Category: Al Sears

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

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

 

 

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

 

Treasury Show Vol. 11

Duke Ellington And His Orchestra ‎– The Treasury Shows Vol.11

D.E.T.S. ‎– 903 9011

Tracklist

1-1 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

1-2 Mood Indigo

1-3 Duke Ellington Bond Promo

1-4 In A Jam

1-5 Everything But You

1-6 Pianistically Allied

1-7 I Don’t Mind

1-8 Duke Ellington Bond Promo

1-9 The Jeep Is Jumpin’

1-10 Take The “A” Train (Station Break)

1-11 Take The “A” Train (Broadcast Return)

1-12 Black And Tan Fantasy

1-13 I’m Beginning To See The Light

1-14 Duke Ellington Bond Promo

1-15 After All

1-16 Don’t You Know I Care

1-17 (Back Home Again In) Indiana

1-18 The More I See You

1-19 Duke Ellington Bond Promo

1-20 Let The Zoomers Drool (Broadcast Close)

1-21 Suddenly It Jumped

1-22 Every Hour On The Hour

1-23 Cotton Tail

1-24 Everything But You (Broadcast Close)

2-1 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-2 On The Alamo

2-3 Duke Ellington Bond Promo

2-4 Sugar Hill Penthouse

2-5 Stomp, Look And Listen

2-6 There’s No You

2-7 Jumpin’ Pumpkins

2-8 Body And Soul – Duke Ellington Bond Promo

2-9 Station Break

2-10 Take The “A” Train (Broadcast Return)

2-11 – A Tropical Triumvirate (Medley)

A) Caravan

B) Flamingo

C) Air Conditioned Jungle

2-12 Everything But You – Duke Ellington Bond Promo

2-13 Pitter Panther Patter

2-14 One O’Clock Jump

2-15 Moon Mist

2-16 Duke Ellington Bond Promo

2-17 Jump For Joy

2-18 (Theme) Take The “A” Train (Broadcast Close)

2-19 A Door Will Open

2-20 Lily Belle

2-21 West Indian Dance

2-22 Waiting For The Train To Come In

2-23 Blues On The Double

Credits

Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke

Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney

Bass – Junior Raglin

Cornet – Rex Stewart

Drums – Sonny Greer

Guitar – Fred Guy

Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn

Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington

Producer – Jerry Valburn

Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears

Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton

Trombone – Claude Jones, Joe Nanton, Lawrence Brown

Trumpet – Cat Anderson, Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan

Trumpet, Violin – Ray Nance (tracks: 1-1 to 1-20, 2-1 to 2-18)

Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 1-16, 1-22, 2-11(C)), Joya Sherrill (tracks: 1-5 , 1-13 , 2-16, 2-22, 2-25), Kay Davis (tracks: 1-18 , 2-6, 2-24), Marie Ellington (tracks: 1-7), Ray Nance (tracks: 2-17)

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-20 – Treasury Broadcast No. 20, Fieldston Ballroom, Marsh Field, Massachusetts, August 25, 1945 (ABC)
Tracks 1-21 to 1-24 – Broadcast from the New Zanzibar, NYC, October 7, 1945 (MBS)
Tracks 2-1 to 2-18 – Treasury Broadcast No. 21, Earle Theatre, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 1,1945 (ABC)
Tracks 2-19 to 2-23 – Broadcast from the New Zanzibar, NYC, October 18, 1945 (MBS)

Treasury Show Vol. 12

Duke Ellington And His Orchestra ‎– The Treasury Shows Vol.12

D.E.T.S. ‎– 903 9012

Tracklist

1-1 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

1-2 Carnegie Blues

1-3 Duke Ellington Bond Promo

1-4 I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me

1-5 Mood To Be Wooed

1-6 Kissing Bug

1-7 A Group Of Three Billy Strayhorn Compositions

A) Chelsea Bridge

1-8 Duke Ellington Bond Promo

B) (I Want) Something To Live For

C) Clementine (Station Break)

1-9 Take The “A” Train (broadcast Return)

1-10 A Series Of Four In A Minor Mood

A) Way Low

B) Solid Old Man

1-11 Duke Ellington Bond Promo

C) Summertime

D) Old King Dooji

1-12 If I Loved You

1-13 Unbooted Character

1-14 Just A-Sittin And A-Rockin

1-15 Duke Ellington Bond Promo

1-16 Hollywood Hangover (Broadcast Close)

