillespie – trumpet; Junior Mance – piano; Les Spann – guitar; Sam Jones – bass; Lex Humphries – drums.

hodges jazz masters Back Beat (CD: “Johnny Hodges, Verve Jazz Masters 35” Verve 314 521 857-2)

Recorded 17 November 1959, Los Angeles

Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Gerry Mulligan – baritone sax; Claude Williamson – piano; Buddy Clark – bass; Mel Lewis – drums.

In a Sentimental Mood (CD: “Johnny Hodges with Lawrence Welk’s Orchestra” Ranwood Records 8246)

Recorded 21 December 1965, Los Angeles

Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Lawrence Welk orchestra – musicians uncredited.

hodges davis con sax Rabbit Out of the Hat (CD: “Con Soul & Sax/Wild Bill is the Boss” Lone Hill Jazz LHJ10283)

Recorded 17 January 1966, New York City

Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton – clarinet; Wild Bill Davis – organ; Billy Butler – guitar; Bob Bushnell – bass; Joe Marshall – drums.

hodges mess of blues Stolen Sweets (CD: “Mess of Blues” Lone Hill Jazz LHJ10285)

Recorded 3/4 September 1963, New York City

Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Wild Bill Davis – organ; Kenny Burrell – guitar; Osie Johnson – drums.

hodges jazz masters Don’t Sleep in The Subway (CD: “Johnny Hodges, Verve Jazz Masters 35” Verve 314 521 857-2)

Recorded 17, 18, 21 August 1967, Los Angeles

Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Ernie Royal, Snooky Young – trumpet; Bill Berry – trumpet, vibraphone; Tony Studd – bass trombone; Jerome Richardson, Frank Wess – flute, clarinet, alto sax; Jimmy Hamilton – clarinet, tenor sax; Danny Bank – baritone sax, clarinet; Hank Jones – piano; Everett Barksdale – guitar; Milt Hinton – bass; Grady Tate – drums; Jimmy Jones – arranger, conductor

mercer Broadway Babe (CD: Mercer Ellington “Stepping Into Swing Society” Fresh Sound Records FSR-CD 531)

Recorded 20 July 1958, New York City

Cat Anderson, Harold “Shorty” Baker, Clark Terry – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Jimmy Hamilton, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Jimmy Jones – piano; Skeeter Best – guitar; Wendell Marshall -bass; Joe Marshall – drums.

hodges the orchestra The Gal From Joe’s/ Your Love Has Faded (CD: “Johnny Hodges, soloist, Billy Strayhorn and The Orchestra” Verve 314 557 543-2)

Recorded 11/12 December 1961, New York City

Cat Anderson, Harold “Shorty” Baker, Ed Mullens, Bill Berry – trumpets; Lawrence Brown, Quentin Jackson, Chuck Connors – trombones; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Billy Strayhorn – piano; Jimmy Jones – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

hines once upon a time Once Upon a Time (CD: Earl Hines “Once Upon a Time” Impulse! A-9108)

Recorded 10/11 January 1966, New York City

Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Ray Nance, Bill Berry – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope – alto sax; Paul Gonsalves, Harold Ashby – tenor sax; Earl “Fatha” Hines – piano; Aaron Bell -bass; Elvin Jones – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Earl Fatha Hines, Elvin Jones, Gerry Mulligan, Jimmy Hamilton, Jimmy Jones, Johnny Hodges, Kenny Burrell, Lawrence Brown, Lawrence Welk, Mercer Ellington, Oliver Nelson, Ray Nance, Wild Bill Davis | Leave a comment

Portrait of Johnny Hodges, Pt. I (Podcast #18-020)

Posted on December 15, 2018 by Ellington Reflections

“As a youngster, Johnny Hodges was a saxophonist in Boston whose style, in the estimation of all other alto saxophonists, was unique. Even now, I have never yet met and don’t know of a saxophonist who didn’t say he was knocked out by Johnny Hodges”

-Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress

Johnny-Hodges

Mark Sowlakis‘ blog post on Johnny Hodges, which features several transcriptions, can be found at this link

birth record.jpg

Birth record for Cornelius Hodge

Johnny Hodge(s)’ application for a Social Security Number

Ellington-stars-001

Cootie Williams, Harry Carney and Johnny Hodges – 1938

jh001

ben and bird and rabbit

Ben Webster, Charlie Parker, and Johnny Hodges – 1952

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

early ellington

Tishomingo Blues (CD: “Early Ellington – The Complete Brunswick and Vocalion Recordings of Duke Ellington, 1926-1931” Decca/MCA Records GRD-3-640)

Recorded 25 June 1928, New York City

James “Bubber” Miley – trumpet; Joe “Tricky Sam” Nanton – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Barney Bigard, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Freddy Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

dukes men vol 2

Jeep’s Blues (CD: “The Duke’s Men, Volume 2” Columbia Jazz Masterpieces C2K 48835)

Recorded 28 March 1938, New York City

Cootie Williams – trumpet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

The Jeep Is Jumpin’

Recorded 24 August 1938, New York City

Same personnel as “Jeep’s Blues”

cotton club volume 1

Ridin’ on a Blue Note (CD: “Cotton Club 1938, Volume 1” Galaxy Music 3801122)

Recorded 1 May 1938, New York City

hampton On the Sunny Side of the Street (CD: “The Complete Lionel Hampton Victor Sessions 1937-1941” Mosaic Records MD5-238)

Recorded 26 April 1937, New York City

Lionel Hampton – vibraphone, vocal; Buster Bailey – clarinet; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Jess Stacy – piano; Allan Reuss -guitar; John Kirby – bass; Cozy Cole -drums.

On the Sunny Side of the Street (LP: “Indiana Live Session, June 1945” Musidisc ‎– JA 5135)

Recorded 16 June 1945, Evansville, Indiana

Cat Anderson, Ray Nance, Rex Stewart, Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan – trumpet; Claude Jones, Joe Nanton, Lawrence Brown – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Jimmy Hamilton, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Junior Raglin – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Highlights

(CD: “Highlights of the Great 1940-1942 Band” Avid AMSC1143)

Blue Goose

Recorded 28 May 1940, Chicago

In A Mellotone

Recorded 5 September 1940, Chicago

Same personnel as “Blue Goose”

The Giddybug Gallop

Recorded 5 June 1941, Los Angeles

Same personnel as “Blue Goose” except Ray Nance replaces Cootie Williams

51zUtj5ZE1L._SY355_ Mood to be Woo’ed (CD: “Duke Ellington And His Orchestra – 1943 & 1945 Volume Three” Circle ‎– CCD-103)

Recorded 2 January 1945, New York City

Castle Rock (CD: “Johnny Hodges – Seven Classic Albums” Real Gone ‎– RGJCD312)

Recorded 3 March 1951, New York City

Emmett Berry – trumpet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Al Sears – tenor sax; Leroy Lovett – piano; Lloyd Trotman – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

first giant steps

In A Mellow Tone (CD: John Coltrane “First Giant Steps” RLR Records, RLR 88619)

Recorded June 1954, Los Angeles

Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Harold “Shorty” Baker – trumpet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; John Coltrane – tenor sax; Cal Cobbs (?) – piano; Joe Williams – bass; Joe Marshall – drums.

Parker

What is this Thing Called Love (CD: Charlie Parker “Jam Session” Verve Records ‎– 833 564-2)

Recorded July 1952, Los Angeles

Charlie Shavers – trumpet; Johnny Hodges, Benny Carter, Charlie Parker – alto sax; Ben Webster, Flip Phillips – tenor sax; Oscar Peterson – piano; Barney Kessell – guitar; Ray Brown – bass; J. C. Heard – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Ben Webster, Benny Carter, Bubber Miley, Charlie Parker, Charlie Shavers, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, Johnny Hodges, Oscar Peterson | Leave a comment

The Treasury Shows, Pt. I (Podcast #18-019)

Posted on November 17, 2018 by Ellington Reflections

– Eddie Lambert, A Listener’s Guide – Duke Ellington

Errata – For “Solitude,” I omitted crediting Al Hibbler as one of the vocalists. Rex Stewart was cited as a trumpeter; he was a cornetist.

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

vol 1

1-1 Take The “A” Train & Broadcast Intro

1-2 Blutopia

1-3 Midriff

1-4 Creole Love Call

1-5 Suddenly It Jumped

1-6 Frustration

1-7 I’m Beginning To See The Light

1-8 Duke Introduces The Perfume Suite

1-9 Love (Balcony Serenade)

1-10 Violence (Strange Feeling)

1-11 Dancers In Love (A Stomp For Beginners)

1-12 Sophistication (Coloratura)

1-13 Air Conditioned Jungle

1-14 I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But The Blues

1-15 Subtle Slough

1-16 Passion Flower (Into Closing)

1-17 Take The “A” Train

1-18 Hayfoot , Strawfoot

1-19 Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

1-20 A Slip Of The Lip

1-21 Take The “A” Train

2-1 Moon Mist (And Intro)

2-2 New World A-Comin

2-3 Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen

2-4 Mood Indigo

2-5 Chant For FDR (American Lullaby)

2-6 Poor Pilgrim Of Sorrow

2-7 Creole Love Call

2-8 Moon Mist (Into Broadcast Close)

2-9 (Transcription Theme) Any Bonds Today?

2-10 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-11 Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

2-12 Caravan

2-13 Bond Promo

2-14 It Can’t Be Wrong

2-15 Johnny Come Lately

2-16 (Closing Theme) Any Bonds Today?

2-17 (Opening Theme) Any Bonds Today?

2-18 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-19 Wait For Me Mary

2-10 Moon Mist

2-21 Bond Promo

2-22 A Slip Of The Lip

2-23 Things Ain’t What They Used To Be

2-24 (Closing Theme) Any Bonds Today?

Credits

Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwick
Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Nat Jones (tracks: 10-2 to 15-2 , 18-2 to 23-3), Oett “Sax” Mallard (tracks: 17-1 to 21-1)
Arranged By, Leader, Piano – Duke Ellington
Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney
Bass – Junior Raglin
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Hamilton (tracks: 1-1 to 21-1 , 1-2 to 8-2 , 10-2 to 15-2 , 18-2 to 23-2)
Drums – Sonny Greer
Guitar – Fred Guy
Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn (tracks: 1-1 to 16-1 , 1-1 to 16-1 , 1-2 to 8-2 , 10-2 to 15-2 , 18-2 to 23-3)
Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears (tracks: 1-1 to 16-1 , 2-1 to 2-8 , 2-10 to 2-15 , 2-18 to 2-23), Ben Webster(tracks: 1-17 to 1-21 , 2-10 to 2-15 , 2-18 to 2-23)
Trombone – Claude Jones (tracks: 2-1 to 2-8), Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol (tracks: 1-1 to 1-21 , 2-10 to 2-16 , 18-2 to 23-2), Lawrence Brown (tracks: 1-1 to 21-1 , 2-1 to 2-8), Sandy Williams (tracks: 10-2 to 15-2 , 2-18 to 2-23)
Trumpet – Cat Anderson (tracks: 1-1 to 1-16 , 2-1 to 2-8), Harold Baker (tracks: 1-17 to 1-21 , 2-18 to 2-24), Rex Stewart (tracks: 1-1 to 1-21 , 2-1 to 2-8), Shelton Hemphill (tracks: 1-1 to 1-16 , 2-1 to 2-8), Taft Jordan (tracks: 1-1 to 1-16, 1-2 to 24-2), Wallace Jones (tracks: 1-17 to 1-21 , 2-18 to 2-24)
Trumpet, Violin – Ray Nance
Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 1-10 , 1-14 , 2-3 , 2-14 ), Joya Sherrill (tracks: 1-7), Kay Davis (tracks: 1-4 , 2-6 , 2-7), Ray Nance (tracks: 1-20 ,2-22)

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-16 recorded at 400 Restaurant ,NYC,April 7th,1945 – Treasury Broadcast No.1
Tracks 2-1 to 2-8 recorded at 400 Restaurant ,NYC,April 14th,1945 – Duke Ellington’s Treasury Broadcast Replaced By A Special FDR Memorial Broadcast
Tracks 1-17 to 1-21 recorded at NBC – Studio 6B – Radio City – NYC , May 1st,1943 – Duke Ellington Performing At A War Bond Rally
Tracks 2-10 to 2-15 , 2-18 to 2-23 recorded in New York – June 1943 – Treasury Star Parade No. 231
Tracks 2-18 to 2-23 recorded in New York – June 1943 – Treasury Star Parade No. 232
Tracks 2-19 , 2-16 , 2-17 , 2-24 recorded by an unknown studio orchestra.

vol 2

1-1 Take The “A” Train & Broadcast Intro

1-2 Mood To Be Wooed

1-3 If You Are But A Dream

1-4 (Otto Make That) Riff Staccato

1-5 I’m Beginning To See The Light

1-6 Duke Ellington Presents “Black, Brown And Beige” (Excerpts)

1-7 West Indian Dance

1-8 The Blues

1-9 Emancipation Celebration

1-10 Sugar Hill Penthouse

1-11 Sentimental Lady (Small Excerpt)

1-12 Stomp, Look And Listen

1-3 Frantic Fantasy

1-14 It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t That Swing)

1-15 Sentimental Lady (Into Closing)

1-16 Any Bonds Today?

1-17 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

1-18 Tonight I Shall Sleep

1-19 Go Away Blues

1-20 Bond Promo

1-21 Creole Love Song

1-22 Three Cent Stomp

1-23 (Closing Theme) Any Bonds Today?

2-1 (Opening Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-2 Midriff

2-3 Carnegie Blues

2-4 Someone

2-5 My Little Brown Book

2-6 Kissing Bug

2-7 Ring Dem Bells

2-8 I’m Beginning To See The Light

2-9 Duke Ellington Presents “Black, Brown And Beige ” (Excerpts)

2-10 Work Song

2-11 Come Sunday

2-12 Candy

2-13 Broadcast Interrupted By War Bulletin

2-14 Teardrops In The Rain (In Progress)

2-15 Accentuate The Positive

2-16 Way Low

2-17 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-18 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-19 Love Letters

2-20 Main Stem

2-21 Fishing For The Moon

2-22 Riff’N Drill

2-23 Kissing Bug

Recorded At – 400 Restaurant, NYC
Recorded At – The New Zanzibar ,NYC

Credits

Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwick (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-23)
Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney
Bass – Junior Raglin
Drums – Sidney Catlett (tracks: 2-18 to 2-23), Sonny Greer (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 1-17 to 1-22 , 2-1 to 2-17)
Guitar – Fred Guy
Leader, Arranged By, Piano – Duke Ellington
Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn (tracks: 1-2 to 2-23)
Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-23), Ben Webster (tracks: 1-17 to 1-22)
Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton
Trombone – Claude Jones (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15 , 2-1 to 2-23), Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol (tracks: 1-17 to 1-22), Lawrence Brown (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-23)
Trumpet – Cat Anderson (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-23), Harold Baker (tracks: 1-17 to 1-22), Ray Nance, Rex Stewart, Shelton Hemphill (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-23), Taft Jordan
Violin – Ray Nance (tracks: 2-1 to 2-17)
Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 2-5), Joya Sherrill (tracks: 1-5, 2-6, 2-8, 2-15, 2-23), Kay Davis (tracks: 1-3),Marie Ellington (tracks: 1-8), Ray Nance (tracks: 1-14), Taft Jordan (tracks: 1-14

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-15 recorded at 400 Restaurant, NYC, April 21st,1945 – Treasury Broadcast No.2
Tracks 2-17 to 2-22 recorded in NYC, June 1943 – Treasury Star Parade No. 233
Tracks 1-16 and 1-23 unknown studio orchestra –
Tracks 2-1 to 2-17 recorded at 400 Restaurant, NYC, April 28th,1945 – Treasury Broadcast No.3
Tracks 2-18 to 2-23 recorded at The New Zanzibar, NYC, October 7th,1943 – Duke Ellington Broadcast From The New Zanzibar (Mutual Broadcasting System)

vol 3

1-1 (Opening Theme) Take The “A” Train

1-2 Blutopia

1-3 Bond Promo

1-4 Clementine

1-5 My Hearts Sings

1-6 Sentimental Journey

1-7 I Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good)

1-8 Three Cent Stomp

1-9 Black And Tan Fantasy

1-10 Blue Skies (Broadcast Break)

1-11 Broadcast Return

1-12 Passion Flower

1-13 Air Conditioned Jungle

1-14 Frantic Fantasy

1-15 I’m Beginning To See The Light (& Bond Promo)

1-16 Main Stem

1-17 Everything But You

1-18 Carnegie Blues

1-19 Jump For Joy – (Theme) Things Ain’t What They Used To be

1-20 Jumpin’ Pumpkins

1-21 A Door Will Open

1-22 West Indian Dance

1-23 I Ain’t Got Nothin But The Blues

1-24 Jack The Bear (Into Broadcast Close)

2-1 (Opening Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-2 Carnegie Blues

2-3 Riff Staccato

2-4 Bond Promo

2-5 All At Once

2-6 Yesterdays

2-7 I Miss Your Kiss

2-8 Accentuate The Positive

2-9 Bond Promo

2-10 Blue Cellophane

2-11 (Theme) Take The “A” Train (Station Break)

2-12 (Theme)Take The “A” Train (Station Return)

2-13 Prelude To A Kiss

2-14 Caravan

2-15 Sophisticated Lady

2-16 I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But The Blues

2-17 I’m Beginning To See The Light – Bond Promo

2-18 In A Mellotone

2-19 Harlem Air Shaft

2-20 I Don’t Mind

2-21 Bond Promo

2-22 The Jeep Is Jumpin (Broadcast Close)

2-23 (Opening Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-24 Just A-Settin And A-Rockin’

2-25 Clementine

2-26 The Wonder Of You

2-27 I’ll Buy That Dream

2-28 Come To Baby, Do (Broadcast Close)

