Ellington Reflections: Recent Episodes
Steve Bowie
Reflections on the many facets of the world of Duke Ellington, sometimes referred to as “Ellingtonia.”
A 95th Birthday salute to guitarist, educator and Ellington advocate Kenny Burrell Continue reading →
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.
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 →
https://ellingtonreflections.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/five-books.mp3
The Drum is a Wild Woman – Patricia G. Lespinasse
A Drum is a Woman/A Drum is a Woman – Part 2 (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; Margaret Tynes – vocal.
Sax Expat Don Byas – Con Chapman
Diminuendo in Blue(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 Connors – trombone; Don Byas, Russell Procope, Norris Turney, Johnny Hodges, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Victor Gaskin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.
“Rabbit’s Blues” – A Conversation with Johnny Hodges biographer Con Chapman (Podcast #19-018)
Duke Ellington’s Symphonic Visions – Luca Bragalini
La Scala, She Too Pretty to be Blue (CD: “The Reprise Studio Recordings” Mosaic Records #193)
Recorded 21 February 1963, Milan
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; La Scala Symphony Orchestra.
A Tone Parallel to Duke Ellington, The Man in the Music – Jack Chambers
Soul Soothing Beach (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.
Soul Soothing Beach (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.
Concerto for Cootie – The Life and Times of Cootie Williams – Steven C. Bowie
Charade (CD: “The Reprise Studio Recordings” Mosaic Records #193)
Recorded 19 May 1964, New York City
Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Rolf Ericson – 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.
Bateau (LP: “Up In Duke’s Workshop” Pablo 2310-815)
Recorded 9 December 1970, New York City
Cootie Williams, Al Rubin, Cat Anderson, Harold “Money” Johnson – trumpet; Booty Wood, Malcolm Taylor, Chuck Connors – trombone; Norris Turney, Russell Procope, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Wild Bill Davis – organ; 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.
https://ellingtonreflections.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/happy-birthday-episode.mp3
“At least one day out of the year all musicians should just put their instruments down, and give thanks to Duke Ellington.”
-Miles Davis
The recordings heard on this podcast episode:
My Love (LP: “Duke Ellington’s Third Sacred Concert, The Majesty of God” RCA APL 1-0785)
Recorded 24 October 1973, Westminster Abbey, London
Mercer Ellington, Harold “Money” Johnson, Barry Lee Hall, Johnny Coles – trumpet; Vince Prudente, Art Baron, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope, Harold Minerve, Harold Ashby, Percy Marion, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Quentin “Rocky” White – drum; Alice Babs – vocal.
My Love (CD: “Who Knows? The Uncovered Ellington” 33 Records 33 Jazz 104)
Recorded 21 July/8 October 2003 Bexley, UK
Brian Priestley – piano; Bruce Adams – trumpet; Frank Griffith – clarinet, tenor sax; Simon Woolf – bass; Steve Brown – drums.
Warm Valley (CD: “Brian Landrus Plays Ellington & Strayhorn” Palmetto Records)
Recorded 6/7 August 2023, Brooklyn
Brian Landrus – baritone sax, bass sax, bass clarinet, contra alto clarinet, piccolo, c flute, alto flute, bass flute; Dave Stryker – electric and acoustic guitar; Jay Anderson – acoustic bass; Billy Hart – drums.
Moonbow (CD: “Blues to Be There” Bandcamp)
Recorded June 13/14 & July 19, 2022 Ferndale, MI
RJ Spangler, congas, bandleader ; James O’Donnell, Charlie Miller – trumpet; Tbone Paxton – trombone; Alex Colista, Goode Wyche III, Ryan Bills, Kasan Belgrave – reeds; Michael Zaporski, piano; Trevor Lamb, string bass; Sean Perlmutter, drums.
Moonbow ((CD: “The Reprise Studio Recordings” Mosaic Records #193)
Addi (CD: “Live in Poland (1971)” Squatty Roo Records – SR-0268)
Recorded 30 October 1971, Warsaw
Harold “Money” Johnson, Johnny Coles, Cootie Williams, 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.