1-17 Opening

1-18 Caravan

1-19 Three Cent Stomp

1-20 Yesterday

2-1 Blues On The Double

2-2 Riff Staccato

2-3 Cotton Tail

2-4 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-5 Subtle Slough

2-6 C-Jam Blues

2-7 Duke Ellington Bond Promo

2-8 Every Hour On The Hour

2-9 Thw Jeep Is Jumpin’ (Station Break)

2-10 Take The “A” Train (Broadcast Return)

2-11 Creole Love Call

2-12 Frankie And Johnny

2-13 Everything But You

2-14 Emancipation Celebration

2-15 Warm Valley

2-16 Take The “A” Train (Broadcast Close)

Credits

Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke

Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney

Bass – Junior Raglin

Cornet – Rex Stewart

Drums – Sonny Greer

Guitar – Fred Guy

Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn

Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington

Producer, Liner Notes – Jerry Valburn

Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears

Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton

Trombone – Claude Jones, Joe Nanton, Lawrence Brown

Trumpet – Cat Anderson, Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan

Trumpet, Violin – Ray Nance

Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 2-8), Joya Sherrill (tracks: 1-6 , 2-13), Kay Davis (tracks: 1-12 , 2-11, 2-24),Ray Nance (tracks: 2-2)

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-16- Treasury Broadcast No. 22, Radio City Studio 6B, Blue Network, September 8, 1945 (ABC)
Tracks 1-17 to 2-3 – Broadcast from the New Zanzibar, NYC, October 1, 1945 (NBC)
Tracks 2-4 to 2-16 – Treasury Broadcast No. 23,Radio City Studio 6B, September 15,1945 (ABC)

Treasury Show Vol. 13

Duke Ellington And His Orchestra ‎– The Treasury Shows Vol.13

D.E.T.S. ‎– 903 9013

Tracklist

1-1 Someone

1-2 Riff Staccato

1-3 Homesick That’s All

1-4 Kissing Bug

1-5 (Theme) Take The “A” Train Into Station Break

1-6 (Theme) Take The “A” Train And Broadcast Return

1-7 Time’s A-Wastin

1-8 DE Bond Promo

1-9 Three Cent Stomp

1-10 There’s No You

1-11 Fancy Dan

1-12 Everything But You

1-13 Fickle Fling

1-14 DE Bond Promo

1-15 Blue Serge

1-16 Take The “A” Train Opening

1-17 Stompy Jones

1-18 Walkin With My Honey

1-19 Everything About You

1-20 In A Mellotone

1-21 Solid Old Man

2-1 I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But The Blues

2-2 Blue Skies

2-3 Suddendly It Jumped

2-4 Take The “A” Train Into Broadcast Closing

2-5 (Theme)Take The “A” Train

2-6 Main Steam

2-7 Carnegie Blues

2-8 I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me

2-9 DE Bond Promo

2-10 What Am I Here For

2-11 Lilly Belle

2-12 Homesick, That’s All

2-13 Go Away Blues

2-14 Frantic Fantasy

2-15 If You Are But A Dream

2-16 DE Bond Promo

2-17 Jack The Bear

2-18 Every Hour On The Hour

2-19 Cotton Bell

2-20 Lament In A Minor Mood

2-21 DE Bond Promo

2-22 Teardrops In The Rain

2-23 I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But The Blues

2-24 Things Ain’t What They Used To Be Into Broadcasting Closing

Credits

Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke

Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney

Bass – Junior Raglin

Cornet – Rex Stewart

Drums – Sonny Greer

Guitar – Fred Guy

Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn

Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington

Producer – Jerry Valburn

Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears

Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton

Trombone – Claude Jones, Joe Nanton, Lawrence Brown

Trumpet – Cat Anderson, Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan

Trumpet, Violin – Ray Nance (tracks: 1-1 to 1-21, 2-5 to 2-24)

Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 2-1, 2-18, 2-23), Joya Sherrill (tracks: 1-4 , 2-13 ), Kay Davis (tracks: 1-10 , 2-1, 2-23), Ray Nance (tracks: 1-2)

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-15 – Treasury Broadcast No. 24, Radio City, Studio 6-B, Blue Network, September 22,1945 (ABC)
Tracks 1-16 to 2-4 – Broadcast from the New Zanzibar, NYC, September 24, 1945 (NBC)
Tracks 2-5 to 2-24 – Treasury Broadcast No. 25, Radio City, Studio 6-B, September 1,1945 (ABC)