Credits

Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwick
Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney
Bass – Junior Raglin (tracks: 1-1 to 1-9 , 2-2 to 2-22), Lloyd Trotman (2) (tracks: 1-20 to 1-24 ), Oscar Pettiford (tracks: 2-23 to 2-28)
Drums – Sonny Greer
Guitar – Fred Guy
Liner Notes – Frank Rutter
Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn
Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington
Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears
Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton
Trombone – Claude Jones, Joe Nanton (tracks: 1-1 to 1-24 , 2-1 to 2-22), Lawrence Brown, Wilbur De Paris (tracks: 2-23 to 2-28)
Trumpet – Cat Anderson, Rex Stewart, Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan
Trumpet, Violin – Ray Nance (tracks: 1-1 to 1-24 , 2-1 to 2-22)
Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 1-7 , 1-23 , 2-16), Joya Sherrill (tracks: 3-1 , 1-17 , 2-8, 2-17 , 2-26), Kay Davis (tracks: 1-23 , 2-16), Marie Ellington (tracks: 2-20), Ray Nance (tracks: 1-19)

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-19 – Treasury Broadcast No. 4, Adams Theatre, Newark, N.J, May 5th, 1945 (ABC)
Tracks 1-20 to 1-24 – Remote Broadcast From The New Zanzibar, New York City, October 1945 (NBC)
Tracks 2-1 to 2-22 – Treasury Broadcast No. 5, From Studio 6B, Radio City, NYC, May 12th, 1945 (ABC)
Tracks 23-2 to 2-28 – Remote Broadcast From The New Zanzibar, New York City, November 1945 (NBC)

vol 4

1-1 (Opening Theme) Take The “A” Train

1-2 Teardrops In The Rain

1-3 Everything But You

1-4 Ellington Bond Promo

1-5 Perdido

1-6 If You Are But A Dream

1-7 Pitter Panther Patter

1-8 Emancipation Celebration

1-9 Ellington Bond Promo

1-10 I Should Care

1-11 Take The “A” Train (Station Break)

1-12 Take The “A” Train (Broadcast Return)

1-13 In A Sentimental Mood

1-14 It Don’t Mean A Thing

1-15 Solitude

1-16 I’m Beginning To See The Light And Ellington Bond Promo

1-17 Subtle Slough

1-18 C-Jam Blues

1-19 Don’t You Know I Care

1-20 Ellington Bond Promo

1-21 Stomp Look And Listen

1-22 (Closing Theme) Things Ain’t What They Used To Be

1-23 In The Special Of The Old Apple Tree

1-24 9:20 Special

1-25 Tell Ya’ What I’m Gonna Do

1-26 West Indian Dance

2-1 A Door Will Open

2-2 In A Mellotone

2-3 Everything But You

2-4 Solid Old Man

2-5 Things Ain’t What They Used To Be (Into Broadcasting Closing)

2-6 (Opening Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-7 Ellington Bond Promo

2-8 Sugar Hill Penthouse

2-9 Suddenly It Jumped

2-10 Ellington Bond Promo

2-11 Candy

2-12 A Friends Of Yours

2-13 Kissing Bug

2-14 Hollywood Hangover

2-15 Laura

2-16 Ellington Bond Promo (Station Break)

2-17 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-18 In The Special Of The Old Apple Tree

2-19 Frankie And Johnny

2-20 I’m Beginning To See The Light And Ellington Bond Promo

2-21 Midriff

2-22 I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But The Blues

2-23 My Honey’s Lovin Arms

2-24 Ellington Bond Promo

2-25 Rockin’ In Rhythm (Into Broadcasting Closing)

Credits

Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwick
Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney
Bass – Junior Raglin
Drums – Sonny Greer
Guitar – Fred Guy
Liner Notes – Rob Bamberger
Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn
Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington
Reissue Producer – Jerry Valburn
Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears
Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton
Trombone – Claude Jones, Joe Nanton, Lawrence Brown
Trumpet – Cat Anderson, Ray Nance, Rex Stewart, Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan
Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 1-14, 1-15, 1-19, 2-22), Joya Sherrill (tracks: 1-3, 1-14, 1-15, 1-25, 2-3 , 2-13 ), Kay Davis (tracks: 1-6, 1-14, 1-15, 2-22), Marie Ellington (tracks: 1-14, 1-15), Ray Nance (tracks: 2-11)

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-22 : Treasury Broadcast No. 6 – Paradise Theatre, Detroit, Michigan – May 19th, 1945
Tracks 1-23 to 2-5 : Broadcast from the New Zanzibar, NYC – October 10th, 1945 (MBS)
Tracks 2-6 to 2-25 : Treasury Broadcast No. 7 from the Regal Theatre, Chicago, Illinois – May 26th, 1945

vol 5

1-1 (Opening Theme) Take The “A” Train

1-2 Mood To Be Wooed

1-3 Jack The Bear

1-4 Ellington Bond Promo

1-5 The More I See You

1-6 Way Low

1-7 Blues On The Double

1-8 Ellington Bond Promo

1-9 Summertime

1-10 (Theme) Take The “A” Train (Station Break)

1-11 (Theme) Take The “A” Train (Broadcast Return)

1-12 Come Sunday

1-13 Light

1-14 I’m Beginning To See The Light – Ellington Bond Promo

1-15 On The Alamo

1-16 Carnegie Blues

1-17 Ellington Bond Promo

1-18 Riff Staccato

1-19 Blues Skies

1-20 (Closing Theme) Things Ain’t What They Used To Be

1-21 (Opening Theme) Take The “A” Train

1-22 As Long As I Live

1-23 Nine-Twenty Special

1-24 The Wonder Of You

1-25 Walkin With My Honey

1-26 Three Cent Stomp

2-1 Don’t Take Your Love From Me

2-2 Court Session

2-3 Emancipation Celebration

2-4 Let The Zoomers Drool

2-5 (Opening Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-6 Blues Is The Night

2-7 Ellington Bond Promo

2-8 Can’t You Read Between The Lines?

2-9 Hop Skip And Jump

2-10 Kissing Bug

2-11 Solid Old Man

2-12 I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But The Blues

2-13 Ellington Bond Promo

2-14 I Miss Your Kiss

2-15 (Theme) Things Ain’t What They Used To Be (Station Break)

2-16 (Theme) Things Ain’t What They Used To Be (Broadcast Return)

2-17 Duke Ellington Presents The “Blues Clusters”

2-18 Diminuendo And Crescendo In Blue

2-19 Rocks In My Bed

2-20 Crescendo In Blue

2-21 I’m Beginning To See The Light – Ellington Bond Promo

2-22 Teardrops In The Rain

2-23 My Little Brown Book

2-24 Ac-Cen-Tu-Ate The Positive

2-25 Ellington Bond Promo

2-26 C-Jam Blues

2-27 (Closing Theme) Take The “A” Train

Credits

Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwick
Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney
Bass – Junior Raglin, Oscar Pettiford (tracks: 1-21 to 2-4)
Drums – Sonny Greer
Guitar – Fred Guy
Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn
Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington
Reissue Producer – Jerry Valburn
Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears
Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton
Trombone – Claude Jones, Joe Nanton, Lawrence Brown
Trumpet – Cat Anderson, Rex Stewart, Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan
Trumpet, Violin – Ray Nance
Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 2-1, 2-12, 2-23), Joya Sherrill (tracks: 1-14, 1-24, 2-10, 2-21, 2-24), Kay Davis (tracks: 1-5, 2-12), Marie Ellington (tracks: 2-19), Ray Nance (tracks: 1-18)

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-20 : Treasury Broadcast No. 8 – Percy Jones Center, Battle Creek, Michigan – June 2nd, 1945
Tracks 1-21 to 2-4 : Broadcast from the New Zanzibar, NYC, September 18th,1945 (NBC)
Tracks 2-5 to 2-27 : Treasury Broadcast No. 9 from Paramount Theatre, Toledo, Ohio

Posted in podcast | Tagged Al Sears, Cat Anderson, Duke Ellington, FDR, Harry Carney, Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton, Johnny Hodges, Lawrence Brown, Ray Nance, Rex Stewart, Storyville Records, Victory Bonds, War Bonds, World War II | Leave a comment

Tiger Rag & its Ellington Contrafacts (Podcast #18-018)

Posted on October 21, 2018 by Ellington Reflections

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Tiger Rag, 3rd, 4th And 5th Strains (CD: “Jelly Roll Morton ‎– The Complete Library Of Congress Recordings By Alan Lomax” Rounder Records ‎– ROUNDER 11661-1888-2)

Recorded 1938 at The Library of Congress, Washington, DC

Jelly Roll Morton – piano, narration

mood indigo

High Life (LP: “Mood Indigo” RCA ADL2-0152)

Recorded 16 January 1929 in New York City

Hot and Bothered (CD: “The OKeh Ellington” Columbia C2K 46177)

Recorded 1 October 1928, New York City

517tpCk0QcL

(CD: “Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962” Columbia 5176872)

Hot and Bothered

Recorded 12 June 1930, New York City

Braggin’ In Brass

Recorded 3 March 1938, New York City

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

Daybreak Express (CD:“Highlights from the Duke Ellington Centennial Edition (1927-1973)” RCA Victor 09026636722)

Recorded 4 December 1933, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins, Louis Bacon – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

jazz cocktail

Tiger Rag (CD: “Jazz Cocktail” ASV ‎– AJA 5024)

Recorded 8 January 1929, New York City

small groups

Tiger Rag (CD: “The Duke’s Men, Small Groups Vol. 1” Columbia C2K 46995)

Recorded 8 March 1937, New York City

Cootie Williams – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Hayes Alvis – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Before My Time (from The Controversial Suite) (LP: “The Complete Duke Ellington 1947-1952” (French) CBS 66607/J)

Recorded 11 December 1951, New York City

Willie Cook, Harold Baker, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson,Juan Tizol – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Willie Smith, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Wendell Marshall – bass; Louie Bellson – drums.

live and rare

Tiger Rag (CD: “Duke Ellington – Live and Rare” Bluebird RCA 09026639532)

Recorded 1 December 1973, Eastbourne, England

Mercer Ellington, Harold “Money” Johnson, Barry Lee Hall, Johnny Coles – trumpet; Vincente Prudente, Art Baron, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope, Harold Minerve, Harold Ashby, Percy Marion, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Quentin White – drums.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Art Tatum, Barney Bigard, Bubber Miley, Duke Ellington, Harold "Money" Johnson, Harry Carney, Jelly Roll Morton, Johnny Hodges, New Orleans, Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Piano, Russell Procope, Sonny Greer, Tiger Rag, Vince Prudente | Leave a comment

Portrait of Ella Fitzgerald (Podcast #18-017)

Posted on October 6, 2018 by Ellington Reflections

Ella Fitzgerald is a great philanthropist. She gives so generously of her talent, not only to the public, but to the composers whose works she performs. Her artistry always brings to mind the words of the Maestro, Mr. Toscanini, who said concerning singers, “Either, you’re a good musician or you’re not.” In terms of musicianship, Ella Fitzgerald is “Beyond Category.”

– Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress

ella stamp duke stamp

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

cw jubilee

A-Tisket, A-Tasket/Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me (CD: “The Jubilee Shows No. 77 & 78” Storyville Records 501 1004)

Recorded 1 May 1944, Los Angeles (Note – On the podcast, I mistakenly stated the year was 1942.)

Ella Fitzgerald – vocal; Cootie Williams, E. V. Perry, George Treadwell, Harold “Money” Johnson – trumpet; Ed Burke, George Edward Stevenson or Ed Glover, Robert H. Horton – trombone; Eddie Vinson, Charlie Holmes, Sam Taylor, Lee Pope, Eddie DeVertemil – reeds; Bud Powell – piano; Lenny Kirkland – guitar; Norman Keenan or Carl Pruitt – bass; Sylvester Payne – drums.

ella and duke58

Drop Me Off in Harlem/I Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good)/Day Dream/Chelsea Bridge (CD: “Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook” Verve Records ‎ 314 559 248-2)

Recorded 24-27 June 1957, New York City

Ella Fitzgerald – vocal; Cat Anderson, Willie Cook, Ray Nance, Clark Terry – trumpet; Quentin Jackson, Britt Woodman, John Sanders – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Billy Strayhorn (on I’ve Got It Bad, Day Dream and Chelsea Bridge), Duke Ellington (on Drop Me Off In Harlem) – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Duke’s Place/Satin Doll (CD: “The Stockholm Concert” Pablo Live ‎ PACD-2308-242-2)

Recorded 8 February 1966, at the Konserthuset, Stockholm
Ella Fitzgerald – vocal; Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Herbie Jones, Cootie Williams – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; John Lamb – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums. Jimmy Jones – piano; Joe Comfort – bass; Gus Johnson – drums.

Cotton Tail (CD: “Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald Live at The Greek Theatre, Los Angeles”

Recorded 23/24 September 1966, Live at The Greek Theatre, Los Angeles

Ella Fitzgerald – vocal; Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; John Lamb – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums
Ella Fitzgerald and her trio : Jimmy Jones – piano; Jim Hughart – bass; Ed Thigpen – drums.

ella at dukes place

Brown-skin Gal (in the Calico Gown)/What Am I Here For? (CD: “Ella at Duke’s Place” Verve Records ‎ 314 529 700-2)

Recorded 18-20 October 1965, Los Angeles

Ella Fitzgerald – vocal; Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Herb Jones, Cootie Williams – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington, Jimmy Jones – piano; John Lamb – bass; Louis Bellson – drums.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Chick Webb, Clark Terry, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Jimmy Hamilton, Jimmy Jones, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Ray Brown, Ray Nance, Sam Woodyard | Leave a comment

Sittin’ In, Part II (Podcast #18-016)

Posted on September 22, 2018 by Ellington Reflections

“According to biographer Charles Delaunay, when Reinhardt mounted the stage to rehearse with Duke Ellington on November 18, 1946, in Cleveland, Ohio, the Duke asked him what Key the tune was in. Django told him that he didn’t understand what the word “Key” meant. When they translated it for him, he told Duke to not worry about the Key, just play. ”

-Django ‘n Duke, Gypsy Jazz UK

duke and django.jpg

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Greatest Concert

Very Tenor (LP: “The Greatest Jazz Concert In the World” Pablo 2625-070)

Recorded 26 March 1967, Carnegie Hall, New York City

Zoot Sims, Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Hamilton – tenor sax; Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; John Lamb – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

Diminuendo In Blue/Blow by Blow (LP: “Paris Jazz Party” Affinity AFF 57)

Recorded 1 November 1969, Paris

Don Byas – tenor sax; Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Ambrose Jackson, Harold “Money” Johnson – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, François Guin, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope, NorrisTurney, Johnny Hodges, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Victor Gaskin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

SRO

C Jam Blues (CD: “S. R. O.” Denon 33C38-7680)

Recorded 1 November 1969, Paris

Archie Shepp – tenor sax; Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Ambrose Jackson, Harold “Money” Johnson – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, François Guin, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope, NorrisTurney, Johnny Hodges, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Victor Gaskin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

Ride, Red, Ride (CD: “Chefs-D’Œuvre & Insolites” Jazz Magazine Promo CD)

Recorded 10 November 1946, Chicago

Django Reinhardt – guitar; Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan, Cat Anderson, Harold Baker, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Wilbur De Paris, Claude Jones – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Oscar Pettiford – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Joshua Fit The Battle of Jericho/The General Jumped At Dawn (CD: “The Treasury Shows, Volume 15” Storyville )

Recorded 27 October 1945, New York City

The Golden Gate Quartet – vocals; Shelton Hemphill, Rex Stewart, Cat Anderson, Taft Jordan – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Claude Jones – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney -reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Junior Raglin – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Me and You/Blue Rose (CD: “Blue Rose” Columbia CK 65506)

Recorded 8 & 11 February 1956, Los Angeles (Rosemary Clooney) Recorded 23 January 1956, New York City (Duke Ellington Orchestra)

Rosemary Clooney – vocal; Willie Cook, Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

The Mooche (CD: “Live and Rare” Bluebird ‎ 09026-63953-2)

Recorded 28 July 1965, Tanglewood, Massachusetts

Duke Ellington – piano; John Lamb – bass; Louie Bellson – drums; Arthur Fiedler – conductor; Boston Pops Orchestra

Aurora Borealis (CD: “Collages” Folio ‎– EFVEi-002)

Recorded 24 July 1967, Toronto

Duke Ellington – piano; Ron Collier – arranger and conductor; Eric Traugott, Dick Van Evera, Guido Basso, Fred Stone – trumpet and flugelhorn; Butch Watanabe, Ray Sicora, – trombone; Ron Hughes – baritone horn; Mary Barrow – french horn; Bernard Pilch, Moe Koffman, Rick Wilkins,Eugene Amaro, Garry Morgan – reeds; Ed Bickert – guitar; Pete Appleyard – vibraphone; Lenny Boyd – bass; Jerry Fuller – drums; String Section.

— 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Archie Shepp, Arthur Fiedler, Billy Strayhorn, Boston Pops, Django Reinhardt, Don Byas, Golden Gate Quartet, podcast, Ray Nance, Ron Collier, Rosemary Clooney, Zoot Sims | Leave a comment

The Ellington Greatest Hits Medley (Podcast #18-015)

Posted on September 8, 2018 by Ellington Reflections

“We’d like to remind you that you’re very beautiful, very sweet, very gracious, very generous and we do love you madly.”

-Duke Ellington

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

70th birthday concert

Medley/Ellington Final Speech (CD: “Duke Ellington’s 70th Birthday Concert” Solid State SS 19000)

Recorded 26 November 1969, Manchester, England

bbbcd

(CD: “Black, Brown & Beige” Bluebird 6641-2-RB)

Don’t You Know I Care (Or Don’t You Care To Know)

Recorded 1 December 1944, New York City

Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan, Cat Anderson, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Claude Jones – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Junior Raglin – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Al Hibbler – vocal.

I’m Just A Lucky So and So

Recorded 26 November 1945, New York City

Shelton Hemphill, Rex Stewart, Taft Jordan, Cat Anderson – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Wilbur De Paris, Claude Jones – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Oscar Pettiford – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Al Hibbler, Joya Sherrill – vocal.

