Tag Archives: Harry Carney
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
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
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
Portrait of Mercer Ellington, Part II (Podcast #24-004)
Part II of Portrait of Mercer Ellington, composer, arranger, trumpeter – and drummer… Continue reading
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
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
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
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
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
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
Beyond the Usual Suspects, Part I (Podcast #22-003)
Another look at less commonly covered Ellington compositions. 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
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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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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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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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
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
Duke Ellington’s “String Section” (Podcast #18-005)
This episode focuses on the violin of the multi-talented Ray Nance…
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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
Reflections on “The Far East Suite” (Podcast #17-007)
Examining different interpretations of Ellington’s Far East Suite Continue reading
Harlem (Podcast #17-005)
Duke Ellington lived in Harlem and celebrated the city and the people in song. Continue reading


