Author Archives: Ellington Reflections
Portrait of Sidney Bechet (Podcast #26-004)
Sidney Bechet briefly played with Ellington in the mid-1920s. They never recorded together, but Bechet played Ellington music throughout his career. Continue reading
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Tagged Duke Ellington, Earl Fatha Hines, Johnny Hodges, Lawrence Brown, Sidney Bechet
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Portrait of Kenny Burrell (Podcast #26-003)
A 95th Birthday salute to guitarist, educator and Ellington advocate Kenny Burrell Continue reading
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Tagged Duke Ellington, Earl Fatha Hines, Ernie Andrews, Johnny Hodges, Kenny Burrell
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The original Far East Suite (Podcast #26-002)
The Ellington band’s State Department tour in the fall of 1963 provided the inspiration for the pieces he and Billy Strayhorn composed that was originally titled “Impressions of the Far East” and later retitled the far east suite. Continue reading
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Tagged Anthony Brown, Billy Strayhorn, Brian Landrus, Duke Ellington, Gary Burton, Jimmy Hamilton, Lawrence Brown, Pierre Bertrand
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Beyond the Usual Suspects & Happy Birthday, Duke! (Podcast #26-001)
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! Continue reading
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Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, Lawrence Brown, Ray Nance
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Five Books (Podcast #25-004)
Five Ellington related books, all published by University Press of Mississippi.
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Happy Birthday, Duke! (Podcast #25-003)
A birthday salute to Duke Ellington featuring Brian Priestley, Brian Landrus and the Planet D Nonet performing rarely covered Ellington compositions. Continue reading
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Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Brian Landrus, Brian Priestley, Duke Ellington, Harold Minerve, Harry Carney, Johnny Hodges, Planet D Nonet
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The Magazine Suite (Podcast #25-002)
“The Magazine Suite is an entirely new three-part composition. The band played it a few more times in 1945 and 1946 but never thereafter. It is remarkable how many Ellington compositions were allowed to sink without trace like this, suggesting that … Continue reading
The Latin American Suite (Podcast #25-001)
“The Latin American Suite,” from 1968 showed that despite advancing age and the recent death of his writing partner Billy Strayhorn, there was no end in Ellington’s creativity. Continue reading
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Tagged Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, Jazz, Johnny Hodges, Latin America, Lawrence Brown, Mexico, podcast, Rufus Jones
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Portrait of Mercer Ellington, Part II (Podcast #24-004)
Part II of Portrait of Mercer Ellington, composer, arranger, trumpeter – and drummer… Continue reading
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Tagged Ben Webster, composer, Duke Ellington, Ellington Reflections, Harry Carney, Jimmy Jones, Johnny Hodges, Mercer Ellington, Piano, Steve Bowie
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Happy Birthday, Duke! (Podcast #24-003)
Happy Birthday, Duke! Duke Ellington was born on this date 125 years ago. Today also marks the 7th anniversary for podcast/blog Ellington Reflections. I’m currently editing my Cootie Williams biography and securing the necessary image permissions, so it may … Continue reading
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Portrait of Mercer Ellington, Part I (Podcast #24-002)
Mercer Ellington, son of Duke Ellington, is an underrated contributor to the world of Ellingtonia. Continue reading
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Tagged concerts, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, Jazz, Johnny Hodges, Johnny Mercer, Mercer Ellington, music, news, Ray Nance, Sonny Greer
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Portrait of Jimmy Jones (Podcast #24-001)
“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 … Continue reading
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Tagged Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Jones, Johnny Hodges, Lawrence Brown, Otto Hardwicke
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Portrait of Harold “Shorty” Baker (Podcast #23-011)
Duke Ellington said of trumpeter Harold “Shorty” Baker that “his way of playing a melody was absolutely personal, and he had no bad notes at all.” Continue reading
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Tagged Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Duke Ellington, Harold "Shorty" Baker, Harry Carney, Johnny Hodges, Lawrence Brown, Ray Nance
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Side by Side and Back to Back (Podcast #23-009)
The recordings heard on this podcast episode: (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 … Continue reading
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Tagged Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Harold "Shorty" Baker, Ivie Anderson, Lawrence Brown, Mae West, Ray Nance, Rex Stewart
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Portrait of Norris Turney (Podcast #23-007)
Multi-reedman Norris Turney became the first flute soloist featured with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. He was with the band for 4 years, leaving in 1973. Continue reading
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Tagged Duke Ellington, Jazz, Norris Turney, podcast, Ray Nance, Rufus Jones
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Togo Brava Suite (Podcast #23-006)
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. Continue reading
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Tagged Duke Ellington, Harold Ashby, Jazz, Norris Turney, podcast, Rufus Jones, Togo