Just Squeeze Me

Recorded 9 July 1946, Los Angeles

Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan, Cat Anderson, Francis Williams, Harold Baker, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Wilbur De Paris,Claude Jones – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Oscar Pettiford – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Ray Nance – vocal.

(CD: “Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962” Columbia 5176872)

In A Sentimental Mood

Recorded 30 April 1935, New York City

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

Prelude To A Kiss

Recorded 9 August 1938, New York City

I Let a Song Go Out of my Heart

Recorded 3 March 1938, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart, Freddie Jenkins(t); Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol(tb); Barney Bigard(cl,ts); Johnny Hodges(ss,as); Otto Hardwicke(cl,as); Harry Carney(cl,as,bar); Duke Ellington(p); Fred Guy(g); Billy Taylor, Hayes Alvis(sb); Sonny Greer(d,ch)

Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

Recorded 20 November 1947, New York City

small groups

Caravan (CD:”The Complete 1936-1940 Variety, Vocalion and Okeh Small Group Sessions” Mosaic Records #235)

Recorded 19 December 1936, Los Angeles

Cootie Williams – trumpet; Juan Tizol – valve trombone; Barney Bigard – clarinet; Harry Carney – baritone sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Mood Indigo (CD: “The Okeh Ellington” Columbia C2K 46177)

Recorded 14 October 1930, New York City

Arthur Whetsel – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard – clarinet; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

elling_duke_complete1_101b

Sophisticated Lady (CD: “The Complete 1932-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosaic Records #248)

Recorded 15 February 1933, New York City

Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me (CD: “World Broadcasting Series, Volume 1” Circle CCD-101)

Recorded 8 November 1943, New York City

Wallace Jones, Rex Stewart, Dizzy Gillespie,Taft Jordan – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton,Juan Tizol – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Skippy Williams, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Wilson Myers – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Al Hibbler – vocal.

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Portrait of Louis Armstrong (Podcast #18-014)

Posted on August 25, 2018 by Ellington Reflections

“I loved and respected Louis Armstrong. He was born poor, died rich, and never hurt anyone on the way.

-Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress

satch duke esquire

satch duke

satch duke tpt satch duke grill

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Finale of a 1959 Timex Jazz Special: Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Coleman Hawkins, Paul Gonsalves, Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Eldridge, Gene Krupa, Jo Jones, Cat Anderson, Vic Dickenson, and more!

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

esquire

Things Ain’t What They Used to Be (CD: “The Second Esquire Jazz Concert” Compact Classic TMCD 2173/74-2)

Recorded 17 January 1945 Philharmonic Auditorium, Los Angeles

Louis Armstrong – trumpet; Benny Goodman – clarinet; Shelton Hemphill, Rex Stewart, Cat Anderson, Taft Jordan, Ray Nance – trumpet Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Claude Jones – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Junior Raglin – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

satch mosaic

Solitude (CD: “The Complete Louis Armstrong Decca Sessions 1935-46” Mosaic Records #243)

Recorded 19 December 1935, New York City

Louis Armstrong – trumpet, vocal; Leonard Davis, Gus Aiken, Louis Bacon – trumpet; Harry White, Jimmy Archey – trombone; Henry Jones, Charlie Holmes – alto sax; Bingie Madison, Greely Walton – tenor sax; Luis Russell – piano; Lee Blair – guitar; George “Pops” Foster – bass; Paul Barbarin – drums

Long, Long Journey (CD: ” Esquire’s All-American Hot Jazz Sessions” BMG Music ‎– 6757-1-RB)

Recorded 10 January 1946, New York City

Louis Armstrong – trumpet, vocal; Charlie Shavers – trumpet; Jimmy Hamilton – clarinet; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Don Byas – tenor sax; Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn – piano; Remo Palmieri – guitar; Chubby Jackson – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

paris blues

Wild Man Moore/Battle Royal (CD: “Paris Blues” Rykodisc ‎– RCD 10713)

Recorded 14 December 1960, Paris

Credits: Louis Armstrong – trumpet; Billy Byers – trombone; Guy Lafitte – tenor sax; Jimmy Gourley – guitar; Duke Ellington – piano; with Orchestra.

summit Azalea

(CD: “Louis Armstrong &Duke Ellington ‎– The Great Summit | Complete Sessions” Roulette Jazz ‎– 7243 5 24546 2 4)

Recorded 3/4 April 3-4 1961, New York City

Louis Armstrong – trumpet, vocal; Trummy Young – trombone; Barney Bigard – clarinet; Duke Ellington – piano; Mort Hebert – bass; Danny Barcelona – drums.

Portrait of Mahalia Jackson (CD: “New Orleans Suite” Warner Bros. 7411644)

Recorded 13 May 1970, New York City

louis and friends

Mood Indigo (CD: “Louis Armstrong And His Friends” BMG France ‎– 74321747942)
May 26, 1970: New York, NY

Louis Armstrong – vocal; Arnold Black, Selwart Clarke, Winston Collymore, Manny Green, Harry Lookofsky, Gene Orloff, Joe Malin, Max Pollikoff – violins; Julien Barber, Alfred Brown, David Schwartz, Emanuel Vardi – viola; Charles McCracken, Kermit Moore, George Ricci, Allan Schulman – cello; Richard Davis, George Duvivier – bass; John Williams, Jr. – electric bass; Sam Brown, Kenny Burrell – guitar; James Spaulding – flute; Frank Owens – piano; Bernard “Pretty” Purdie – drums; Oliver Nelson – arranger, conductor.

— 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Barney Bigard, Billy Strayhorn, Clark Terry, Duke Ellington, Johnny Hodges, Louis Armstrong, New Orleans, New Orleans Suite, Oliver Nelson, Paris Blues, Trummy Young | Leave a comment

Piano In the Foreground, II (Podcast #18-013)

Posted on July 28, 2018 by Ellington Reflections

……[M]y mother decided I should take piano lessons. My piano teacher, Mrs. Clinkscales (that was really her name), got paid several times a week for many weeks for these lessons, but I missed more than I took, because of my enthusiasm for playing ball, and running and racing through the street. That I remember very well, because when she had her piano recital with all her pupils in the church, I was the only one who could not play his part.

-Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress

erroll garner

Duke Ellington and Erroll Garner

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Earl “Fatha” Hines and Duke Ellington

Transcription of Duke Ellington’s “In A Sentimental Mood” solo

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

In A Sentimental Mood (CD: “Piano Reflections” Capitol Jazz CDP 7 92863 2)

Recorded 13/14 April 1953

Duke Ellington – piano; Wendell Marshall – bass; Butch Ballard – drums.

evans

In A Sentimental Mood (CD: “Eloquence” Original Jazz Classics ‎OJCCD-814-2)

Recorded 1975, Montreux, Switzerland

Bill Evans – piano; Eddie Gomez – bass.

hines

In A Mellow Tone (CD: “Earl Hines plays Duke Ellington”

Recorded 27 November 1972, New York City

Earl Hines – piano.

I Wanna Be A Rug Cutter (sic) (CD: “The Original Misty” Mercury ‎ 834 910-2)

Recorded 14 March 1955, Chicago

Erroll Garner – piano; Wyatt Ruther – bass; Eugene “Fats” Heard – drums.

Monk

I Let a Song Go Out of my Heart (CD: “Thelonious Monk plays Duke Ellington” Universal 0546796)

Recorded 21 July 1955, Hackensack, New Jersey

Thelonious Monk – piano; Oscar Pettiford -bass; Kenny Clarke – drums.

Garner

Satin Doll (CD: “Ready Take One” Sony Music 88985363312)

Recorded 1967, New York City

Erroll Garner – piano; Ike Isaacs – bass, Jimmie Smith – drums; Jose Mangual – congas.

tatum

Caravan (CD: “Art Tatum, The Complete Pablo Solo Masterpieces” Pablo 7PACD-4404-2)

Recorded 22 April 1954, Los Angeles

Art Tatum – piano

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Money Jungle (CD: “Money Jungle, Provocative In Blue” GrooveJazz Media LLC ‎– GJA 34026 02)

Released 2013

Gerald Clayton – piano; Christian McBride – bass; Terri Lynne Carrington – drums.

money jungle

Caravan (CD: “Money Jungle” Blue Note 7243 5 38227 2 9)

Recorded 17 September 1962, New York City

Duke Ellington – piano; Charles Mingus – bass; Max Roach – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Art Tatum, Bill Evans, Charles Mingus, Christian McBride, Duke Ellington, Earl Fatha Hines, Erroll Garner, Gerald Clayton, Max Roach, Money Jungle, Piano, Terri Lynne Carrington, Thelonious Monk | Leave a comment

Portrait of Al Hibbler (Podcast #18-012)

Posted on July 14, 2018 by Ellington Reflections

“It was much easier than I thought it would be for Hib to learn songs, but that was because he has ears that see, and so miracles happened. He learned song after song, and soon he was our major asset — truly a profitable investment, both dollar-wise and for luxury of keeping my ear in deep. He had so many sounds that even without words he could tell of fantasy beyond fantasy. Hib’s great dramatic devices and the variety of his tonal changes give him almost unlimited range. His capabilities are so many, but I should mention first his clear, understandable enunciation. He can produce a whispering, confidential sound, or an outburst that borders on panic. He will adopt a nasal tone at just the right word and note, or affect a sudden drop to what sounds like the below-compass bass. Cries, laughs, and highly animated calls — he uses them all to make the listener see it as he see it. Sinatra calls Albert Hibbler and Ray Charles his two ace pilots.”

— Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress

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Duke Ellington and Al Hibbler

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My Al Hibbler concert experience, 1980

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Get Me On Your Mind (LP: “Jay McShann -The Early Bird Charlie Parker (1941-1943)” MCA MCA-1338)

Recorded 2 July 1942, New York City

Bob Merrill, Bernard Anderson, Orville Minor – trumpet; Lawrence Anderson, Joe Baird – trombone; John Jackson, Charlie Parker – alto sax; Bob Mabane, Freddy Culliver – tenor sax; Jimmy Coe – baritone sax; Jay McShann – piano; Leonard Enois – guitar; Gene Ramey – bass; Gus Johnson – drums.

world volume 4

Don’t You Know I Care (or Don’t You Care To Know)/I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But The Blues (CD: “World Broadcasting Series, Volume 4” Circle ‎ CCD-104)

Recorded 3 January 1945, New York City

carnegie 48

Don’t Be So Mean To Baby/Lover Come Back to Me/Trees/It’s Monday Every Day/Unchained Melody (CD: “Carnegie Hall, November 13, 1948” Vintage Jazz Classics 1024)

Recorded 13 November 1948 at Carnegie Hall, New York City

This Love of Mine (CD: Johnny Hodges “Seven Classic Albums” Real Gone Jazz RGJCD312)

Recorded 22 July 1952 Los Angeles

Emmett Berry – trumpet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Ben Webster – tenor sax; Leroy Lovett – piano; Red Callender – bass; J. C. Heard – drums.

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Unchained Melody (45 rpm, Decca 0-29982)

Released 1955

Al Hibbler – vocal; Orchestra directed by Jack Pleis

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I Was Telling Her About You (45 rpm, Decca 0-29982)

Released July 1956

Al Hibbler – vocal; Orchestra directed by Jack Pleis

Lover, Come Back To Me/Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me (LP: “A Meeting of the Times” Atlantic SD 1630 )

Recorded 30/31 March 1972, New York City

Rahsaan Roland Kirk – tenor sax, manzello, Al Hibbler – vocal; Hank Jones – piano; Ron Carter – bass; Oliver Jackson – drums.

alhibbler.hankjones-forsentimentalreasons

You Should Have Told Me (LP: “For Sentimental Reasons” Open Sky Records OSR 3126)

Recorded 18 November 1982, New York City

Al Hibbler – vocal; Buddy Tate – tenor sax; Hank Jones – piano; Milt Hinton – bass; Oliver Jackson – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Al Hibbler, Duke Ellington, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Unchained Melody | Leave a comment

Beyond the Valley of the Usual Suspects (Podcast #18-011)

Posted on June 30, 2018 by Ellington Reflections

Aaron Diehl and Adam Birnbaum play Tonk

Rent Party Blues

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

world volume 4

Let the Zoomers Drool (CD: “World Broadcasting Series, Volume 4” Circle CCD-104)

Recorded 3 January 1945, New York City

Shelton Hemphill, Rex Stewart, Taft Jordan, Cat Anderson, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Claude Jones -trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Junior Raglin – bass; Sonny Greer – drums

oatts dial

Let the Zoomers Drool (CD: Dial & Oatts, Rich DeRosa, The WDR Big Band “Rediscovered Ellington, New Takes on Duke’s Rare & Unheard Music” Zoho Music ZM 201707 )

Released 2017

Ruud Breuls, Rob Bruynen, Andy Haderer, John Marshall – trumpet; Ludwig Nuss, Shannon Barnett, Mattis Cederberg, Andy Hunter – trombone; Dick Oatts, Olivier Peters, Paul Heller, Johan Hörlén, Jens Neufang, Karolina Strassmayer – reeds; Garry Dial – piano; John Goldsby – bass; Hans Dekker – drums; Rich DeRosa – arranger and conductor.

latin

Oclupaca (CD: “Latin American Suite” Original Jazz Classics OJCCD-469-2)

Recorded 5 November 1968, New York City

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Willie Cook – trumpets; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombones; Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harold Ashby, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jeff Castleman – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

couderc

Oclupaca (CD: Frederic Couderc “Kirkophonie” Cristal 26)

Recorded

Frederic Couderc – bass saxophone; Vincent Bourgeyx – piano

Rent Party Blues (CD: “Early Ellington: The Original Decca Recordings (The Complete Brunswick and Vocalion Recordings of Duke Ellington, 1926-1931)” Decca GRD-3-640)

Recorded 1 March 1929, New York City

duo campion vachon

Rent Party Blues (CD: Duo Campion-Vachon “Duke Ellington: Four Handed Piano” Analekta AN 29820)

Recorded 12/14 November 2004

Guy Campion, Mario Vachon – piano.

bal masque

Don’t You Know I Care? (Or Don’t You Care To Know) (CD: “Duke Ellington at the Bal Masque” Sony Music Distribution COL4691362)

Recorded 14 July 1960, Los Angeles

Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Johnny Hodges – alto saxophone; Paul Gonsalves – tenor saxophone; Harry Carney – baritone saxophone; Duke Ellington – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

cool rock

Don’t You Know I Care? (Or Don’t You Care To Know) (CD: “Cool Rock” Laserlight
15782)

Recorded 12 June 1972, New York City

Cootie Williams, Harold “Money” Johnson, Mercer Ellington, Johnny Coles – trumpet; Tyree Glenn, Vincente Prudente, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope, NorrisTurney, Harold Minerve, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

Don’t You Know I Care? (Or Don’t You Care To Know) (CD: Archie Shepp “Day Dream” Denon ‎– DC-8547)

Recorded 3 June 1977, New York City

Archie Shepp – soprano sax; Walter Davis – piano; Earl May – bass; Philly Joe Jones – drums.

Portrait of Wellman Braud (CD: “New Orleans Suite” Warner Bros. 7411644)

Recorded 13 May 1970, New York City

Portrait of Wellman Braud (CD: Stefon Harris, “African Tarantella: Dances with Duke” – Blue Note 41090)

Released 2006

Personnel: Stefon Harris – vibraphone, marimba; Xavier Davis – piano; Derrick Hodge – bass; Terreon Gully – drums; Anne Drummond – flute; Greg Tardy – clarinet; Steve Turre – trombone; Junah Chung – viola; Louise Dubin – cello.

blue note

Tonk (CD: “Live at the Blue Note” Blue Note CDS 8286372)

Recorded 9 August 1959, Chicago

Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn – piano; Sam Woodyard – drums.

sandke

Tonk (CD: Randy Sandke and the Inside Out Band “Outside In” Evening Star Records ‎– ES 110)

Recorded 18/26 January 2005, New York City

Randy Sandke – trumpet; Wycliffe Gordon, Ray Anderson – trombone; Ken Peplowski, Marty Ehrlich, Scott Robinson – reeds; Uri Caine – piano; Howard Alden – guitar; Greg Cohen -bass; Dennis Mackrel – 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Archie Shepp, Duke Ellington, Frederic Couderc, Harold "Geezil" Minerve, Johnny Hodges, Ken Peplowski, Randy Sandke, Stefon Harris | Leave a comment

Portrait of Ivie Anderson (Podcast #18-010)

Posted on June 16, 2018 by Ellington Reflections

ivie headshot

“In addition to her great singing, Ivie was also considered a good-luck charm. We opened at the Oriental Theatre on Friday, February 13, 1931, and we broke the all-time house record. We returned to the Oriental on Friday, March 13, 1931, and broke that record, too. At the Palladium, our act was No. 13 on the bill.

They still talk about Ivie, and every girl singer we’ve had since has had to try to prevail over the Ivie Anderson image.”

–Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress

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Ivie Anderson’s restaurant (Ivie’s Chicken Shack) was part of Los Angeles’ African American jazz scene on Central Avenue.

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The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

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It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing) (CD: “Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962” Columbia 5176872)

Recorded 2 February 1932 in New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

elling_duke_complete1_101b

(CD: “The Complete 1933-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosaic Records #248)

All God’s Chillun Got Rhythm (Recorded 8 June 1937, New York City)

I’ve Got to be a Rug Cutter (Recorded 5 March 1937, New York City)

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

A Lonely Co-ed/I’m Checking Out, Goom-bye (Recorded 12 June 1939, New York City)

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Barney Bigard, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums, Ivy Anderson – vocal.