Addi (CD: “Echoes of Harlem” Bandcamp)
Recorded January 3, 4 & 7 2024 Ann Arbor, MI
RJ Spangler, congas, bandleader ; James O’Donnell, Charlie Miller – trumpet; Tbone Paxton – trombone; Alex Colista, Goode Wyche III, Christopher Tabaczynski – reeds; Michael Zaporski, piano; Trevor Lamb, string bass; Sean Perlmutter, 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.
https://ellingtonreflections.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/the-magazine-suite.mp3
“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 the Duke wrote much more than he could keep in his orchestra’s repertoire. This is a shame, as pieces like The Magazine Suite are full of invention.”
– Tony Augarde
The recordings heard on this podcast episode:
Down Beat Shuffle/Esquire Swank/Metronome All Out (CD: “Duke Ellington and his Orchestra, Volume Five” Circle CCD-105)
Recorded 31 July 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 Hardwick, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Junior Raglin – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.
Metronome All Out (CD: “Duke Ellington, The Centennial Edition” RCA Victor – 09026-63386-2)
Recorded 15 January 1946, New York City
Harry Edison, Pete Candoli, Neal Hefti, Sonny Berman – trumpet; Tommy Dorsey, Bill Harris, J C Higginbotham – trombone; Buddy De Franco, Herbie Fields, Johnny Hodges, Flip Phillips, George Auld, Harry Carney – reeds; Teddy Wilson – piano; Red Norvo – vibes; Tiny Grimes, Billy Bauer – guitar; Chubby Jackson – bass; Dave Tough – drums; Duke Ellington – conductor.
For more information, visit this link.
— 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.
https://ellingtonreflections.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/latin-american-suite_podcast_25_001.mp3“The Latin-American Suite was unusual in that it was written while we were actually touring Latin America for the first time in 1968. I had originally agreed with impresario Gary Keys, who was responsible for the Mexican part of the tour, to present a new work in Mexico City. Some importance was attached to this, for he was making a film of the trip.”
-Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress
The recordings heard on this podcast episode:
The Mexican Suite (CD: “Duke Ellington Live in Mexico” Tring JHD016)
Recorded September 1968, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico City
Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Herbie Jones, 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.
Eque/Brasilliance (CD: “Latin American Suite” Fantasy OJCCD-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.
Tina
Recorded 7 January 1970, Las Vegas
Duke Ellington – piano; Jeff Castleman – 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.
https://ellingtonreflections.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/portrait-of-mercer-ellington_part-iii.mp3In 1994, Mercer appeared on an episode of Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz – On this 1994 episode of Piano Jazz, Mercer Ellington joins host Marian McPartland to discuss working for his famous father, composing and Billy Strayhorn, and to play a piano duet of “C Jam Blues.” Mercer Ellington’s own composition skills shine in “Moon Mist.”
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/13/392842995/mercer-ellington-on-piano-jazz
Here’s the link to make a donation to USC Arcadia Hospital: https://www.uscarcadiahospital.org/foundation/make-a-donation/
The recordings heard on this podcast episode:
Portrait for Pea (CD: “New Mood Indigo” Doctor Jazz FDD 5002)
Recorded 5 January 1966, New York City
Ray Nance – cornet; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Paul Gonsalves – tenor sax; Harry Carney -baritone sax; Chick Corea – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Louis Bellson – drums.
(CD: “Continuum” Fantasy FCD-24765-2)
Blue Serge
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.
Harlem Air Shaft
Recorded 6-7 January 1975, Chicago
Mercer Ellington – conductor; Cootie Williams, James “Buddy” Bolden, Harold “Money” Johnson, Barrie Lee Hall, Jr., Calvin Ladner – trumpet; Art Baron, Vince Prudente, Chuck Connors – trombone; Harold Minerve, Maurice Simon, Harold Ashby, Ricky Ford, Anatole Gerasimov, Joe Temperley – reeds; Lloyd Mayers – piano; Edward Ellington II – guitar; J. J. Wiggins – bass; Freddie Waits – drums.
The Duke’s Suite / Danske Onje (Danish Eyes) – (CD: “Music is my Mistress” Music Masters CIJD 60185K)
Recorded
East St. Louis Toodle-oo (LP: “Hot and Bothered (A Re-creation)” Doctor Jazz FW40029)
Recorded 22 June 1984, Los Angeles
Caravan / Osceola / Calyph (CD: “Only God Can Make a Tree” Music Masters 01612-65117-2)
Moon Mist (CD: “Unheard Bird” Arbor Records ARCD 19489)
Recorded 2023, New York City
Ken Peplowski – clarinet, tenor saxophone; Terell Stafford – trumpet, Glenn Zaleski – piano; Peter Washington – bass; Willie Jones III – drums; Kow Xiu Yi, Tia Allen – violin; Kayla Williams – viola; Robin Park – cello; Elizabeth Steiner – harp; Keve Wilson – oboe.