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Suite Thursday (Podcast #23-005)
“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 … Continue reading
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Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, John Steinbeck, Lawrence Brown, Paris, Ray Nance, Stockholm
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Parisian Birthday Celebration (Podcast #23-004)
Celebrating the 124th anniversary of the birth of Duke Ellington and the 6th birthday for Ellington Reflections with a Parisian themed episode in honor of the 2023 Ellington Conference being held in the City of Lights. Continue reading
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Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, France, Harry Carney, Johnny Hodges, Lawrence Brown, Paris, Paul Gonsalves, podcast, Ray Nance
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Ellington 2023 – Duke and the Lights (Podcast #23-003)
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. Continue reading
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Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, Jazz, Maison du Duke, Paris, podcast
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Reminiscing In Tempo (Podcast #23-001)
Reminiscing In Tempo is one of Duke Ellington’s most personal compositions. In was written in memory of his mother, Daisy Kennedy Ellington. Continue reading
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Tagged Daisy Ellington, Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, Juan Tizol, Ray Nance, Rex Stewart, Sonny Greer
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Cootie plays Duke, Part II (Podcast #22-013)
During his 22 year sabbatical from the Duke Ellington orchestra, Cootie Williams continued to feature music from the Ellington songbook. Continue reading
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Tagged Benny Goodman, Coleman Hawkins, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Rex Stewart
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Cootie plays Duke, Part I (Podcast #22-012)
During his 22 year sabbatical from the Duke Ellington orchestra, Cootie Williams continued to feature music from the Ellington songbook. Continue reading
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Tagged Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Rex Stewart
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The New York Choral Society performs Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts (Podcast #22-011)
The New York Choral Society, New York’s pioneering symphonic chorus that explores unique collaboration and dynamic repertory, in partnership with The New School College of Performing Arts, presents Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts, November 18 and 19 at the Tishman Auditorium at The New School. Continue reading
Portrait of Louie Bellson (Podcast #22-010)
Drummer/Composer/Arranger Louie Bellson (1924-2009) was a musician’s musician. Although he was only with the Ellington for a short period, he created a huge impact in the Ellington legacy. Continue reading
Ken Peplowski Fundraiser
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 … Continue reading
The Perfume Suite (Podcast #22-009)
Duke Ellington premiered “The Perfume Suite” at his third Carnegie Hall concert in December, 1944. Continue reading
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Tagged Al Hibbler, Billy Strayhorn, Cat Anderson, Duke Ellington, Milt Grayson, Perfume Suite
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The Deep South Suite (Podcast #22-008)
“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 … Continue reading
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Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Cat Anderson, Duke Ellington, Harold "Shorty" Baker, Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves
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Portrait of Russell Procope, Part II (Podcast #22-007)
The second part of a survey of Russell Procope’s work with the Ellington band. Continue reading
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Tagged Alice Babs, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Jimmy Hamilton, Ray Nance, Russell Procope
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Portrait of Russell Procope, Part I (Podcast #22-006)
“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 … Continue reading
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Creole Rhapsody (Podcast #22-005)
“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 … Continue reading
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Tagged Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Harold Ashby, Harry Carney, Johnny Hodges, Lawrence Brown, Norris Turney, Sonny Greer
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Duke Ellington Society of Sweden 2022 Conference
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. Continue reading
Beyond the Usual Suspects, Part II (Podcast #22-004)
The second part of a survey of seldom covered Ellington compositions. Continue reading
Beyond the Usual Suspects, Part I (Podcast #22-003)
Another look at less commonly covered Ellington compositions. Continue reading
Portrait of Jimmy Hamilton, Part III (Podcast #21-006)
The third episode featuring the recordings of clarinetist/saxophonist Jimmy Hamilton Continue reading
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Tagged Alvin Batiste, clarinet, David Murray, Duke Ellington, Jimmy Hamilton, John Carter
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Portrait of Jimmy Hamilton, Part II (Podcast #21-005)
Part two of recordings featuring Jimmy Hamilton Continue reading
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Tagged Billy Strayhorn, clarinet, Duke Ellington, Jimmy Hamilton, podcast
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Portrait of Jimmy Hamilton, Part I (Podcast #21-004)
“[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 … Continue reading