Mood Indigo (Recorded 14 February 1940, Chicago)

Duke-at-Fargo-1

Way Down Yonder In New Orleans/Oh, Babe! Maybe Someday/The Five O’Clock Whistle (CD: “Fargo, ND, November 7, 1940” Vintage Jazz Classics VJC-1019/20-2)

Recorded 7 November 1940 at The Crystal Ballroom in Fargo, North Dakota

(CD: “The Webster Blanton Band,” Bluebird 74321131812)

Rocks In My Bed (Recorded 26 September 1941, Los Angeles)

I’ve Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good) (Recorded 26 June 1941, Los Angeles)

Hayfoot, Strawfoot (Recorded 28 July 1942, Chicago)

Wallace Jones, Rex Stewart, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol -trombone; Chauncy Haughton, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Ivie Anderson – vocal.

stereo reflections

Solitude (CD: “Stereo Reflections in Ellington” Natasha Imports NI-4016)

Recorded live on 28 July 1942 at the Hotel Sherman in Chicago

— 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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Gilroy, Ivie Anderson, Ivie's Chicken Shack, Johnny Hodges, Marx Brothers | Leave a comment

Where to Start? (Podcast #18-009)

Posted on May 19, 2018 by Ellington Reflections

Duke Ellington recorded thousands of selections over a nearly 50 year career. If you’re new to him, where do you begin? It’s daunting! These four CD sets are a great start to a Duke Ellington collection at a reasonable price.

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The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Highlights

Take the “A” Train/Pitter Panther Patter/The Flaming Sword (Highlights of the Great 1940-1942 Band [2 disk set] Avid, AMSC1143)

Take the “A” Train was recorded 15 February 1941, Los Angeles

Pitter Panther Patter was recorded 1 October 1940, Chicago

Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmie Blanton – bass.

The Flaming Sword was recorded 17 October 1940, Chicago

Wallace Jones, Cootie Williams –trumpets; Rex Stewart – cornet; Lawrence Brown, Juan Tizol, Joe “Tricky Sam” Nanton – trombones; Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Ben Webster, Barney Bigard, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Great Paris Concert

Kinda Dukish-Rockin’ In Rhythm/Tutti for Cootie (The Great Paris Concert [2 disk set] Collectables, 7818)

Recorded 1 February 1963 in Paris, France

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Hot and Bothered/Lady of the Lavender Mist/Solitude (Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962 [3 disk set] Columbia 5176872)

Hot and Bothered was recorded 1 October 1928, New York City

Lady of the Lavender Mist was recorded 14 August 1947 in Los Angeles

Solitude was recorded 14 October 1957

Willie Cook, Cat Anderson, Harold Baker, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

ella and duke58

Day Dream/Caravan/Rockin’ in Rhythm (Ella Fitzgerald sings the Duke Ellington Songbook [3 CD set] Verve Records ‎559 248-2)

Recorded June 1957 in New York City

Willie Cook, Cat Anderson, Harold Baker, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Billy Strayhorn (on Day Dream), Duke Ellington (Caravan and Rockin’ in Rhythm) – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums; Ella Fitzgerald – vocal

Posted in podcast | Tagged Al Hibbler, Ben Webster, Britt Woodman, Bubber Miley, Buster Cooper, Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Fred Guy, Harry Carney, Ivie Anderson, Jimmie Blanton, Jimmy Hamilton, Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton, Johnny Hodges, Juan Tizol, Lawrence Brown, Louie Bellson, Paul Gonsalves, Quentin Jackson, Ray Nance, Russell Procope, Sam Woodyard, Sonny Greer, Tyree Glenn | Leave a comment

The Symphonic Ellington (Podcast #18-008)

Posted on May 5, 2018 by Ellington Reflections

In Memoriam – Brooks Kerr (1951 – 2018)

duke - grover sales 001

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

live and rare

The Mooche (CD: “Duke Ellington – Live and Rare” Bluebird RCA 09026639532)

Recorded 28 July 1965 in Tanglewood, MA

Duke Ellington – piano; John Lamb – bass; Louie Bellson – drums; The Boston Pops Orchestra conducted by Arthur Fiedler.

kunzel

New World A-Comin’ (LP: “Duke Ellington, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra” Decca DL 710176)

Recorded 28 May 1970 in Cincinnati, Ohio (In the podcast, I erroneously stated the date was 1966)

Duke Ellington – piano; The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra conducted by Erich Kunzel

Night Creature (3 Movements) (CD: “The Reprise Studio Recordings” Mosaic Records #193)

Recorded 31 January 1963, Paris

Cootie Williams, Roy Burrowes, Cat Anderson, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Ernie Shepard – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums; Paris Symphony Orchestra.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Arthur Fiedler, Boston Pops, Brooks Kerr, Classical Musical, Duke Ellington, Erich Kunzel, Jazz, John Lamb, Louie Bellson, Piano, Roi Ottley, Symphony Orchestra | Leave a comment

Portrait of Sonny Greer (Podcast #18-007)

Posted on April 21, 2018 by Ellington Reflections

“Sonny would sit up behind the band, elevated high at his drums, an enormous array of blocks, bells, chimes, cymbals, snares and so on surrounding him, looking like the king of the band. At least, he always sat up high until one unfortunate occasion when he arrived for work having imbibed too much and fell from his lofty perch.”

–Rex Stewart, Boy Meets Horn

Sonny Greer autograph

sonny and duke

Duke Ellington and Sonny Greer – front; Ray Nance, Rex Stewart, Joe “Tricky Sam” Nanton, Harry Carney, Johnny Hodges – rear.

SONNY GREER DUKE

Sonny Greer in action in 1958

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Social Parlor De Lux // Oh, How I Love My Darling (CD: 1924-1926: Birth of a Band, Vol. 1 EPM #HS151042)

Recorded November 1924 in New York City

Social Parlor De Lux – Alberta Prime and Sonny Greer – vocal; Duke Ellington – piano.

Oh, How I Love My Darling – Sonny Greer -vocal; Otto Hardwicke – C Melody sax; Duke Ellington – piano; George Francis – banjo.

early ellington

The Mooche (CD: “Early Ellington 1927-1934” Bluebird 6852-2-RB)

Recorded October 1928 in New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Bubber Miley – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard(cl,ts); Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

works of duke vol. 7

Dinah (LP: “The Works of Duke, Volume 7” French RCA 741 085)

Recorded 9 February 1932 in New York City

carnegie

Jumpin’ Punkins (CD: “The Complete Prestige Carnegie Hall 1943-1944 Concerts Definitive Classics DRCD 11210)

Recorded 23 January 1943 at Carnegie Hall, New York City

Wallace Jones, Rex Stewart, Harold Baker – trumpet; Ray Nance – trumpet and violin; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Chauncy Haughton, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Junior Raglin – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

world volume 3

Harlem Airshaft/Ring Dem Bells (CD: “World Broadcasting Series, Volume 3” Circle ‎ CCD-103)

Recorded 1 December 1943 in New York City

Wallace Jones, Rex Stewart, Harold Baker,Taft Jordan, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Skippy Williams, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Junior Raglin – bass; Sonny Greer – drums, chimes.

ellington hollywd bowl

Ring Dem Bells (LP: “The Hollywood Bowl Concert” Unique Jazz UJ-001)

Recorded 31 August 1947 Live at the Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles

duke 100

Stomp, Look and Listen (CD: “Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962” Columbia 5176872)

Recorded 10 November 1947 in New York City

hines

Cotton Tail (CD: “Once Upon A Time” Universal/Verve 6544922)

Recorded 10 January 1966 in New York City

Cat Anderson, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harold Ashby – reeds; Earl Hines – piano; Richard Davis – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Duke Ellington, Earl Fatha Hines, Jimmie Blanton, Mercer Ellington, Paul Gonsalves, Sonny Greer | Leave a comment

Beyond the Usual Suspects, Again (Podcast #18-006)

Posted on April 7, 2018 by Ellington Reflections

Duke Ellington performs The Perfume Suite with some animated friends

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Skrontch (CD: “The Complete 1932-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosiac Records #248)

Recorded 21 December 1936 in Los Angeles

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney, Pete Clark – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Hayes Alvis – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Ivie Anderson – vocal.

fats

Skrontch (CD: “Fats Waller, Volume 4 of the Complete Recorded Works” JSP Records JSP77192D)

Recorded 12 April 1938 in New York City

Fats Waller – piano, vocal; Herman Autrey, John Hamilton, Nathaniel Williams – trumpet; George Robinson, John Haughton – trombones; William Alsop, James Powell, Fred Skerritt – alto sax; Gene Sedric, Lonnie Symons – tenor sax; Albert Casey – guitar; Cedric Wallace – bass; Slick Jones – drums.

Black Butterfly (CD: “The Complete 1932-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosiac Records #248)

Recorded 21 December 1936 in Los Angeles

zoot

Black Butterfly (CD: “Passion Flower – Zoot Sims plays Duke Ellington” Pablo OJCCD-939-2)

Recorded 10/11 December 1979 in Los Angeles

works of duke vol. 1

Blue Bubbles (LP: “The Works of Duke, Volume 1” French RCA 731043)

Recorded 19 December 1927 in New York City

Bubber Miley, Louis Metcalfe – trumpet; Joseph “Tricky Sam” Nanton – trombone; Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney, Rudy Jackson – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

bug music

Blue Bubbles (CD: “Bug Music” Nonesuch 79438-2)

Recorded May 1996 in New York City

Don Byron – clarinet; Uri Caine – piano.

Girls Suite

Strange Feeling (LP: “The Girl’s Suite and The Perfume Suite” Columbia C38028)

Recorded 1 June 1961 in New York City

newton Strange Feeling (CD: “The African Flower – The Music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn” )

Recorded 24/25 June 1985 in New York City

James Newton – flute; John Blake – violin; Olu Dara – cornet; Arthur Blythe – alto sax; Sir Jay Hoggard – vibraphone; Roland Hanna – piano; Rick Rozie – bass; Pheeroan Ak Laff – drums; Anthony Brown – percussion; Milt Grayson – vocal.

Girls Suite

Dancers In Love (LP: “The Girl’s Suite and The Perfume Suite” Columbia C38028)

Recorded 9 December 1957 in New York City

Cat Anderson, Harold “Shorty” Baker, Ray Nance – trumpet; Quentin Jackson, Britt Woodman, John Sanders – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums; Milt Grayson – vocal.

swing reunions

Dancers In Love (CD: “Swing Reunion” Book-of-the-Month Records 71-7024)

Recorded 1/2 March 1985 at Town Hall in New York City

Red Norvo – vibraphone

Virgin Jungle (CD: “Concert in the Virgin Islands” Collectables 6734)

Recorded 14 April 1965 in Chicago

Virgin Jungle (CD: “The Door” Novus 3049-2-N)

Recorded 4/5 July 1988 in Paris

Steve Lacy, Steve Potts – soprano sax; Irene Aebi – violin; Bobby Few – piano; Jean-Jacques Avinel – bass; Sam Woodyard, Oliver Johnson – drums.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Benny Carter, Billy Strayhorn, Bubber Miley, Don Byron, Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, Ivie Anderson, James Newton, Jimmy Hamilton, Milt Grayson, Red Norvo, Sam Woodyard, Steve Lacy, The Perfume Suite, Zoot Sims | Leave a comment

Duke Ellington’s “String Section” (Podcast #18-005)

Posted on March 24, 2018 by Ellington Reflections

“Ray Nance never played a bad note in his life, so this makes him unique among artists who practice freedom of expression in music. Singer, violinist, cornetist, and dancer, he is consistently a gas!”

–Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress

nance violin

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

carnegie 48

Humoresque (CD: “Carnegie Hall, November 13, 1948” Vintage Jazz Classics 1024)

Recorded 13 November 1948 at Carnegie Hall, New York City

Shelton Hemphill, Al Killian, Francis Williams, Harold Baker – trumpetRay Nance – violin; Lawrence Brown, Quentin Jackson, Tyree Glenn – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guy; Wendell Marshall – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Dance #3 [from “The Liberian Suite”] (CD: “Ellington Uptown” Columbia Legacy ‎ CK 87066)

Recorded 24 December 1947 in New York City

Shelton Hemphill, Al Killian, Francis Williams, Harold Baker – trumpet; Ray Nance – violin; Lawrence Brown, Claude Jones, Tyree Glenn – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Oscar Pettiford, Junior Raglin – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

on the air

Bakiff (LP: “The Duke is On the Air” Aircheck Records #4)

Recorded 30 July 1952 in Chicago

big band era

Artistry In Rhythm (CD: “Recollections of the Big Band Era” Warner Bros. 7411628)

Recorded 3 January 1963 in New York City

Cootie Williams, Roy Burrowes, Cat Anderson – trumpet; Ray Nance – violin; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Billy Strayhorn – piano; Ernie Shepard – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Fiddler on the Diddle (CD: “Concert in the Virgin Islands” Collectables 6734)

Recorded 14 April 1965 in Chicago

Jimmy Hamilton, Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; John Lamb – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Great Paris Concert

Lay-By [from “Suite Thursday”] (CD: “The Great Paris Concert” Collectables 7818)

Recorded 1 February 1963 in Paris, France

violin session

The Feeling of Jazz (CD: “Duke Ellington’s Jazz Violin Session” Wounded Bird WOU 1688)

Recorded 22 February 1963 in Paris, France

Ray Nance, Stephan Grappelli – violin; Sven Asmussen – viola; Buster Cooper – trombone; Russell Procope – alto sax; Paul Gonsalves – tenor sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Ernie Shepard – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

konitz

Duplexity (CD: “The Lee Konitz Duets” Milestone OJCCD-466-2)

Recorded 1967 in New York City

Ray Nance – violin; Lee Konitz – tenor sax.

stuff smith

Up Jumps Sally (CD: “The Complete Stuff Smith Session” Mosaic #186)

Recorded 23 March 1964 in New York City

Stuff Smith, Ray Nance – violin; Jimmy Jones – piano; Kenny Burrell – guitar; Milt Hinton – bass; Osie Johnson – drums.

uncommon market

Guitar Amour (CD: “Duke Ellington in the Uncommon Market” Pablo 2308247)

Recorded 6 February 1963 in Stockholm

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, Dvorak, Harry Carney, Jazz Violin, Jimmy Jones, John Steinbeck, Juan Tizol, Kenny Burrell, Lee Konitz, Louie Bellson, Ray Nance, Stan Kenton, Stephane Grappelli, Stuff Smith, Sven Amussen, Violin | Leave a comment

Sittin’ In (Podcast #18-004)

Posted on March 10, 2018 by Ellington Reflections

150925170055-05-frank-sinatra-restricted-super-169

Duke Ellington and Frank Sinatra

count and duke

Count Basie and Duke Ellington

dizzy and duke

Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie

Duke Ellington and Tommy Dorsey

colemanhawkinsci_05-29-12

Coleman Hawkins and Duke Ellington

duke and trane

John Coltrane and Duke Ellington

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

St. Louis Blues (CD: “The Complete 1932-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosiac Records #248)

Recorded 11 February 1932, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Bing Crosby – vocal.

bbbcd

Tonight I Shall Sleep (With A Smile On My Face) (CD: “Black, Brown, and Beige” RCA Victor 6641-2-RB)

Recorded 14 May 1945, New York City

Shelton Hemphill, Rex Stewart, Taft Jordan, Cat Anderson, Ray Nance – trumpet; Tommy Dorsey, Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Claude Jones – trombones; Jimmy Hamilton, Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Bob Haggart – bass; Sonny Greer – drums

centennial

The Minor Goes Muggin’ (CD: “Highlights from the Duke Ellington Centennial Edition (1927-1973)” RCA Victor 09026636722)

Recorded 14 May 1945, New York City

Duke Ellington – piano; Charlie Shavers, George Seaberg, Mickey Mangano, Gerald Goff – trumpet; Tommy Dorsey, Karl DeKarske, Dick Noel, Tex Satterwhite – trombone; Joseph Parkty, Gus Bivona, Sid Cooper, Vido Musso, Babe Fresk, Bruce Branson – reeds; Bob Bain – guitar; Bob Haggart – bass; Buddy Rich – drums; Sy Oliver – arranger.

Hello, Little Girl (CD: “Jazz Party” Columbia CK 40712)

Recorded 19 February 1959, New York City

Dizzy Gillespie, Cat Anderson, Harold Baker, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, ussell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Jimmy Jones – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums; Jimmy Rushing – vocal.

trane

Angelica (CD: “Duke Ellington & John Coltrane” MCA MCAD-39103)

Recorded 26 September 1962, New York City

John Coltrane – tenor sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Garrison – bass; Elvin Jones – drums.

hawkins impules

Ray Charles’ Place (CD: “Duke Ellington meets Coleman Hawkins” Impulse! IMPD-162)

Recorded 18 August 1962, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

money jungle

Money Jungle (CD: “Money Jungle” Blue Note 7243 5 38227 2 9)

Recorded 17 September 1962, New York City

Duke Ellington – piano; Charles Mingus – bass; Max Roach – drums.

sinatra

I Like The Sunrise (CD: “Francis A. & Edward K.” Reprise Records ‎ 1024-2)

Recorded 12 December 1967, Seattle

first time cd

Battle Royal (CD: “First Time” Columbia CK 65571)

Willie Cook, Edward Mullens, Cat Anderson, Andres Merenguito, Thad Jones, Sonny Cohn, Snooky Young, Lennie Johnson, Ray Nance – trumpet; Louis Blackburn, Lawrence Brown, Juan Tizol, Henry Coker, Quentin Jackson, Benny Powell – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Marshal Royal, Johnny Hodges, Frank Wess(, Paul Gonsalves, Frank Foster, Budd Johnson, Harry Carney, Charlie Fowlkes – reeds; Duke Ellington, Count Basie – piano; Freddy Green – guitar; Aaron Bell – bass; Sonny Payne, Sam Woodyard – drums.

Soloists: Ellington, Basie, Wess, Hodges, Nance, Carney, Foster, Hamilton, Foster, Ellington & Basie, Brown, Gonsalves, Anderson, Woodyard, Payne.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Bing Crosby, Buddy Rich, Cat Anderson, Charles Mingus, Cootie Williams, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Elvin Jones, Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Jones, Jimmy Rushing, John Coltrane, Johnny Hodges, Lawrence Brown, Max Roach, podcast, Sam Woodyard, Tommy Dorsey | Leave a comment

Portrait of Ben Webster, Pt. II (Podcast #18-003)

Posted on February 24, 2018 by Ellington Reflections

“He was considered the supreme ballad master. As great as Prez, Hawk and Byas were, they all had to take a back seat to Ben on ballads. Ben almost had a monopoly on the pretty ones. His breathy, whispy [sic] style, coupled with a most distinct tone enabled him to get an effect of a violin sound in his upper register playing. And when he would manipulate down to the lower register, he would nearly blow you out of your mind.”