— 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.
“[Duke Ellington] has set forth a restlessness, a music that has made for progress over three decades. Devoting myself to the things he has come to represent, doing what I can to enlarge on such a solid basis, I fell that I can perpetuate ‘the tradition,’ and eventually find myself.” – Mercer Ellington, 1958
Here’s the link to make a donation to USC Arcadia Hospital: https://www.uscarcadiahospital.org/foundation/make-a-donation/
The recordings heard on this podcast episode:
Messy Bessie / She’s Got Blues for Sale
Recorded 18 March 1946, New York City
Mercer Ellington Octet With Jacques Butler : Jacques “Jack” Butler – trumpet, vocal; Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Al Sears – tenor sax; Harry Carney – baritone sax; Leonard Feather – piano; Mary Osborne – guitar; Bill Pemberton – bass; Heyward Jackson – drums.
Summertime
Recorded Spring 1947, New York City
Al Hibbler Acc By Mercer Ellington And His Orchestra : Al Hibbler (vcl) Probable personnel — Abdul Salaam, Dave Burns, Kenny Dorham, Bennie Roy – trumpet; Candy Ross, Charley Johnson – trombone; Jackie Fields, Morris Lane, Alva McCain, Henry Richards – reeds; Luther Henderson – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Heyward Jackson – drums.
Pass Me By / Metronome All Out
Recorded 17 May 1946, New York City
Mercer Ellington And His Orchestra : Kenny Dorham, Bobby Williams, Ray Copeland, Eddie Boozier – trumpet; Ted Kelly, Dan Minor, Charles Stovall – trombone; Curby Alexander, Jackie Fields, Fred Williams, Alva McCain, Harry Webster – reeds; Luther Henderson – piano; Bill Pemberton – bass; Heyward Jackson – drums; Carmen Clarke – vocal.
My, My, My / Baby, Where’d you go
Recorded 2 July 1951, New York City
The Cabineers and the Mercer Ellington Quartet : Billy Taylor – piano; Sal Salvador – guitar; Sam Bell – bass; Mercer Ellington – drums.
CD: Stepping into Swing Society, Mercer Ellington and his Orchestra (Fresh Sound Records FSR-CD 531)
Indelible / Ruint / Be Patient
Recorded 17 July 1958, New York City
Cat Anderson, Harold “Shorty” Baker, Clark Terry – trumpet; Quentin Jackson, Britt Woodman, John Sanders – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Jimmy Hamilton, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Jimmy Jones – piano; Carl Lynch – guitar; George Duvivier – bass; Sam Bailey – drums.
Broadway Babe
Recorded 22 July 1958, New York City
Cat Anderson, Harold “Shorty” Baker, Clark Terry – trumpet; Quentin Jackson, Britt Woodman, John Sanders – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Jimmy Hamilton, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Jimmy Jones – piano; Skeeter Best – guitar; Wendell Marshall – bass; Sam Bailey – drums.
Maroon /Coral Rock / Blue Serge/ Dawn of a Greenhorn
Recorded July 1959, New York City
Cat Anderson, Harold “Shorty” Baker, Clark Terry – trumpet; Quentin Jackson, Britt Woodman, John Sanders – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Jimmy Hamilton, Harold Ashby, Harry Carney – reeds; Jimmy Jones – piano; Les Spann – guitar; Wendell Marshall – 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.
https://ellingtonreflectionsdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/happy-birthday-podcast.mp3Happy 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 be a few months before the podcast episodes return. In the meantime, please enjoy 2019’s birthday episode which can be found above. (Sidenote – the Cootie Williams CD compilation has received its first review.)
There are several fine Ellington birthday print celebrations. Start with John Edward Hasse’s WSJ article. Duke’s place of birth weighs in with this Washington Post tribute. The Chicago Tribune published a critic’s personal Ellington journey here. And finally, Daily Kos remembers Duke at the end of Jazz Appreciation Month (April).