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And the Trumpets Sing! (Podcast #21-003)
Featuring the singing trumpeters of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Continue reading
My Favorite (Ellington) Things, according to the iPod (Podcast #21-002)
Here’s a selection of what my iPod says are my most listened-to Ellington songs. Continue reading
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Tagged Alice Babs, Billy Strayhorn, Cat Anderson, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Ray Nance
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Portrait of Tyree Glenn (Podcast #21-001)
“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 … Continue reading
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Tagged Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Teresa Brewer, Trombone, Tyree Glenn, Vibes, Vibraphone
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Portrait of Harold Ashby (Podcast #20-007)
A look at the great, underrated tenor saxophonist in Ellington’s late band, Harold Ashby. Continue reading
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Tagged Ben Webster, Duke Ellington, Harold Ashby, Jeff Castleman, Louis Armstrong, Paul Gonsalves, Tenor Sax, Third Sacred Concert
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Portrait of Joya Sherrill (Podcast #20-006)
Joya Sherrill was a featured vocalist with the Ellington orchestra from 1944 to 1946, but returned periodically in subsequent years. One of Ellington’s best vocalists, she deserves wider recognition. Continue reading
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Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Harold Ashby, Joya Sherrill, Mercer Ellington, Ray Nance, Rex Stewart
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New (and temporary) schedule for 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 30th. Thanks for your continued support!
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Portrait of Sam Woodyard (Podcast #20-004)
“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 … Continue reading
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Variations on a Theme Song (Podcast #20-003)
Billy Strayhorn wrote “Take the “A” Train,” which became the band’s theme song in 1941. We survey a number of diverse treatments from a thirty year period. Continue reading
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Tagged Al Killian, Billy Strayhorn, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Jimmy Hamilton, Oscar Peterson, Ray Nance, Take the "A" Train
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Portrait of Rex Stewart, Part II (Podcast #20-002)
Rex Stewart played cornet in the Ellington and from 1934-45. Part II of a look at Stewart’s work with the band and the years beyond. Continue reading
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Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Cootie Williams, cornet, Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, pedal tones, Rex Stewart
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Portrait of Rex Stewart, Part I (Podcast #20-001)
Rex Stewart played cornet in the Ellington and from 1934-45. Part I of a look at Stewart’s work with the band. Continue reading
Beyond the “Usual Suspects” once more (Podcast #19-021)
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 … Continue reading
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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
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Duke Ellington’s Wordless Melodies for the Soprano (Podcast #19-020)
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 [1901-1993] “The Victor recording of Creole Love Call introduces a device which Ellington was … Continue reading
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Tagged Adelaide Hall, Alice Babs, Billy Strayhorn, Bubber Miley, Duke Ellington, Kay Davis, Lisa M. Clark, University of Kentucky
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Beyond the “Usual Suspects” [Again] (Podcast #19-019)
More covers of Ellington compositions that deserve wider exposure. Continue reading
“Rabbit’s Blues” – A Conversation with Johnny Hodges biographer Con Chapman (Podcast #19-018)
Con Chapman discusses his new biography of Johnny Hodges. Continue reading
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Tagged Alto Sax, Billy Strayhorn, Biography, Con Chapman, Duke Ellington, Jeep's Blues, Johnny Hodges, Oxford University Press, Soprano Sax
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Portrait of Jimmie Blanton (Podcast #19-017)
During his short, illness terminated stint with the Ellington band, Jimmie Blanton revolutionized the role of the bass. Continue reading
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Tagged Bass, Ben Webster, Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, Jimmie Blanton
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The Treasury Shows, Pt. V (Podcast #19-015)
This is the last part of our look at the 25 double CD set of Storyville’s Treasury Show series…. Continue reading
Portrait of Lawrence Brown, Pt. II (Podcast #19-014)
Lawrence Brown (1907-88) was a major voice in the Ellington orchestra. He played with Duke for 29 years, longer than any other trombonist in the orchestra. Continue reading
Portrait of Lawrence Brown, Pt. I (Podcast #19-013)
Lawrence Brown (1907-88) was a major voice in the Ellington orchestra. He played with Duke for 29 years, longer than any other trombonist in the orchestra. Continue reading
The Treasury Shows, Pt. IV (Podcast #19-012)
A few selections from Volumes 16 thru 20 of Duke’s Treasury Shows…. Continue reading
Old Wine and New Bottles (Podcast #19-011)
Ellington never liked to set his compositions in stone. Here’s a few examples of how he would re-visit older works…
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Happy Birthday, Duke! (Podcast #19-009)
A belated podcast celebrating the 120th anniversary of Duke Ellington’s birth and the 2 anniversary of Ellington Reflections!