–-Bernard Montgomery

ben webster late

Alum

Jet Magazine, 24 July 1958

BW website

Screenshot from The Official Ben Webster website

websterbenjamim

Ben Webster’s ashes are buried at Assistens Cemetery in Copenhagen

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

atmosphere

Blue Light (LP: “Atmosphere for Lovers and Thieves” Black Lion Records 65117)

Recorded September 1965, Copenhagen

Ben Webster, Ole Kongsted – tenor sax; Arnved Meyer – trumpet; John Darville – trombone; Niels Jorgen Steen – piano; Henrik Hartmann – bass; Hans Nymand – drums.

bw with strings

What Am I Here For? (CD: “Music for Loving” Verve 314 527 774-2)

Recorded 9 September 1955, New York City

Ben Webster – tenor sax; Al Epstein, Danny Bank – reeds; Harold Colletta, Martin Donegan, Leo Kruczek, Harry Lookofsky, Eugene Orloff, Tosha Samaroff, Paul Winter – violin; Burt Fisch – viola; Abram Boradkin, George Ricci, Lucien Schmitt – cello; Hank Jones – piano; Chet Amsterdam, Wendell Marshall – bass; Osie Johnson – drums; Ralph Burns – arranger, conductor.

My Funny Valentine

Recorded 30 March 1954, New York City

Ben Webster – tenor sax; Teddy Wilson – piano; Ray Brown – bass; Jo Jones – drums.

BW emarcy

Pouting/The Iron Hat (CD: “The Complete Ben Webster on EmArcy” EmArcy 824 836-2(1))

Recorded 23 January 1953, New York City

Don Elliot – trumpet, mellophone; Eddie Bert – trombone; Sam Rubinowitch – alto sax, piccolo; Ben Webster – tenor sax; Sidney Brown – baritone sax; Billy Taylor – piano; Milt Hinton – bass; Jo Jones – drums; Johnny Richards – arranger.

See_You_at_the_Fair

In a Mellow Tone / The Single Petal of a Rose (CD: “See You At The Fair” Impulse! GRD-121)

Recorded 11 March 1964, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Ben Webster – tenor sax; Hank Jones – piano; Richard Davis – bass; Osie Johnson -drums.

Ben-Webster-Meets-Don-Byas-cover

Caravan (CD: “Ben Webster meets Don Byas” Verve 827920-2)

Recorded 1/2 February 1968, Villingen, Black Forest, Germany

Ben Webster, Don Byas – tenor sax; Tete Montoliu – piano; Peter Trunk – bass; Albert “Tootie” Heath – drums.

ben and bean

It Never Entered My Mind (CD: “Coleman Hawkins encounters Ben Webster” Verve 9884036)

Recorded 16 October 1957, Los Angeles

Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkins – tenor sax; Oscar Peterson – piano; Herb Ellis – guitar; Ray Brown – bass; Alvin Stoller – drums.

Just A Memory (CD: “Johnny Hodges and Duke Ellington – Side by Side” PolyGram
5214052)

Recorded 14 August 1958, New York City

Johnny Hodges – alto saxophone; Roy Eldridge – trumpet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Ben Webster – tenor saxophone; Billy Strayhorn – piano; Wendell Marshall – bass; Jo Jones – drums.

king of the tenors

That’s All (CD: “King of the Tenors” Verve 314 519 806-2)

Recorded 8 December 1953, Los Angeles

Ben Webster – tenor sax; Harry “Sweets” Edison – trumpet; Benny Carter – alto sax; Oscar Peterson – piano; Herb Ellis – guitar; Ray Brown – bass; Alvin Stoller – drums.

ben and art tatum

Gone with the Wind (CD: “The Tatum Group Masterpieces” Pablo J33J 20034)

Recorded 11 September 1956, Los Angeles

Ben Webster – tenor sax; Art Tatum – piano; Red Callender – bass; Bill Douglass – drums.

slim gaillard

Potato Chips (CD: Slim Gaillard, “Laughing in Rhythm: The Best of the Verve Years” Verve 314 521 651-2)

Recorded 1952, New York City

Slim Gaillard – vocal; Ben Webster – tenor sax; others unknown.

newport

C Jam Blues/Chelsea Bridge (LP: Various Artists, “Newport Jazz Festival Live (Unreleased Highlights from 1956, 1958, 1963”) Columbia C2 38262)

Recorded 4 July 1958 live at The Newport Jazz Festival

ella and duke

All Too Soon (CD: “Ella & Duke at The Cote D’Azur” PolyGram 539030)
Recorded 29 July 1966, Juan-les-Pins, France

Ray Nance – trumpet, violin; Ben Webster – tenor sax; Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; John Lamb – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Art Tatum, Ben Webster, Benny Carter, Billy Strayhorn, Coleman Hawkins, Cootie Williams, Don Byas, Duke Ellington, Jazz, Jo Jones, Johnny Hodges, Oscar Peterson, Oscar Pettiford, Paul Gonsalves, Rex Stewart, Tenor Sax, Tyree Glenn | Leave a comment

Portrait of Ben Webster, Pt. I (Podcast #18-002)

Posted on February 10, 2018 by Ellington Reflections

“After he had made a record date with us in 1935, I always had a yen for Ben. So as soon as we thought we could afford him, we added him on, which gave us a five-piece saxophone section for the first time. Although Barney Bigard used to play tenor saxophone, clarinet was his main instrument, so Ben Webster was really our first tenor specialist and soloist. His splendid performances on “Cottontail,” “Conga Brava,” “All Too Soon,” “Just a-Settin’ and a-Rockin’,” and “What Am I Here For?” were a sensation everywhere, and he soon became a big asset to the band. His enthusiasm and drive had an especially important influence on the saxophone section.

His influence didn’t end when he left either, because when Paul Gonsalves came into the band he knew all of Ben’s solos note for note.”

-Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress

ben webster

cottontail

Ben Webster’s famous solo on “Cottontail.” Link to the full solo is here.

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

elling_duke_complete1_101b

(CD: “The Complete 1933-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosaic Records #248)

Truckin’

Recorded 19 August 1935, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Barney Bigard, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums, Ivy Anderson – vocal.

In A Jam

Recorded 29 July 1936, New York City
Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Barney Bigard, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Mood Indigo

Recorded 14 February 1940, Chicago

Highlights

(CD: “Highlights of the Great 1940-1942 Band” Avid AMSC1143)

All Too Soon

Recorded 22 July 1940, New York City

Cotton Tail

Recorded 4 May 1940, Los Angeles

Blue Serge

Recorded 15 February 1941, Los Angeles

Rain Check

Recorded 2 December 1941, Los Angeles

Duke-at-Fargo-1

Bojangles/Star Dust (CD: “Fargo, ND, November 7, 1940” Vintage Jazz Classics VJC-1019/20-2)

Recorded 7 November 1940 at The Crystal Ballroom in Fargo, North Dakota

nance non ducal

Swinging in 4 (CD: “Ray Nance, The Complete 1940-1949 Non-Ducal Violin Recordings”)

Recorded 1941, Los Angeles

Ben Webster – clarinet; Ray Nance – violin; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

carnegie 48

How High The Moon (CD: “Carnegie Hall, November 13, 1948” Vintage Jazz Classics 1024)

Recorded 13 November 1948 at Carnegie Hall, New York City

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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Art Tatum, Ben Webster, Billy Strayhorn, Carnegie Hall, Duke Ellington, Jazz, Jimmie Blanton, Juan Tizol, Paul Gonsalves, Sonny Greer, Tenor Sax | Leave a comment

Beyond “The Usual Suspects” (Podcast #18-001)

Posted on January 20, 2018 by Ellington Reflections

Transcription of Duke Ellington’s Melacholia by Albert de la Fuente

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Blue Feeling – Duke Ellington (LP: “The Works of Duke, Volume 8” French RCA 741.114)

Recorded 10 January 1934, Chicago

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins, Louis Bacon – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney -reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Blue Feeling – Jay McShann (LP: “The Big Apple Bash” Atlantic SD 8804)

Recorded 3-10 August 1971, New York City

Doc Cheatham – trumpet; Dickie Wells – trombone; Earl Warren – alto sax; Herbie Mann – clarinet, tenor sax; Jay McShann – piano; John Scofield – guitar; Eddie Gomez – bass; Connie Kay – drums.

The Mystery Song – Duke Ellington (LP: “The Works of Duke, Volume 7” French RCA 741.085)

Recorded 17 June 1931 in Camden, New Jersey

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums

The Mystery Song – Steve Lacy & Don Cherry (LP: “Evidence” Prestige MPP 2505)

Recorded 1 November 1961, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Don Cherry – trumpet; Steve Lacy – soprano sax; Carl Brown – bass; Billy Higgins – drums.

Second_Sacred_Concert

Heaven – Duke Ellington (LP: “Second Sacred Concert” Prestige P-24045)

Recorded 22 January 1968, New York City

Heaven – Phil Woods (CD: “Heaven” Blackhawk BHK 5042)

Recorded 28/29 December 1984, Bearsville, New York

Phil Woods – clarinet, alto sax; Tom Harrell – trumpet; Hal Galper – piano; Steve Gilmore – bass; Bill Goodwin – drums.

Something About Believing – Duke Ellington (LP: “Second Sacred Concert” Prestige P-24045)

Recorded 19/20 February 1968, New York City

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Benny Green, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jeff Castleman – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums; Tony Watkins, Devonne Gardner, Roscoe Gill, The Frank Parker Singers, unknown choir – vocal.

Something About Believing – Rahsaan Roland Kirk (LP:”A Meeting of the Times” Atlantic SD 1630)

Recorded 30 March 1972, New York City

Rahsaan Roland Kirk – tenor sax, manzello; Hank Jones – piano; Ron Carter – bass; Oliver Jackson – drums

Melancholia – Duke Ellington (CD:”Piano Reflections” Capitol C2-92863)

Recorded 13 April 1953, Los Angeles

Duke Ellington – piano; Wendell Marshall – bass.

Don’t Miss You At All – Nora Jones (CD: “Feels Like Home” Blue Note 590952)

Released 2004

Norah Jones – vocal, piano.

A Mural from Two Perspectives (CD: “Live at The Whitney” Impulse/GRP 173)

Recorded 10 April 1972, Whitney Museum, New York City

Duke Ellington – piano.

A Mural from Two Perspectives – Don Byron (CD: “Romance with the Unseen” Blue Note 4995452)

Recorded January-March 1999, Bearsville, New York

Don Byron – clarinet; Bill Frissell – guitar; Drew Gress -bass; Jack DeJohnette – drums.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Albert de la Fuente, Alice Babbs, Casablanca, Cootie Williams, Doc Cheatham, Don Byron, Don Cherry, Duke Ellington, Herbie Mann, Jay McShann, Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton, Johnny Hodges, Lawrence Brown, Norah Jones, Phil Woods, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Second Sacred Concert, Steve Lacy, Usual Suspects | Leave a comment

Season’s Greetings! (Podcast #17-017)

Posted on December 4, 2017 by Ellington Reflections

Happy Holidays from

Ellington Reflections!

We will return with new bi-weekly episodes on 20 January 2018

Thank you for all your support and encouragement. We love you madly!!!

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, Jazz Podcast, Jingle Bells, Johnny Hodges, Lawrence Brown, Paul Newman, Ray Nance, Russell Procope, Sam Woodyard, Sonny Greer | Leave a comment

The Cinematic Ellington (Podcast #17-016)

Posted on November 18, 2017 by Ellington Reflections

“Has Duke Ellington ever saved your life?

David O. Russell knows the answer to that particular question because Ellington’s music has rescued him many times. It happened yesterday. It’ll probably happen again tomorrow. And it also happens near the beginning of Russell’s latest movie, American Hustle, when a couple of con artists, played by Christian Bale and Amy Adams, plop down on the floor and listen to Ellington’s slow-cooker classic “Jeep’s Blues” and look into each others’ eyes and know they’ve found heaven on a cracker.”

-Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times

Is this Duke Ellington in a 1925 silent film?

The full short film “Black and Tan” (1929)

“Old Man Blues” from “Check and Double Check” (1930)

“Ebony Rhapsody” from “Murder at the Vanities” (1934)

“Things Ain’t What They Used To Be” and “Going Up” from “Cabin In The Sky” (1943)

“Battle Royal” from “Paris Blues” (1961)

“Neo-Creole” from “Change of Mind” (1969)

The “Duke Ellington scene” from “American Hustle” (2013)

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

paris blues

Take the “A” Train (CD: “Paris Blues” Rykodisc RCD 10713)

Recorded 1961

Murray McEachern – trombone; Paul Gonsalves (?) – tenor sax; others unidentified.

Flaming Youth (CD: “Early Ellington (1927-1934)” Bluebird RCA / Bluebird
6852)

Recorded 16 January 1929 in New York City

Old Man Blues (CD: “Early Ellington (1927-1934)” Bluebird RCA / Bluebird
6852)

Recorded 20 August 1930 in Los Angeles

capitol

My Old Flame (CD: “The Complete Capitol Recordings of Duke Ellington” Mosaic Records #160)

Recorded 7 April 1953 in Los Angeles

carnegie

Going Up (CD: “The Complete Prestige Carnegie Hall 1943-1944 Concerts Definitive Classics DRCD 11210)

Recorded 23 January 1943 at Carnegie Hall, New York City

Flirtibird//Upper and Outest (CD: “Anatomy of a Murder” Columbia/Legacy
CK 65569)

Recorded early June 1959 in Los Angeles

uncommon market

Guitar Amour (from “Paris Blues”) (CD: “Duke Ellington in the Uncommon Market” Pablo
2308247)

Recorded 6 or 7 February 1963 in Stockholm

Cootie Williams, Roy Burrowes, Cat Anderson – trumpet; Ray Nance – violin; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; JimmyHamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Ernie Shepard – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Prelude (Main title music from “Assault on a Queen”) 1966 (CD: “Assault on a Queen” Dragon’s Domain Records DDR621)

Recorded 19/20 January 1966 in Los Angeles

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Conte Candoli, Al Porcino, Ray Triscari – trumpet; Murray McEachern, Milt Bernhart, Hoyt Bohannon, Ken Shroyer – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Buddy Collette, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Bud Shank, Harry Carney – reeds; Catherine Gothoffer – harp; Duke Ellington – piano; John Lamb – bass; Louie Bellson – drums.

Neo-Creole (from “Change of Mind”)(LP: “Up In Duke’s Workshop” Pablo 2310-815)

EllingtonAtNewport

Jeep’s Blues (CD: “Ellington at Newport 1956 (Complete)” Columbia Legacy C2K 64932)

Recorded 9 July 1956 in New York City (Fake applause was added to make this studio recording appear as if it was recorded at the Newport Jazz Festival)

Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Willie Cook, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Hamilton, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

0000120517

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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged American Hustle, Amos and Andy, Anatomy of a Murder, Assault on a Queen, Belle of the Nineties, Billy Strayhorn, Black and Tan Fantasy, Change of Mind, Check and Double Check, David O. Russell, Diahann Carroll, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Freddi Washington, Jimmy Stewart, Joanne Woodward, Lee Remick, Mae West, Murder at the Vanities, Otto Preminger, Paris Blues, Paul Newman, Sidney Poitier | Leave a comment

The River (Podcast #17-015)

Posted on November 4, 2017 by Ellington Reflections

“In retrospect, it seems that 1970 must have been a busy year, because I was also working on a ballet score that had been commissioned by the American Ballet Theatre. Choreographed by Alvin Ailey, the ballet was premiered at the New York State Theatre on June 25, and it received enthusiastic reviews from, notably Clive Barnes in the New York Times. It was entitled The River…..”

–Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

River

The Spring//The Meander//The River//The Neo-Hip-Hot Kiddies Communities//Her Majesty, The Sea (CD: “The Private Collection, Volume 5 – The Suites” LMR CD 83004)

Recorded 25 May 1970 in Chicago

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Fred Stone – trumpet; Booty Wood, Julian Priester, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope, Norris Turney, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

The Giggling Rapids//The Lake(LP: “Suite from The River” First Edition Records LS 777)

Recorded 1983

The Louisville Orchestra, Akira Endo – director.

overwater

The Run//The Falls//The Whirlpool//The Spring (CD: “Ellington Suites” Jazz in Motion Records JIM 75219)

Recorded 16 February 2005, live at the Bimhuis, Amsterdam

Tony Overwater – bass; Wim Kegel – drums; Oliver Boekhoorn – oboe, English Horn; Ivar Berix – clarinet; Raaf Hekkema – alto sax; Jelte Althuis – bass clarinet; Alban Wesly – bassoon.

Accelerando_(album)

The Villiage of the Virgins (CD: “Accelerando” Act Music + Vision ACT95242)

Recorded 8/9 August 2011 in New York City

Vijay Iyer – piano; Stephen Crump – bass; Marcus Gilmore – drums.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Akira Endo, Alvin Ailey, American Ballet Theatre, Ballet, Calefax Reed Quintet, Duke Ellington, Jazz, The River, Tony Overwater, Vijay Iyer | Leave a comment

Reflections from the Avant Garde (Podcast #17-014)

Posted on October 21, 2017 by Ellington Reflections

“Now, when I was considered avant garde, Duke Ellington at that time was avant garde to me — and I’m sure Barry Ulanov would say the same thing, although he never exactly said Duke was avant garde; but Duke was, because his music was more modern than most things going on.”