Love you madly!
“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
https://ellingtonreflectionsdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2024/02/portrait-of-mercer-ellington-part-i.mp3Mercer 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:
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.
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.
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.
“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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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 GatoHarold “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.
“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
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.
(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.
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.
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 – 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
https://ellingtonreflectionsdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2023/09/portrait-of-arthur-whetsel.mp3“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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
(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
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.
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.
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 →
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 →
“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
https://ellingtonreflectionsdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/suite-thursday.mp3
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.
https://ellingtonreflectionsdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/parisian-celebration-23_004.mp3
“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 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
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.
Paris Blues (CD: “Midnight in Paris” Sony Music COL4684032)
Recorded 1 May 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.
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.
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.
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.
https://ellingtonreflectionsdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/city-of-lights.mp3
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| 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. |
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| 27/28/29 avril – DUKE AND THE LIGHTSA 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 EVENINGSFriday 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 hereSunday 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 |
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| MEMBERSHIPThe “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 … |
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https://ellingtonreflectionsdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/one-more-once.mp3The 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.
https://ellingtonreflectionsdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2023/01/reminiscing-in-tempo.mp3
“Every page of that particular manuscript [Reminiscing in Tempo] was dotted with smears and unshapely marks caused by tears that had fallen. I would sit and gaze into space, pat my foot, and say to myself, “Now, Edward, you know she would not want you to disintegrate, to collapse into the past, into your loss, into lengthy negation or destruction. She did not spend all the first part of your life preparing you for this negative attitude.” I believed I could hear the words, her words, and slowly – but never completely – I really did straighten up.”
– Duke Ellington – Music Is My Mistress
Daisy Kennedy Ellington (1879-1935), Duke Ellington’s mother
Advertisement for Reminiscing In Tempo
The recordings heard on this podcast episode:
Reminiscing in Tempo (CD: “Reminiscing In Tempo” Columbia Legacy CK 48654)
Recorded 12 September 1935, New York City
Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Juan Tizol, Joseph “Tricky Sam” Nanton – trombone; Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Barney Bigard, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Hayes Alvis, Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.
Reminiscing in Tempo (CD: “The Great Concerts. Cornell University, 1948” Nimbus Records NI 2727/28)
Recorded 10 December 1948, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
Shelton Hemphill, Francis Williams, Harold “Shorty” Baker, Ray Nance, Al Killian – trumpets; Lawrence Brown, Quentin Jackson, Tyree Glenn – trombones; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Jimmy Hamilton, Ben Webster, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Wendell Marshall – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.
— Our closing music—-
It’s Something You Ought To Know (Paul Gonsalves – “Ellingtonia Moods and Blues,” RCA Victor / RCA63562)
Recorded 29 February 1960, New York City
Paul Gonsalves- tenor sax; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Ray Nance – cornet; Mitchell “Booty” Wood – trombone; Jimmy Jones – piano; Al Hall – bass; Oliver Jackson – drums.
https://ellingtonreflectionsdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2022/12/cootie-plays-duke-part-ii.mp3
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.
During his 22 year sabbatical from the Duke Ellington orchestra, Cootie Williams continued to feature music from the Ellington songbook. Continue reading →
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 →
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 →
Duke Ellington premiered "The Perfume Suite" at his third Carnegie Hall concert in December, 1944. Continue reading →
“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 →
The second part of a survey of Russell Procope's work with the Ellington band. Continue reading →
“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 →
“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 →
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 →
The second part of a survey of seldom covered Ellington compositions. Continue reading →
“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 … Continue reading →
“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, … Continue reading →
A small sampling of Ellington songs played by his sidemen outside of the setting of the Ellington orchestra. Continue reading →
The third episode featuring the recordings of clarinetist/saxophonist Jimmy Hamilton Continue reading →
“[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 →
Here's a selection of what my iPod says are my most listened-to Ellington songs. Continue reading →
“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 →
A look at the great, underrated tenor saxophonist in Ellington's late band, Harold Ashby. Continue reading →
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 →
Valve trombonist Juan Tizol (1900-84) was an important member of the Ellington band. Besides instrumental duties, he was a composer, arranger and copyist.
Continue reading →
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!