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Portrait of Fred Guy (Podcast #19-007)
Fred Guy played banjo and guitar in the Ellington Orchestra from 1925 to 1949. Continue reading
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Tagged Banjo, Billy Strayhorn, Cotton Club, Duke Ellington, Fred Guy, Freddy Guy, Guitar, Johnny Hodges, Sonny Greer
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The Treasury Shows, Pt. III (Podcast #19-006)
Continuing our exploration of Duke’s radio broadcasts on behalf of the US Treasury Department.
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Duke Ellington, Raconteur Extraordinaire (Podcast #19-005)
Duke Ellington was an extraordinary master of ceremonies who reveled in the spoken word….
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Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Charles Mingus, Duke Ellington, Harold Ashby, Harry Carney, Jazz Podcast, Jimmy Hamilton, My People, podcast
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The Treasury Shows, Pt. II (Podcast #19-004)
A look at some of the music on Volumes 6 through 10 of Storyville Records’ release of the Duke Ellington Treasury Series radio shows.
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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
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Portrait of Johnny Hodges, Pt. III (Podcast #19-002)
A sample of the many Ellington/Strayhorn compositions that featured the sublime alto sax of Johnny Hodges from his return to the orchestra in 1955 until his death in 1970.
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Tagged Benny Goodman, Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, Johnny Hodges, Quincy Jones, Wild Bill Davis
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Portrait of Johnny Hodges, Pt. II (Podcast #19-001)
A look at some of the outside projects done by Johnny Hodges during his second tenure with the Duke Ellington Orchestra.
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Portrait of Johnny Hodges, Pt. I (Podcast #18-020)
Johnny Hodges one of the most unique voices in jazz, graced the Ellington band for almost 40 years.
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The Treasury Shows, Pt. I (Podcast #18-019)
A look at the first 5 volumes of the 25 volume set of Duke Ellington’s Treasury Shows released by Storyville Records. Continue reading
Portrait of Ella Fitzgerald (Podcast #18-017)
A look at the magical teaming of Duke and Ella….
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Sittin’ In, Part II (Podcast #18-016)
Another set of visitors to the Ellington universe – Django Reinhardt, Don Byas, Rosemary Clooney and more!
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The Ellington Greatest Hits Medley (Podcast #18-015)
“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: Medley/Ellington Final Speech (CD: “Duke Ellington’s 70th Birthday Concert” Solid … Continue reading
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Piano In the Foreground, II (Podcast #18-013)
Piano solo, duet and trio interpretations of Ellington compositions by Duke and others….
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Portrait of Al Hibbler (Podcast #18-012)
Al Hibbler was with the Ellington band from 1943 to 1951. Continue reading
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Tagged Al Hibbler, Duke Ellington, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Unchained Melody
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Beyond the Valley of the Usual Suspects (Podcast #18-011)
Another sampling of rarely covered Ellington compositions….
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Portrait of Ivie Anderson (Podcast #18-010)
Ivie Anderson was Duke’s first full time singer and was perhaps his best vocalist. Continue reading
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Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington, Gilroy, Ivie Anderson, Ivie's Chicken Shack, Johnny Hodges, Marx Brothers
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Where to Start? (Podcast #18-009)
These four CD sets are a great start to a Duke Ellington collection at a reasonable price. Continue reading
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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
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The Symphonic Ellington (Podcast #18-008)
Borrowing the title of a 1963 album to survey a few of Ellington’s recordings with symphony orchestras.
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Tagged Arthur Fiedler, Boston Pops, Brooks Kerr, Classical Musical, Duke Ellington, Erich Kunzel, Jazz, John Lamb, Louie Bellson, Piano, Roi Ottley, Symphony Orchestra
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Portrait of Sonny Greer (Podcast #18-007)
William Alexander “Sonny” Greer was the Ellington band’s first drummer; his tenure was from 1923-51.