— Charles Mingus

SUNRA

Sun Ra and his Arkestra at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA 1985 (photo by Steve Bowie)

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

montr

Take the “A” Train (CD: “Live at Montreux” Inner City )

Recorded 9 July 1976 in Montreux, Switzerland

Sun Ra – piano; Ahmed Abdullah, Al Evans, Chris Capers – trumpet; Vincent Chancey: – french horn; Marshall Allen, John Gilmore, Pat Patrick, James “Ham” Jackson, Elo Omo, Danny Davis – reeds; Tony Bunn, Hayes Burnett – bass; Clifford Jarvis, Larry Bright, Stanley Morgan – drums and percussion.

AEC

Creole Love Call (CD:”Ancient to the Future, Volume 1″ DIW 804)

Recorded 17-19 March 1987 in Brooklyn, NY

Lester Bowie – trumpet; Roscoe Mitchell, Joseph Jarman – reeds; Malachi Favors – bass; Famadou Don Moye – drums.

WSQ

Come Sunday (CD: “The World Saxophone Quartet Plays Duke Ellington” Nonesuch
79137)

Recorded April 1986 in New York City

Julius Hemphill, Oliver Lake – alto sax; David Murray – tenor sax; Hamiet Bluiett – baritone sax.

Highlights

Jumpin’ Punkins (CD: “Highlights of the Great 1940-1942 Band” Avid AMSC1143)

Recorded 5 June 1941, Los Angeles

Wallace Jones, Rex Stewart, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

cecil taylor

Jumpin’ Punkins (CD: “The Complete Candid Recordings of Cecil Taylor and Buell Neidlinger” Mosaic 127)

Recorded 9 January 1961 in New York City

archie shepp

Prelude to a Kiss (CD: “Day Dream” Denon Jazz DC-8547)

Recorded 3 June 1977 in New York City

Archie Shepp – tenor sax; Walter Davis – piano; Earl May – bass; Philly Joe Jones – drums.

Steve Lacy

Ko Ko (CD: “Monk’s Dream” Universal / Verve E5430902)

Recorded 21-22 June 1999 in Paris

Steve Lacy – soprano sax; Roswell Rudd – trombone; Jean-Jacques Avenel – bass; John Betsch – drums.

foreground

Summertime (CD: “Piano in the Foreground” Columbia / Legacy 87042)

Recorded 1 March 1961 in Los Angeles

Duke Ellington – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

0000120517

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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Archie Shepp, Art Ensemble of Chicago, Avant Garde, Billy Strayhorn, Cecil Taylor, Clark Terry, David Murray, Duke Ellington, Famadou Don Moye, Jazz, John Gilmore, Joseph Jarman, Lester Bowie, Malachi Favors, Mercer Ellington, Roscoe Mitchell, Roswell Rudd, Steve Lacy, Sun Ra, World Saxophone Quartet | Leave a comment

Ellington & 100 years of Thelonious Monk and Dizzy Gillespie (Podcast #17-013)

Posted on October 7, 2017 by Ellington Reflections

“I always like the bop, and I am proud to say that the fabulous, flamboyant John Birks Gillespie worked in our band once, for four weeks. Diz played with us at the Capitol Theatre in 1944, when we had the gorgeous Lena Horne on the bill. Of course, I’d known him for quite a while before that, because I was an avid visitor on Fifty-second Street.”

– Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress

monk and diz.jpg

Thelonious Monk and Dizzy Gillespie at the 1963 Monterey Jazz Festival. (Photo by Jim Marshall)

diz and duke

Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie

DIZZY

Dizzy Gillespie at Disneyland, 1984. Autographed in 1985. (Photo by Steve Bowie.)

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

happy BD

Happy Birthday To You (CD: “Happy Birthday, Duke! The Birthday Sessions, Volume 3” Laser Light 15 785)

Recorded 30 April !953, Portland, Oregon

Willie Cook, Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, Juan Tizol – trombone ; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Rick Henderson, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Wendell Marshall – bass; Butch Ballard – drums.

Caravan (CD: “Dee Gee Days The Savoy Sessions” Savoy ZD70517)

Recorded 25 October 1951 in New York City

Dizzy Gillespie – trumpet; Stuff Smith – violin; Bill Graham – baritone sax; Milt Jackson – piano; Percy Heath – bass; Al Jones – drums; unknown – percussion.

jazz party

U.M.M.G./Hello, Little Girl (CD: “Jazz Party” Columbia CK-40712)

Recorded 19 February 1959 in New York City

Caravan (CD: “Thelonious Monk plays Duke Ellington” Universal
0546796)

Recorded 21 July 1955, Hackensack, New Jersey

Thelonious Monk – piano; Oscar Pettiford -bass; Kenny Clarke – drums.

blanton webster

Sentimental Lady (CD: “The Blanton-Webster Band” Bluebird RCA 5659-2-RB35)

Recorded 28 July 1942 in Chicago

Wallace Jones, Rex Stewart, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Chauncy Haughton, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Junior Raglin – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Thelonious_Monk_-_straight,_no_chaser

I Didn’t Know About You (CD: “Straight, No Chaser” Columbia/Legacy CK 64886)

Recorded 1966 in New York City

Charlie Rouse – tenor sax; Thelonious Monk – piano; Larry Gales – bass; Ben Riley – drums.

volume 3

Monk’s Dream (CD: “The Private Collection, Volume 3” Saja 91043-2)

Recorded 13 September 1962 in New York City

Cootie Williams, Bill Berry, Roy Burrowes, Cat Anderson, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Monk’s Dream/Frere Monk (LP: Gambit Records Ga 69299)

Recorded 8 July 1962, Newport, Rhode Island

Bill Berry, Roy Burrowes, Cat Anderson, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Gene Hull, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Thelonious Monk – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Cootie Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Jazz, Jimmy Rushing, Newport Jazz Festival, Piano, Thelonious Monk | Leave a comment

Portrait of Barney Bigard (Podcast #17-012)

Posted on September 23, 2017 by Ellington Reflections

“I honestly can’t tell much about my impression of the band that first night. I was too busy fighting the notes, the reading stuff, to pay much attention to the band. I remember the weird chords that would come in behind us. I wasn’t used to that kind of chording at all, but the more I played with them, the more accustomed my ear got to it all. I used to go to Duke in the intermission and say,”Those chords behind me on such-and-such a number: they just don’t sound right to me.” He would sit right down and show me what he was doing. He’d break all the principles of arranging too. He’d give a guy different notes to what he should have had for his instrument.”

-Barney Bigard, With Louis and the Duke

Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, Barney Bigard, Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges

Autographs of Barney Bigard, Marshal Royal, Bill Berry and Britt Woodman

Anderson

Autographs of Buster Cooper and Cat Anderson

**Click here to connect to Mark Sowlakis’ excellent blog posting Albany “Barney” Bigard – New Orleans Creole Clarinet, complete with several transcriptions and a discography.**

cat anderson book

Geoff Winstead revised Cat Anderson’s high note trumpet method book.

“Paradox, Ambiguity, and Irony”

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

mood indigo

High Life (LP: “Mood Indigo” RCA ADL2-0152)

Recorded 16 January 1929 in New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Bubber Miley, Freddie Jenkins – trumpets; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums, chimes.

elling_duke_complete1_101b

Rose Room (CD: “The Complete 1932-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosaic Records #248)

Recorded 11 February 1932, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Clarinet Lament (CD: “The Complete 1932-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosaic Records #248)

Recorded 27 February 1936 in New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart – trumpets; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trumpets; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Hayes Alvis – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Prologue to Black and Tan Fantasy/The New Black and Tan Fantasy (CD: “The Complete 1932-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosaic Records #248)

Recorded 13 January 1938 in New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Billy Taylor, Hayes Alvis – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

small groups

Caravan (CD:”The Complete 1936-1940 Variety, Vocalion and Okeh Small Group Sessions” Mosaic Records #235)

Recorded 19 December, 1936 in Los Angeles

Cootie Williams – trumpet; Juan Tizol – valve trombone; Barney Bigard – clarinet; Harry Carney – baritone sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Highlights

Are You Sticking? (CD: “Highlights of the Great 1940-1942 Band” Avid AMSC1143)

Recorded 5 June 1941, Los Angeles

Bojangles/Rose Room (CD: “The Fabulous Ellingtonians” Mercury 830 926-2)

Recorded 5 February 1945 in New York City

Barney Bigard – clarinet; Joe Thomas – trumpet; Johnny Guarnieri – piano; Billy Taylor – bass; Cozy Cole – drums.

armstrong ellington

In A Mellow Tone/The Beautiful Americans (CD: “The Complete Louis Armstrong & Duke Ellington Sessions” Roulette Records / Blue Note 5245462)

Recorded 3 April 1961, New York City

Louis Armstrong – trumpet, vocal; Trummy Young – trombone; Barney Bigard – clarinet; Duke Ellington – piano; Mort Herbert – bass; Danny Barcelona – drums.

rugged jungle

Rose Room (CD: “Rugged Jungle” Lost Secret LSR-001)

Recorded 8 July 1972 at Carnegie Hall, New York City

Cootie Williams, Mercer Ellington, Harold “Money” Johnson, Johnny Coles – trumpet; Tyree Glenn, Vincente Prudente, Chuck Connors – trombone; Barney Bigard, Russell Procope, NorrisTurney, Harold Minerve, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

clarinet gumbo

Mood Indigo (LP: “Clarinet Gumbo” RCA APL1-1744)

Recorded 25 June 1973 in Hollywood, California

Barney Bigard – clarinet; Dick Cary – piano; Dave Koonse – guitar; Eddie Safranski – bass; Nick Fatool – drums.

0000120517

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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Barney Bigard, Cat Anderson, clarinet, Clarinet Lament, Duke Ellington, Geoff Winstead, Jazz, Louis Armstrong, Mark Sowlakis, Mood Indigo, New Orleans, Piano, podcast, Tenor Sax, Wellman Braud | Leave a comment

When Cootie Left the Duke, Pt. III (Podcast #17-011)

Posted on September 9, 2017 by Ellington Reflections

“…Benny Goodman, just back from Russia, persuaded [Cootie] Williams and Teddy Wilson to rejoin him. It was an amusing stint [Williams] recalled. “Sometimes Goodman would let you play,” he explained, “and other times he wouldn’t. He has his ways, as everyone knows. At Freedomland one night there was no bass player – he’d forgotten he’d fired him the evening before. Benny, though, is a great musician,” he laughed, “but I’d already been talking with Harry Carney. ‘Tell Duke,” I’d said, ‘that I’m ready to come back.'”

-from The World of Duke Ellington, by Stanley Dance

CW orch size

…and Cootie never led a big band again….

j46-dinah-washington-large-300x300 (1)

heritage-auctions-posters-dinah-washington

Tour package posters featuring Cootie Williams and Dinah Washington

cootie and catherine

Cootie and his wife Catherine in Jet Magazine, issue dated 3 February 1955

South

An illustration of Cootie’s appeal

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Dinah Washington

Resolution Blues ( CD: “Dinah Washington – The Queen Sings” Proper Records PROPERBOX 43)

Recorded 16 July 1947, New York City

Dinah Washington – vocal; Cootie Williams, Bob Merrill – trumpet; Rupert Cole – alto sax; William “Weasel” Parker – tenor sax; Arnold Jarvis, James Lowe – piano; Leonard “Heavy” Swain – bass; Sylvester Payne – drums.

CW Classics 1946-1949

(CD: “Cootie Williams and his Orchestra 1946-1949” Classics 1105)

Let ‘Em Roll Recorded 2 March 1949, New York City

Cootie Williams – trumpet; Bob Merrill – trumpet, vocal; Rupert Cole – alto sax; Willis Jackson – tenor sax; Lester Fauntleroy – piano; Leonard “Heavy” Swain – bass; Gus Johnson – drums.

You Gotta Pay Those Dues Recorded 20 September 1949, New York City

Cootie Williams – trumpet; Bob Merrill(?) – trumpet; Rupert Cole(?) – alto sax; Willis Jackson – tenor sax; Lester Fauntleroy(?) – piano; Leonard “Heavy” Swain(?) – bass; Gus Johnson(?) – drums; Eddie Mack – vocal.

(NOTE: In the podcast, it was erroneously stated that these two recordings dated from 1947.)

CW in hifi

Boomerang (CD: “Cootie Williams in Hi-Fi” RCA 63561-2)

Recorded 10 July 1957, New York City

Cootie Williams – trumpet; George Berg, Rupert Cole, George Clark, Elwyn Fraser – saxophones; Skeeter Best, Larry Dale – guitar; Abe Baker – bass; Dave Martin – piano; Lester Jenkins – drums; Leroy Glover – organ.

porgy

Bess, You is my woman now (LP: “Porgy & Bess Revisited” Disques Swing SW-8414)

Recorded late 1958, New York City

CW in hifi

Just In Time (CD: “Cootie Williams in Hi-Fi” RCA 63561-2)

Recorded March/April 1958 New York City

Cootie Williams – trumpet; Billy Byers, Bobby Byrne, Lou McGarity – trombone; Dick Hixon – bass trombone; Phil Bodner, Elwyn Fraser, Nick Caiazza, Romeo Penque, Boomie Richman – saxophones; Hank Jones – piano; Tony Mottola – guitar; Eddie Safranski – bass; Don Lamond – drums.

Big Challenge

I Got A Right To Sing The Blues/Alphonse and Gaston (LP: “Cootie and Rex – The Big Challenge” Hall of Fame Jazz Greats JG-602)

Recorded 30 April 1957, New York City

Horn solo order on Alphonse and Gaston – Lawrence Brown/J.C. Higginbotham (4 times); Coleman Hawkins/Bud Freeman (4 times) Cootie Williams/Rex Stewart (1st and 2nd time – plungers; 3rd time – half valve; 4th time – open)

bessie smith

Gin House Blues (LP: Ronnie Gilbert, “The Legend of Bessie Smith” RCA LPM-1591)

Recorded 8-9 August 1957 New York City

Ronnie Gilbert – vocal; Cootie Williams – trumpet; Benny Morton – trombone; Buster Bailey – clarinet; Claude Hopkins – piano; Steve Jordan or George Barnes or Fred Hellerman – guitar; George Duvivier – bass; Osie Johnson – drums.

Do Nothin

I Got It Bad (and That Ain’t Good)/It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing (CD: “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me” Collectables COLCD 6121)

Recorded 1959

Cootie Williams – trumpet; other musicians uncredited.

private collection volume 3

September 12th Blues (CD: “The Private Collection, Volume 3: Studio Sessions, New York 1962 Saja 91043-2)

Recorded 12 September 1962, New York City

0000120517

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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Benny Morton, Bob Merrill, Buster Bailey, Coleman Hawkins, Cootie Williams, Dinah Washington, Duke Ellington, George Duvivier, J.C. Higginbotham, Lawrence Brown, Osie Johnson, podcast, Rex Stewart, Ronnie Gilbert, Willis Jackson | Leave a comment

When Cootie Left the Duke, Pt. II (Podcast #17-010)

Posted on August 19, 2017 by Ellington Reflections

band award

“I didn’t drink at all until I got my band.” – Cootie Williams

house of joy Started

Dizzy

DAR

CW record

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

‘Round Midnight (CD: “Big Bands at The Savoy, Cootie Williams & Luis Russell” JUCD 2064)

Recorded 12 February 1945 at the Savoy Ballroom, NYC

(CD: “Cootie Williams and his Orchestra 1941-1944” Classics 827)

Recorded 1 April 1942 in Chicago

Fly Right (Epistrophy)

When My Baby Left Me

Cootie Williams, Milton Fraser, Joe Guy, Louis Bacon – trumpets; Jonas Walker, Robert Horton, Sandy Williams – trombone; Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson – alto sax, vocal; Bob Dorsey, Greely Walton – tenor sax; John Williams – baritone sax; Kenny Kersey – piano; Norman Keenan – bass; Butch Ballard – drums.

Recorded 4/6 January 1944 in New York City

You Talk a little trash

Honeysuckle Rose

Cootie Williams – trumpet, vocal; Ed Burke, Bob Horton, George Stevenson – trombone; Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson – alto sax, vocal; Charlie Holmes – alto sax; Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Lee Pope – tenor sax; Bud Powell – piano; Norman Keenan – bass; Sylvester “Vess” Payne – drums.

Now I Know

Red Blues

Cootie Williams, Harold “Money” Johnson, Ermit V. Perry, George Treadwell – trumpet; Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson – alto sax, vocal; Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis – tenor sax; Ed de Verteuil – baritone sax; Bud Powell – piano; Norman Keenan – bass; Sylvester “Vess” Payne – drums.

Recorded 22 August 1944 in New York City

Somebody’s Gotta Go

‘Round Midnight

Cootie Williams, Lamar Wright, Ermit V. Perry, George Treadwell, Tommy Stevenson – trumpet; Ed Burke, Bob Horton, Ed Glover – trombone; Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson – alto sax, vocal; Frank Powell – alto sax; Lee Pope, Sam Taylor – tenor sax; Ed de Verteuil – baritone sax; Bud Powell – piano; Leroy Kirkland – guitar; Carl Pruitt – bass; Sylvester “Vess” Payne – drums.

CW Savoy

(CD: “Big Bands at The Savoy, Cootie Williams & Luis Russell” JUCD 2064)

Roll ‘Em

Floogie Boo

Recorded 12 February 1945 at the Savoy Ballroom, NYC

CW Classics 1945-1946

(CD: “Cootie Williams and his Orchestra 1945-1946” Classics 981)

Recorded 19 July 1945 in New York City

House of Joy

Cootie Williams, Harold “Money” Johnson, Ermit V. Perry, George Treadwell – trumpet; Ed Burke, Bob Horton – trombone; Rupert Cole, Frank Powell – alto sax; Lee Pope, Sam Taylor – tenor sax; Ed de Verteuil – baritone sax; Arnold Jarvis – piano; Leroy Kirkland – guitar; Jimmy Glover – bass; Sylvester Payne – drums.