“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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
During his short, illness terminated stint with the Ellington band, Jimmie Blanton revolutionized the role of the bass. Continue reading →
This is the last part of our look at the 25 double CD set of Storyville's Treasury Show series.... Continue reading →
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 →
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 →
A few selections from Volumes 16 thru 20 of Duke's Treasury Shows.... Continue reading →
Ellington never liked to set his compositions in stone. Here's a few examples of how he would re-visit older works... Continue reading →
Reedman Otto "Toby" Hardwicke was one of the earliest Ellingtonians. Continue reading →
A belated podcast celebrating the 120th anniversary of Duke Ellington's birth and the 2 anniversary of Ellington Reflections! Continue reading →
“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 … Continue reading →
Fred Guy played banjo and guitar in the Ellington Orchestra from 1925 to 1949. Continue reading →
Continuing our exploration of Duke's radio broadcasts on behalf of the US Treasury Department. Continue reading →
Duke Ellington was an extraordinary master of ceremonies who reveled in the spoken word.... Continue reading →
A look at some of the music on Volumes 6 through 10 of Storyville Records' release of the Duke Ellington Treasury Series radio shows. Continue reading →
Ellington playing the electric piano, Billy Strayhorn on harpsichord and the 1932 band in stereo are just some of the different items you'll hear from the Ellington oeuvre. Continue reading →
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. Continue reading →
A look at some of the outside projects done by Johnny Hodges during his second tenure with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Continue reading →
Johnny Hodges one of the most unique voices in jazz, graced the Ellington band for almost 40 years. Continue reading →
A look at the first 5 volumes of the 25 volume set of Duke Ellington's Treasury Shows released by Storyville Records. Continue reading →
Tiger Rag provided Ellington with composition material for many years Continue reading →
Another set of visitors to the Ellington universe - Django Reinhardt, Don Byas, Rosemary Clooney and more! Continue reading →
“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 →
If there were a Mount Rushmore for American Music, Ellington and Armstrong would be guaranteed members. Here we highlight their collaborations. Continue reading →
Piano solo, duet and trio interpretations of Ellington compositions by Duke and others.... Continue reading →
Ivie Anderson was Duke's first full time singer and was perhaps his best vocalist. Continue reading →
These four CD sets are a great start to a Duke Ellington collection at a reasonable price. Continue reading →
Borrowing the title of a 1963 album to survey a few of Ellington's recordings with symphony orchestras. Continue reading →
William Alexander "Sonny" Greer was the Ellington band's first drummer; his tenure was from 1923-51. Continue reading →
This episode focuses on the violin of the multi-talented Ray Nance... Continue reading →
Over a half century, Ellington crossed paths with many illustrious musicians.... Continue reading →
A look at the music of Ben Webster after his tenure with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Continue reading →
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 →
Happy Holidays from Ellington Reflections! We will return with new bi-weekly episodes on 20 January 2018.. Continue reading →
Ellington was commissioned by the American Ballet Theatre to write a ballet, which became "The River" in 1970. Continue reading →
Sun Ra, Cecil Taylor, Archie Shepp and others interpret Ellington's music. Continue reading →
Celebrating the 100th birth anniversaries of Thelonious Monk and Dizzy Gillespie through their connections with Duke Ellington. Continue reading →
New Orleanian Barney Bigard joined the Ellington band in December 1927 and left in 1942 after tiring of life on the road. Continue reading →
Cootie disbanded his big band in 1947. This episode covers the period of 1947 up until 1962, the year Cootie rejoined Ellington. Continue reading →
Cootie Williams starts his own big band after a year long stint with Benny Goodman. Continue reading →
After 11 years with Duke Ellington, Cootie Williams leaves to join Benny Goodman. Continue reading →
We feature piano versions of Ellington's music, by the Maestro himself and other giants like Hines, Tyner, Waller, Tatum and others.... Continue reading →
Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson and the Ellington orchestra meet in 1958. Continue reading →
Duke Ellington lived in Harlem and celebrated the city and the people in song. Continue reading →
Trains were a preferred mode of transportation for Duke Ellington and he captured their essence in several great compositions. Continue reading →
Trumpet virtuoso and flugelhorn pioneer Clark Terry was a featured soloist with the Ellington band from 1951-1959 Continue reading →
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 →
An overview of the format of the "Ellington Reflections" podcast series. Continue reading →