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Tag Archives: Billy Strayhorn
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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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
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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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 I (Podcast #22-003)
Another look at less commonly covered Ellington compositions. Continue reading
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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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 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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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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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
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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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
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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