Recorded 29 January 1946 in New York City

He Should’a flip’d when he flop’d

CW Classics 1946-1949

(CD: “Cootie Williams and his Orchestra 1946-1949” Classics 1105)

I Can’t Get Started

Recorded 1947 in New York City (no precise date given)

Cootie Williams, Bob Merrill, Ermit V. Perry, Otis Gamble, Billy Ford, Clarence “Gene” Redd – trumpet; Ed Burke, Edward Johnson, Julius “Hawkshaw” Watson – trombone; Rupert Cole, Daniel Williams – alto sax; Chuck Clarke, Edwin Johnson – tenor sax; Bob Ashton – baritone sax; Arnold Jarvis – piano; Norman Keenan – bass; Butch Ballard – drums.

Save the Bones for Henry Jones

I Should O’ Been Thinkin’ Instead of Drinkin’

Recorded July 1947 in New York City

Cootie Williams, Bob Merrill – trumpet, vocal; Ermit V. Perry, Otis Gamble, Billy Ford, Clarence “Gene” Redd – trumpet; Ed Burke, Edward Johnson, Julius “Hawkshaw” Watson – trombone; Rupert Cole, Daniel Williams – alto sax; Chuck Clarke, Edwin Johnson – tenor sax; Bob Ashton – baritone sax; Arnold Jarvis – piano; Norman Keenan – bass; Butch Ballard – drums.

0000120517

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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged 'Round Midnight, Apollo Theater, Benny Goodman, Bob Merrill, Bud Powell, Bunny Berigan, Butch Ballard, Charlie Parker, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Epistrophy, growl, Harold "Money" Johnson, Jazz, Jazz Podcast, Joe Guy, Johnny Mercer, Mary Lou Williams, Pearl Bailey, plunger, Pointer Sisters, Sam "The Man" Taylor, Savoy Ballroom, Thelonious Monk, Willis "Gator" Jackson | Leave a comment

When Cootie Left the Duke, Pt. I (Podcast #17-009)

Posted on August 5, 2017 by Ellington Reflections

benny goodman sextet

A Benny Goodman recording session, with Georgie Auld – tenor sax, Benny Goodman – clarinet, Artie Bernstein – bass, Cootie Williams – trumpet, Charlie Christian – guitar.

“It was 1929 when Cootie came into the band, and he soon became one of our most outstanding soloists. He began to use the plunger mute, one of our major tonal devices, and he used it very well, right up to one night eleven years later, when he took me for a ride all around Chicago in his car. He wanted to tell me that he had a very lucrative offer to go with Benny Goodman for a while. “Well, okay,” I said.”

–Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress

Charlie Christian, Cootie Williams, Georgie Auld, Benny Goodman

Bill Crow’s lengthy article on his stint with Benny Goodman during his 1962 tour of the USSR, To Russia Without Love, gives an insightful insider’s look at Goodman’s notorious personality.

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Highlights

Concerto for Cootie (CD: “Highlights of the Great 1940-1942 Band” Avid AMSC1143)

Recorded 15 March 1940, Chicago

raymond scott

When Cootie Left the Duke (CD: “Toonerville Trolley” Jasmine JASMCD 2605)

Recorded 6 January 1941, Chicago

Jack Walker, Graham Young, Jack Hall – trumpet; Charles MCamish, Pete Lofthouse – trombones; Benny Lagasse, Charles Spero, Frank Callador, Stanley Webb – reeds; Don Tiff – piano; Art Ryerson – guitar; Mike Ruben – bass; Carl Maus – drums.

(Note: At the time the podcast was recorded, I had not been able to determine the identity of the trumpet soloist on this track. Thanks to the efforts of Jean-Marie Juif, we now know it was Jack Hall. Thanks, Jean-Marie!)

(CD: “Charlie Christian – The Genius of the Electric Guitar” Columbia / Sony Legacy
88697930352)

Wholly Cats

Royal Garden Blues

Benny’s Bugle

Recorded 7 November 1940, New York City
Cootie Williams – trumpet; Benny Goodman – clarinet; Georgie Auld – tenor sax; Count Basie – piano; Charlie Christian – guitar; Artie Bernstein – bass; Harry Jaeger – drums.

Breakfast Feud

Recorded 19 December 1940, New York City

Cootie Williams – trumpet; Benny Goodman – clarinet; Georgie Auld – tenor sax; Kenny Kersey – piano; Charlie Christian – guitar; Artie Bernstein – bass; Harry Jaeger – drums.

hawkins

(CD:” Classic Coleman Hawkins Sessions 1922-1947 Mosaic Records 251)

Recorded 16 January 1941, New York City

Bugle Call Rag

One O’Clock Jump

The Metronome All-Star Band

Harry James, Ziggy Elman, Cootie Williams – trumpet; Tommy Dorsey, J.C. Higginbotham – trombone; Benny Goodman – clarinet; Toots Mondello, Benny Carter – alto sax; Coleman Hawkins, Tex Beneke – tenor sax; Count Basie – piano; Charlie Christian – guitar; Artie Bernstein – bass; Buddy Rich – drums.

(CD: “Classic Columbia and Okeh Benny Goodman Orchestra Recordings (1939-1958) Mosaic Records 240)

Fiesta In Blue

Recorded 27 March 1941, New York City

Jimmy Maxwell, Billy Butterfield, Irving Goodman, Cootie Williams – trumpet; Lou McGarity, Cutty Cutshall- trombone; Benny Goodman – clarinet; Gus Bivona, Les Robinson – alto sax; Georgie Auld, Pete Mondello – tenor sax; Skip Martin – baritone sax; Johnny Guarnieri – piano; Mike Bryan – guitar; Artie Bernstein – bass; Dave Tough – drums

Moonlight On The Ganges

Recorded 18 December 1940, New York City

Jimmy Maxwell, Irving Goodman, Alec Fila, Cootie Williams – trumpet; Lou McGarity, Cutty Cutshall – trombone; Benny Goodman – clarinet; Gus Bivona, Skip Martin – alto sax; Bob Snyder – alto and baritone sax; Georgie Auld, Jack Henderson – tenor sax; Bernie Leighton – piano; Mike Bryan – guitar; Artie Bernstein – bass; Harry Jaeger – drums.

Let The Door Knob Hitcha

Recorded 14 January 1941, New York City

Jimmy Maxwell, Irving Goodman, Alec Fila – trumpet; Cootie Williams – trumpet & vocal; Lou McGarity, Cutty Cutshall – trombone; Benny Goodman – clarinet; Gus Bivona, Skip Martin, Bob Snyder – alto sax; Georgie Auld, Jack Henderson – tenor sax; Teddy Wilson – piano; Mike Bryan – guitar; Artie Bernstein – bass; Dave Tough – drums.

Superman

Recorded 18 December 1940, New York City

0000120517

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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged 'Round Midnight, Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich, Charlie Christian, Cootie Williams, Count Basie, Dave Tough, Duke Ellington, Eddie Sauter, Georgie Auld, growl, Harry James, Jazz, Jimmy Maxwell, plunger, podcast, R&B, Raymond Scott, Steve Bowie, Trumpet | Leave a comment

Piano in the Foreground (Podcast #17-008)

Posted on July 22, 2017 by Ellington Reflections

foreground

-Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress

orson

Duke Ellington, Orson Welles and Cab Calloway

I was fortunate enough to see three of this podcast’s featured artists in concert and get their autographs:

peterson

Oscar Peterson (along with Ella Fitzgerald, Freddie Green, Al Grey, Bobby Plater and Tommy Flanagan)

tyner

McCoy Tyner

hines

Earl “Fatha” Hines

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Greatest Concert

Take the “A” Train (LP: “The Greatest Jazz Concert In The World” Pablo 2625-704)

Recorded 1 July 1967 at The Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles

Oscar Peterson – piano; Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone, Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Hamilton, Harry Carney – reeds, John Lamb -bass; Chris Columbus – drums.

Whitney

Soda Fountain Rag (CD: “Live at The Whitney” Impulse/GRP 173)

Recorded 10 April 1972, New York City

Duke Ellington – piano.

Luigi

Soda Fountain Rag (CD: “Duke Ellington Piano Works” Dynamic CDS7743)

Recorded 2015, Italy

Luigi Polombi – piano.

Waller

Solitude (CD”Romance a la Mode” Jazzsential)

Recorded 16 September 1943, New York City

Fats Waller – organ, vocal.

kenny burrell

Orson (LP: “Ellington Is Forever, Volume 2” Fantasy 79008 )

Recorded November & December, 1975, Berkeley, California

Jimmy Jones – piano

Monk

Black and Tan Fantasy (CD: “Thelonious Monk plays Duke Ellington” Universal
0546796)

Recorded 21 July 1955, Hackensack, New Jersey

Thelonious Monk – piano; Oscar Pettiford -bass; Kenny Clarke – drums.

Tatum

In a Sentimental Mood (CD: “Art Tatum Solo Masterpieces, Volume 8” Pablo PACD-2405-439-2)

Recorded 29 December 1953, Los Angeles

Art Tatum – piano.

McShann

What Am I Here For? (CD: “The Missouri Connection” Reservoir (City Hall) 124)

Recorded 15 September 1992, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Jay McShann, John Hicks – piano.

Garner

Caravan (CD: “Ready Take One” Sony Music 88985363312)

Recorded 2 December 1971, New York City

Erroll Garner – piano; Ernest McCarty, Jr. – bass; Jose Mangual – conga; Jimmie Smith – drums.

earl plays duke

Satin Doll (CD: “Jazz Royalty – Earl Hines plays Duke Ellington” New World Records
NW 81001)

Recorded 10 December 1971, New York City

Earl “Fatha” Hines – piano.

Tyner

Satin Doll (CD: “Double Trios”, Denon Records 1128)

Recorded 7 June 1986, New York City

McCoy Tyner – piano; Avery Sharpe – bass; Louis Hayes – drums.

Highlights

Pitter Panther Patter (CD: “Highlights of the Great 1940-1942 Band” Avid, AMSC1143)

Recorded 1 October 1940, Chicago

Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmie Blanton -bass.

This ones for Blanton

Pitter Panther Patter (CD: “This One’s for Blanton” Pablo PACD-2310-721-2)

Recorded 5 December 1972, Las Vegas

Duke Ellington – piano; Ray Brown – bass.

0000120517

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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Art Tatum, Duke Ellington, Earl Fatha Hines, Erroll Garner, Fats Waller, Jay McShann, Jazz, Jazz Podcast, Jimmie Blanton, Jimmy Jones, John Hicks, Luigi Polombi, McCoy Tyner, Orson Welles, Oscar Peterson, Piano, Piano Jazz, podcast, Ray Brown, Solo Piano, Steve Bowie, Thelonious Monk | Leave a comment

Reflections on “The Far East Suite” (Podcast #17-007)

Posted on July 8, 2017 by Ellington Reflections

This podcast episode features three looks at Ellington/Strayhorn’s Far East Suite. The original, of course and then two interpretations that bend, yet don’t break, the material to fit their creative impulses and their very different instrumentations.

The Tony Overwater Trio in conjunction with the Calefax Reed Quintet, has no keyboard or brass.

Slavic Soul Party! is in the brass band tradition, with accordion and tuba supplying the rhythm section’s harmonic functions.

Both groups creatively use their unique configurations to add stellar interpretations of the Ellington/Strayhorn canon.

Mount Harissa

“We especially thank Ellington and his colleagues for filling life with beauty and grace when so much was denied to them.”

– from the liner notes from Slavic Soul Party! Plays Duke Ellington’s Far East Suite

ellington and gonsalves in iraq

Paul Gonsalves and Duke Ellington sharing a hookah in Ctesiphon, Iraq during their State Department Tour in 1963.

The Ellington band was broadcast on TV on November 14, 1963 from Khuld Hall, Baghdad, Iraq. The resulting video, “Le Roi du Jazz Americain DUKE ELLINGTON ET SON ORCHESTRE” (The King of American Jazz, Duke Ellington and his Orchestra) is available to view (or download for free, courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration) at this link.

ellington-accordion

Duke Ellington and the accordion

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Take the “A” Train (CD: “The Treasury Shows, Volume 23” Storyville 9039023)

Recorded 24 August 1946. Radio broadcast from the Meadowbrook Gardens Cafe in Culver City, California

Duke Ellington – piano

Tourist Point of View//Depk//Blue Pepper (Far East of the Blues)//Agra//Amad//Ad Lib on Nippon (CD: “The Far East Suite” Bluebird 7640-2-RB)

Recorded 19-21 December 1966, New York City

overwater

Tourist Point of View//Depk//Agra//Amad//Ad Lib on Nippon (CD: “Ellington Suites” Jazz in Motion Records JIM 75219)

Recorded 16 February 2005, live at the Bimhuis, Amsterdam

Maarten Ornstein – tenor sax; Tony Overwater – bass; Wim Kegel – drums; Oliver Boekhoorn – oboe, English Horn; Ivar Berix – clarinet; Raaf Hekkema – alto sax; Jelte Althuis – bass clarinet; Alban Wesly – bassoon.

slavic soul party

Tourist Point of View//Depk//Blue Pepper//Amad//Ad Lib on Nippon (CD: “Slavic Soul Party! Plays Duke Ellington’s Far East Suite” Ropeadope RAD-314)

Recorded November 2014, live at the Barbes, Brooklyn

John Carlson, Kenny Warren – trumpet; Matt Musselman, Tim Vaughn – trombone; Peter Hess – reeds; Peter Stan – accordion; Ron Caswell – tuba; Chris Stormquist, Matt Moran – percussion.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Alban Wesly, Billy Strayhorn, Calefax Reed Quintet, Cat Anderson, Chris Stormquist, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, Ivar Berix, Jazz, Jelte Althuis, Jimmy Hamilton, John Carlson, John Lamb, Johnny Hodges, Kenny Warren, Lawrence Brown, Maarten Ornstein, Matt Moran, Matt Musselman, Oliver Boekhoorn, Paul Gonsalves, Peter Hess, Peter Stan, podcast, Ron Caswell, Rufus Jones, Slavic Soul Party!, Tim Vaughn, Tony Overwater, Wim Kegel | Leave a comment

Portrait of Mahalia Jackson (Podcast #17-006)

Posted on June 24, 2017 by Ellington Reflections

“Bill Putnam, founder, builder, recording engineer, and President of Universal Recording Studios in Chicago, was having a party on a yacht one evening out on Lake Michigan. There were a lot of bigwigs from the Loop there, and a representative of Columbia Records came up to me, all glowing.

“Say you must hear this new girl we’ve got signed up!” he said.

“Who’s that?”

“Mahalia Jackson.”

“Oh, yeah, she’s a good cook.”

“No, she’s a singer.”

“I know,” I said, “but she’s a good cook, too.”

She was the best, a great cook. I had been to her house several times before ever she signed with Columbia, and she always had fine soul food out there.

One of the memorable occasions was when we made “Come Sunday” with her in 1958. Billy Strayhorn was down in Florida, but I had told him the key and he sent the arrangement. Ray Nance was there with his violin, and it all came off well.”

–Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress

Duke Ellington and Mahalia Jackson at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, 1970

“Come Sunday” appears in the in the United Methodist Hymnal. C. Michael Hawn explains how it came to be. The song is also the subject of a “hymn study.”

Jazz_on_a_Summer's_Day_FilmPoster

Jazz on a Summer’s Day

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Take the “A” Train//Come Sunday//Keep Your Hand on the Plow (CD: “Live at Newport 1958” Sony Music Distribution 53584)
Recorded 21 July 1958, New York City

Mahalia Jackson – vocal; Cat Anderson, Harold Baker, Clark Terry – trumpets; Ray Nance – trumpet, violin; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombones; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Bill Graham, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

bbb2

(Part IV) Come Sunday//(Part VI) 23rd Psalm (CD: “Black, Brown, and Beige” Sony Music Distribution 53584)
Recorded 11 February 1958, New York City

Mahalia Jackson – vocal; Cat Anderson, Harold Baker, Clark Terry -trumpet; Ray Nance – trumpet, violin; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Bill Graham, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Girls Suite

Mahalia from “The Girls Suite” (LP: “The Girls Suite and The Perfume Suite” Columbia )

Recorded 19 September 1961, Los Angeles

Willie Cook, Edward Mullens, Cat Anderson, Ray Nance – trumpet; Louis Blackburn, Lawrence Brown, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Portrait of Mahalia Jackson (CD: “New Orleans Suite” Warner Bros. 7411644)

Recorded 13 May 1970, New York City

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Black Brown and Beige, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Gospel, Jazz, Julian Priester, Mahalia Jackson, New Orleans, New Orleans Suite, Newport Jazz Festival, Norris Turney, Paul Gonsalves, podcast, Ray Nance, Russell Procope, United Methodist Hymnal | Leave a comment

Harlem (Podcast #17-005)

Posted on June 10, 2017 by Ellington Reflections

1932 map of harlem nightclubs

“Harlem is a place, a place in New York City, bordered on the south by Central Park and on the north by 145th Street, the Harlem and East River on the east, and the Hudson River on the west……

We would like now to take you on a tour of this place called Harlem. It has always had more churches than cabarets. It is Sunday morning. We are strolling from 110th Street up Seventh Avenue, heading north through the Spanish and West Indian neighborhood toward the 125th Street business area. Everybody is nicely dressed, and on their way to or from church. Everybody is in a friendly mood. Greetings are polite and pleasant, and on the opposite side of the street, standing under a street lamp, is a real hip chick. She, too, is in a friendly mood. You may hear a parade go by, or a funeral, or you may recognize the passage of those who are making our Civil Rights demands. (Hereabouts, in our performance, Cootie Williams pronounces the word on his trumpet – Harlem!)”

– Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress

“Civil Rights demands” and activism landed Duke Ellington in the cross hairs of J. Edgar Hoover’s FBI. Click here to view his FBI file.