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Tagged Duke Ellington, Earl Fatha Hines, Jimmie Blanton, Mercer Ellington, Paul Gonsalves, Sonny Greer
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Beyond the Usual Suspects, Again (Podcast #18-006)
Another survey of Ellington covers – beyond those you usually hear. Continue reading
Duke Ellington’s “String Section” (Podcast #18-005)
This episode focuses on the violin of the multi-talented Ray Nance…
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Sittin’ In (Podcast #18-004)
Over a half century, Ellington crossed paths with many illustrious musicians….
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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
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Portrait of Ben Webster, Pt. II (Podcast #18-003)
A look at the music of Ben Webster after his tenure with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Continue reading
Portrait of Ben Webster, Pt. I (Podcast #18-002)
The addition of Ben Webster in 1940 permanently brought Ellington’s saxophone section to five members. But Webster’s tenor voice was to impact the band far beyond his four year tenure. Continue reading
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Tagged Art Tatum, Ben Webster, Billy Strayhorn, Carnegie Hall, Duke Ellington, Jazz, Jimmie Blanton, Juan Tizol, Paul Gonsalves, Sonny Greer, Tenor Sax
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Beyond “The Usual Suspects” (Podcast #18-001)
Featuring rarely covered Ellington compositions Continue reading
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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
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Season’s Greetings! (Podcast #17-017)
Happy Holidays from Ellington Reflections! We will return with new bi-weekly episodes on 20 January 2018.. Continue reading
The Cinematic Ellington (Podcast #17-016)
A survey of Duke Ellington’s film appearances and soundtracks. Continue reading
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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
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The River (Podcast #17-015)
Ellington was commissioned
by the American Ballet Theatre to write a ballet, which became “The River” in 1970.
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Tagged Akira Endo, Alvin Ailey, American Ballet Theatre, Ballet, Calefax Reed Quintet, Duke Ellington, Jazz, The River, Tony Overwater, Vijay Iyer
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Reflections from the Avant Garde (Podcast #17-014)
Sun Ra, Cecil Taylor, Archie Shepp and others interpret Ellington’s music. Continue reading
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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
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Ellington & 100 years of Thelonious Monk and Dizzy Gillespie (Podcast #17-013)
Celebrating the 100th birth anniversaries of Thelonious Monk and Dizzy Gillespie through their connections with Duke Ellington. Continue reading
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Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Cootie Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Jazz, Jimmy Rushing, Newport Jazz Festival, Piano, Thelonious Monk
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When Cootie Left the Duke, Pt. III (Podcast #17-011)
Cootie disbanded his big band in 1947. This episode covers the period of 1947 up until 1962, the year Cootie rejoined Ellington.
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When Cootie Left the Duke, Pt. II (Podcast #17-010)
Cootie Williams starts his own big band after a year long stint with Benny Goodman.
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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
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When Cootie Left the Duke, Pt. I (Podcast #17-009)
After 11 years with Duke Ellington, Cootie Williams leaves to join Benny Goodman. Continue reading
Piano in the Foreground (Podcast #17-008)
We feature piano versions of Ellington’s music, by the Maestro himself and other giants like Hines, Tyner, Waller, Tatum and others…. Continue reading
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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
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Reflections on “The Far East Suite” (Podcast #17-007)
Examining different interpretations of Ellington’s Far East Suite Continue reading
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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
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Portrait of Mahalia Jackson (Podcast #17-006)
Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson and the Ellington orchestra meet in 1958.
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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
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Harlem (Podcast #17-005)
Duke Ellington lived in Harlem and celebrated the city and the people in song. Continue reading
Portrait of Clark Terry (Podcast #17-003)
Trumpet virtuoso and flugelhorn pioneer Clark Terry was a featured soloist with the Ellington band from 1951-1959 Continue reading
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Tagged Bob Brookmeyer, Clark Terry, Duke Ellington, Flugelhorn, Jazz, Justin Kauflin, keep on keepin' on, Mumbles, Oscar Peterson, podcast, Quincy Jones, Trumpet
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Diminuendo in Blue and Crescendo in Blue (Podcast #17-002)
Duke Ellington’s career is given a boost by the 1956 Newport Jazz Festival by a spirited performance of
a pair of vintage compositions. Continue reading
Introduction (Podcast #17-001)
An overview of the format of the “Ellington Reflections” podcast series. Continue reading
Posted in Introduction, podcast
Tagged Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, Ellington, Introduction, Jazz, Paul Gonsalves, podcast, Stefon Harris, Steve Bowie
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Ellington Reflections 