Video – Cab Calloway remembers the music clubs of Harlem

The Harlem Renaissance

harlem air shaft score

Journal of Jazz Studies article on Harlem Air Shaft by Dr. Edward Green

Duke Ellington performing A Tone Parallel to Harlem in London, 1964:

Harlem as performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra:

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

uptown

Take the “A” Train (CD: “Ellington Uptown” Columbia Legacy 87066)

Recorded 30 June 1952, New York City

Willie Cook, Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, Juan Tizol – trombone; Russell Procope, Hilton Jefferson, Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Wendell Marshall – bass; Louie Bellson – drums; Betty Roche – vocal.

armstrong ellington

Drop Me Off in Harlem (CD: “The Complete Louis Armstrong & Duke Ellington Sessions” Roulette Records / Blue Note 5245462)

Recorded 3 April 1961, New York City

Louis Armstrong – trumpet, vocal; Trummy Young – trombone; Barney Bigard – clarinet; Duke Ellington – piano; Mort Herbert – bass; Danny Barcelona – drums.

Highlights

Harlem Air Shaft (CD: “Highlights of the Great 1940-1942 Band” Avid AMSC1143)

Recorded 22 July 1940, New York City

treasury show vol 4

Sugar Hill Penthouse (CD: “The Treasury Shows, Volume 4” Storyville Records 903 9004)

Recorded 10 October, 1945, Live at The New Zanibar, New York City

Rex Stewart, Taft Jordan, Ray Nance, Shelton Hemphill, Cat Anderson – trumpet; Joseph “Tricky Sam” Nanton, Lawrence Brown, Claude Jones – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Al Sears, Jimmy Hamilton, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Junior Raglin – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

elling_duke_complete1_101b

Harlem Speaks (CD: “The Complete 1932-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosaic Records #248)

Recorded 15 August 1933, New York City

Great Paris Concert

Echoes of Harlem (CD: “The Great Paris Concert” Collectables 7818)

Recorded 23 February 1963, Paris

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Ray Nance, Roy Burrowes – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Jimmy Hamilton, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Ernie Shepard – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Reprise

Harlem [aka A Tone Parallel to Harlem] (CD: “The Reprise Studio Recordings” Mosaic Records #193)

Recorded 31 January 1963, Paris

Posted in podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Cab Calloway, Cootie Williams, Cotton Club, Duke Ellington, Ellington, Ellington Reflections, Ellington Uptown, Harlem, Harlem Renaissance, Harry Carney, Jazz, Johnny Hodges, Louis Armstrong, Negro, podcast, Steve Bowie | Leave a comment

“Take A Train” (Podcast #17-004)

Posted on May 27, 2017 by Ellington Reflections

atrain duke a train

“You know the record, Daybreak Express? Well, when we were in the South, we’d travel by train in two Pullmans and a baggage car. Duke would lie there resting, and listening to the trains. Those southern engineers could pull a whistle like nobody’s business. He would hear how the train clatter over the crossing, and he’d get up and listen to the engine. He’d listen as it pulled out of a station, huffing and puffing, and he’d start building from there. Then, for when it was really rolling, he’d put something that [Sidney] Bechet played into the song. He had the whistles down perfectly, too. He’s quite a man!” – Ellington clarinetist Barney Bigard, The World of Duke Ellington

This video includes a snippet of Daybreak Express:

You can get the score and/or band parts to Daybreak Express from the Smithsonian. Click here for details.

daybreak

519AzoP1DtL._SX336_BO1,204,203,200_

Riding On Duke’s Train, by Mick Carlon, is in the process of being made into an animated feature. Click here for details! And here’s the link to their Facebook page.

atrain

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Ella and Ellington

Take the “A” Train (CD: “Ella Fitzgerald sings the Duke Ellington Songbook” Essential Jazz Classics EJC 55426)

Recorded 24 June 1957, New York City

Ella Fitzgerald – vocal; Willie Cook, Cat Anderson, Harold Baker, Clark Terry, Ray Nance, Dizzy Gillespie – trumpets; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombones; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Daybreak Express (CD:“Highlights from the Duke Ellington Centennial Edition (1927-1973)” RCA Victor 09026636722)

Recorded 04 December 1933, New York City

Happy-Go-Lucky Local (CD: “Ellington ’55” EMI Music Distribution 0688827)

Recorded 17 January 1954, Chicago

tpt

Night Train (LP: “The Solid Trumpet of Cootie Williams” Moodsville MVLP-27)

Recorded 4 April 1962

Cootie Williams – trumpet; Nat Jones – piano; Harold Dodson – bass; Bill Peeples – drums.

blues in orbit

Track 360 (CD: “Blues In Orbit” Columbia / Sony Music 88697492062)

Recorded 4 February 1958, Los Angeles

Cat Anderson, Harold Baker, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trumpet; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Bill Graham, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

51KH0zlM8+L._SX355_

The Old Circus Train (CD: “Never Before Released Recordings (1965-1972) Music Masters Jazz 5041)

Recorded 15 August 1966, New York City

Loco Madi (from the Uwis Suite) (CD: “The Ellington Suites” Original Jazz Classics OJC 34614)

Recorded 5 October 1972, New York City

Cootie Williams, Mercer Ellington, Harold “Money” Johnson, Johnny Coles – trumpet; Booty Wood, Vincente Prudente, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope, Norris Turney, Harold Minerve, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Wulf Freedman – bass guitar; Rufus Jones – drums.

Posted in podcast | Tagged Barney Bigard, Billy Strayhorn, Cootie Williams, Daybreak Express, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Happy-Go-Lucky Local, Harlem, Jazz, Ken Kimmelman, Loco Madi, Mick Carlon, Old Circus Train, podcast, Riding Duke's Train, Sam Woodyard, Sonny Greer, Steve Bowie, The the "A" Train, Track 360 | Leave a comment

Portrait of Clark Terry (Podcast #17-003)

Posted on May 13, 2017 by Ellington Reflections

“The first time I ever heard about Clark Terry was when Charlie Barnet told me about him. Charlie was raving: ‘Clark Terry is the greatest trumpet player in the world. You wait and see. Or better still, go get him for your band, but hurry, because soon everybody is going to be trying to get him.’ I consider myself lucky indeed to get him in 1951.

Like Shorty Baker, Clark is from St. Louis, a city that seems to specialize in producing fine trumpet players. Although I don’t think he has had the recognition he deserves, there is one area I know where he is very much appreciated. He is a busy man, but he always finds the time to help the college bands around the country, and I am sure many a youngster has been inspired by him both as a man and as a musician.

When a trumpet player imitates Louis Armstrong, Louis gets the credit. When a trumpet player decides that his style is to be built on Dizzy Gillespie’s, Dizzy gets the credit. The same thing with those saxophone players who copied Coleman Hawkins and Charlie Parker. But today, although I hear a whole new world of flugelhorn stylists formed behind Clark Terry, I hear non of the prime authorities on the subject say, ‘Clark Terry did this sixteen years ago.’ If this is not recognized soon, he could grow up to be the Barzillai Lew of the flugelhorn.” – Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress

Clark_Terrycirca_mid-50s

Betty Grable, Harry James, Clark Terry, Duke Ellington (mid – 1950s)

Clark: The Autobiography of Clark Terry (University of California Press)

Clark

Keep On Keepin’ On, a documentary of Clark Terry’s mentor relationship with young blind piano prodigy Justin Kauflin:

keep-on-keepin-on

I was fortunate enough to have seen Clark Terry in concert a few times. Below are autographs I obtained at a couple of the gigs:

CT Autograph2

CT Autograph1

Clark Terry with Count Basie

Transcriptions of Clark Terry’s solo on Boo-Dah (from “…And his mother called him Bill) by Kevin Sun

Transcription of Clark Terry’s solo on Blues for Smedley by Jeff Helgesen

The Duke Ellington trumpet section featured on El Gato

Clark Terry’s inimical Mumbles routine!

Clark Terry tells the story on how he joined the Ellington band:

A master educator, here’s Clark Terry dispensing some of his lifetime of wisdom:

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

Take the “A” Train (CD: “Duke With A Difference” Original Jazz Classics 229)

Recorded 6 September 1957, New York City

Clark Terry – trumpet; Britt Woodman – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves – reeds; Tyree Glenn – vibes; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Hey Buddy Bolden (CD: “A Drum Is A Woman” Sony Music Distribution COL4713202)

Recorded 25 September 1956, New York City

Up and Down, Up and Down (I will lead them Up and Down) (LP/CD “Such Sweet Thunder” Columbia CL 1033/Columbia/Legacy 65568)

Recorded 24 April 1957, New York City

capitol mosaic

Stardust (CD “The Complete Capitol Recordings of Duke Ellington” Mosaic Records MQ8-160)

Recorded 7 April 1953, Hollywood, California

Willie Cook, Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson,Juan Tizol – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Rick Henderson, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Wendell Marshall – bass; Butch Ballard – drums.

Idiom ’59, Part IV, Perdido (CD: “Festival Session” Sony Music Distribution COL4684022)
Recorded 8 September 1959, New York City

Cat Anderson, Harold Baker, Andres Marenguito, Willie Cook, Ray Nance – trumpets, Clark Terry – trumpet, flugelhorn; Britt Woodman, John Sanders, Quentin Jackson -trombones; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington(p); Jimmy Woode – bass; Jimmy Johnson,Sam Woodyard – drums

Juniflip (CD: “Live at Newport 1958” Sony Music Distribution 53584)
Recorded 21 July 1958, New York City

Cat Anderson, Harold Baker, Ray Nance – trumpets; Clark Terry – flugelhorn; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombones; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Bill Graham, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Boogie Stop Shuffle (CD: “Big Band Bossa Nova, The Newest Latin American Rhythm” Polygram Records/Verve 5075252)

Recorded 1962, New York City

Quincy Jones – arranger, conductor; Clark Terry – trumpet; Alan Raph -trombone; Julius Watkins- french horn; Phil Woods, Paul Gonsalves, Jerome Richardson – reeds; Lalo Schifrin – piano; Jim Hall – guitar; Chris White – bass; Rudy Collins – drums; Jack Del Rio, Carlos Gomez, Jose Paula – percussion.

Mood Indigo (CD: “Clark Terry – Bob Brookmeyer Quintet: Complete Studio Recordings” Lone Hill Jazz LHJ 10199)
Recorded 1966, New York City

Clark Terry – trumpet, flugelhorn; Bob Brookmeyer – valve trombone; Hank Jones – piano; Bob Cranshaw – bass; Dave Bailey – drums.

Boo Dah (CD: “…And his Mother called him Bill” RCA 6287)

Recorded 28 August 1967, New York City

Posted in podcast | Tagged Bob Brookmeyer, Clark Terry, Duke Ellington, Flugelhorn, Jazz, Justin Kauflin, keep on keepin' on, Mumbles, Oscar Peterson, podcast, Quincy Jones, Trumpet | Leave a comment

Diminuendo in Blue and Crescendo in Blue (Podcast #17-002)

Posted on April 29, 2017 by Ellington Reflections

“Nineteen fifty-six was an important year. The performance of Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue (originally written in 1937) at the Newport Jazz Festival, with an epic ride by Paul Gonsalves on tenor saxophone, brought us renewed attention and the cover of Time magazine. It was another of those major intersections in my career…

Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Woode, and Sam Woodyard lifted that stone-cold audience up to a fiery, frenzied, screeching, dancing climax that was never to be forgotten. One lovely society matron broke through her veneer of discretion, and jumped her thing for all twenty-seven choruses, adding a cherry and whipped cream topping to our sundae morning.” – Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress

Transcription of Ray Nance’s trumpet solo on this version of Take the “A” Train by Jeff Helgesen

Diminuendo – Instruction in music notation meaning to get softer

Crescendo – Instruction in music notation meaning to get louder

Paul Gonsalves in action at the 1956 Newport Jazz Festival:

5_-GONSALVES-NEWPORT-19561

The first page of the score for “Diminuendo in Blue” in Ellington’s own hand:

dim1

An excellent analysis of these two pieces can by found on Ethan Iverson’s blog “Do the Math,” written by guest writer Darcy James Argue

For example, he provides a form breakdown of “Diminuendo:”

[A] CHORUS 1: Blues in Eb (12 bars)

[B] CHORUS 2: Blues in Eb (10 bars)

[C] FALSE START+INTERLUDE: FALSE START (Eb) begins same as CHORUS 2 (4 bars) then INTERLUDE on VII pedal (2 bars)

[D] CHORUS 3: Blues in G (12 bars)

[E] CHORUS 4: Blues in G (12 bars)

[F] CHORUS 5: Blues in C (12 bars)

[G] CHORUS 6: Blues in F minor (12 bars)

[H] CHORUS 7: Blues in Db (12 bars)

[I] CHORUS 8: Blues in Db (12 bars)

[J] CHORUS 9: Blues in Db (12 bars)

[K] CHORUS 10: Blues in Db (12 bars)

[L] “STAGE FADE” CODA: Db7#9 vamp (6 bars)

The near riot at the 1956 Newport Jazz Festival resulted in Duke Ellington landing on the cover of Time Magazine:

1101560820_400

Backstory In Blue, Ellington at Newport ’56, by John Fass Morton (Rutgers University Press)

backstory in blue

A 1958 performance of Diminuendo In Blue and Crescendo In Blue from a Netherlands concert:

More from the same concert can be found on the DVD, Duke Ellington Live in ’58 from Jazz Icons 2.119001

jazz icons dvd

Eventually, Crescendo In Blue was dropped and replaced with Blow by Blow:

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

EllingtonAtNewport

Take the “A” Train (CD: “Ellington at Newport 1956 (Complete)” Columbia Legacy C2K 64932)

Recorded 07 July, 1956 Live at The Newport Jazz Festival Newport, RI

Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Willie Cook – trumpet; Ray Nance – cornet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Hamilton, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

Diminuendo In Blue/Crescendo In Blue (CD: “The Complete 1932-1940 Brunswick, Columbia, Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra,” Mosaic Records #248)

Recorded 20 September 1937, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins – trumpets; Rex Stewart – cornet , Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombones; Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Barney Bigard, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Diminuendo In Blue/Crescendo In Blue can also be found on The Essential Duke Ellington (Columbia Legacy)

ess ellington

ellington hollywd bowl

Diminuendo In Blue / Transbluecency / Crescendo In Blue (LP: “The Hollywood Bowl Concert” Unique Jazz UJ-001)

Recorded 31 August 1947 Live at the Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles

EllingtonAtNewport

Diminuendo In Blue and Crescendo In Blue (CD: “Ellington at Newport 1956 (Complete)” Columbia Legacy C2K 64932)

Recorded 07 July, 1956 Live at The Newport Jazz Festival Newport, RI

Paul Gonsalves (CD: “David Murray Big Band, Conducted by Lawrence “Butch” Morris” Disk Union DIW 851)

Recorded 05 March, 1991 in New York City

Hugh Ragin, Rasul Saddik, Graham Haynes, James Zollar – trumpets; Craig Harris, Frank Lacy – trombones; Vincent Chancey – french horn; James Spaulding, John Purcell, Patience Higgins, Don Byron, David Murray – saxes; Sonelius Smith – piano, Fred Hopkins – bass, Tani Tabbal – drums, Joel

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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.

Posted in podcast | Tagged 1937, 1956, Backstory In Blue, Crescendo In Blue, Darcy James Argue, David Murray, Diminuendo In Blue, Duke Ellington, Ellington at Newport, Ethan Iverson, Jazz, John Fass Morton, Newport Jazz Festival, Paul Gonsalves, podcast, Steve Bowie, Time Magazine | Leave a comment

Introduction (Podcast #17-001)

Posted on April 29, 2017 by Ellington Reflections

“Jazz is many things to many people. To me, it has been a banner under which I have written and played most of life, almost all the way around the world.” – Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress

This blog, Ellington Reflections, is the accompaniment to my bi-weekly podcast of the same name. The Ellington Reflections podcast is available for FREE on iTunes and Stitcher. Join me as I highlight different facets of the long and distinguished career of Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington (1899-1974). We’ll do this through his compositions, arrangements and recordings. We’ll also dive into the contributions of his sideman and other artists. There will no shortage of places to go!

Referenced in the first episode:

Transcription and analysis of Duke Ellington’s solo on The Clothed Woman, by Los Angeles based pianist Scott Healy.

Recordings heard during this podcast episode:

Take the “A” Train (CD: “Duke Ellington and His Famous Orchestra 1941: The Complete Standard Transcriptions,” Soundies SCD4107)

Recorded 15 January 1941, Los Angeles

Portrait of Bert Williams (CD: “The Webster Blanton Band,” Bluebird 74321131812)

Recorded 28 May, 1940 Chicago

The Clothed Woman (CD: “The Complete Duke Ellington, Vol. 2 (1947-1952),” Sony Music Distribution COL4629862)

Recorded 27 December, 1947 New York City

Al Killian, Harold Baker – trumpets; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Junior Raglin – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

(I’m Just Wild About) Animal Crackers (CD: 1924-1926: Birth of a Band, Vol. 1 EPM #HS151042)

Recorded 21 June, 1926 New York City

Bubber Miley, Charlie Johnson – trumpets; Joe Nanton – trombone; Harvey Boone, Prince Robinson, Otto Hardwicke – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Mack Shaw – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Thanks for the Beautiful Land on the Delta (CD: “New Orleans Suite,” Warner Bros. 7411644)

Recorded 27 April, 1970 New York City

Thanks for the Beautiful Land on the Delta (CD: “Never Before Released Recordings (1965-1972),” Music Masters 5041-2-C)

Recorded 23 July, 1970 Milan

Thanks for the Beautiful Land on the Delta (Stefon Harris, “African Tarantella: Dances with Duke” – Blue Note 41090)

Released 2006

It’s Something You Ought To Know (Paul Gonsalves – “Ellingtonia Moods and Blues,” RCA Victor / RCA 63562)

Recorded 29 February 1960 in 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.

Continue reading →

Posted in Introduction, podcast | Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, Ellington, Introduction, Jazz, Paul Gonsalves, podcast, Stefon Harris, Steve Bowie | 5 Comments

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Dr. Lisa M. Clark’s thesis, Synchrony of the Sublime: A Performer ‘s Guide to Duke Ellington’s Wordless Melodies for Soprano can be found here

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UNDER CONSTRUCTION!