 

Treasury Show Vol. 14.jpg

Duke Ellington And His Orchestra ‎– The Treasury Shows Vol.14

D.E.T.S. ‎– 903 9014

Tracklist

1-1 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

1-2 Time’s A-Wastin

1-3 Every Hour On The Hour

1-4 Bond Promo

1-5 Hollywood Hangover

1-6 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

1-7 Autumn Serenade

1-8 Hop Skip And Jump

1-9 Riding On A Blue Note

1-10 I’ll Buy That Dream

1-11 Bond Promo

1-12 Riff’N Drill

1-13 Tell Ya What I’m Gonna Dream

1-14 How Deep Is The Ocean ?

1-15 Mood Indigo

1-16 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

1-17 Three Tunes In The Blue Mood

A) Diminuendo In Blue

B) I Got It Bad

C) Crescendo In Blue

1-18 Everything But You

1-19 Bond Promo

1-20 Everything But You

1-21 Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea

1-22 After All

1-23 Out Of This World

1-24 C-Jam Blues

1-25 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-1 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-2 Ultra Blue

2-3 Teardrops In The Rain

2-4 Time On My Hands

2-5 (Theme)Take The “A” Train

2-6 Riff Staccato

2-7 Ko-Ko

2-8 If I Loved You

2-9 Bond Promo

2-10 Subtle Slough

2-11 Honeysuckle Rose

2-12 Perdido

2-13 Air Conditioned Jungle

2-14 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-15 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-16 Waiting For The Train To Come In

2-17 I’d Do It All Over Again

2-18 Bond Promo

2-19 Fancy Dan

2-20 Homesick, That’s All

2-21 Blues On The Double

2-22 Every Hour On The Hour

2-23 Bond Promo

2-24 Caravan

2-25 Riff’N Drill

2-26 Things Ain’t What They Used To Be

Credits

Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Russell Procope (tracks: 2-1 to 2-26)

Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney

Bass – Junior Raglin

Cornet – Rex Stewart

Drums – Sidney Catlett (tracks: 1-1 to 1-25), Sonny Greer (tracks: 2-1 to 2-26)

Guitar – Fred Guy

Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn

Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington

Producer – Jerry Valburn

Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears

Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton

Trombone – Claude Jones, Joe Nanton, Lawrence Brown

Trumpet – Cat Anderson, Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan

Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 2-22, ), Joya Sherrill (tracks: 1-7 , 1-13 , 1-18, 2-5), Kay Davis (tracks: 2-8)

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-25 – Treasury Broadcast No. 26, Radio City, Studio 6-B, October 13,1945 (ABC)
Tracks 2-1 to 2-26 – Treasury Broadcast No. 27, Radio City, Studio 6-B, September 1,1945 (ABC)

 

Treasury Show Vol. 15.jpg

Duke Ellington And His Orchestra ‎– The Treasury Shows Vol.15

D.E.T.S. ‎– 903 9015

Tracklist

1-1 (Theme) Take The “A” Train

1-2 Johnny Come Lately

1-3 I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me

1-4 I’ll Buy That Dream

1-5 Stomp Look And Listen Into Station Break

1-6 (Theme) Take The “A” Train And Broadcast Return

1-7 The Wonder Of You

1-8 Ellington Bond Promo

1-9 Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho

1-10 The General Jumped At Dawn

1-11 Mood To Be Wooed

1-12 Three Cent Stomp

1-13 Yesterdays

1-14 Ellington Bond Promo

1-15 Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me

1-16 Stompy Jones

1-17 Time’s A-Wastin’ And Broadcast Closing

1-18 As Time Goes By

1-19 Way Low

1-20 Around My Heart

1-21 Perdido

1-22 Ogeechee River Lullaby

2-1 Oh! Lady Be Good

2-2 Nevada

2-3 Just Squeeze Me (Subtle Slough)

2-4 (Theme) Take The “A” Train & Broadcast Intro

2-5 Clementine

2-6 The Jeep Is Jumpin’

2-7 Don’t Take Your Love From Me

2-8 It Don’t Mean A Thing

2-9 Ellington Bond Promo

2-10 If You Are But A Dream

2-11 Emancipation Celebration

2-12 Caldonia

2-13 Ring Them Bells Into Station Break

2-14 (Theme) Take The “A” Train And Broadcast Return

2-15 A Door Will Open

2-16 Ellington Bond Promo

2-17 Court Session

2-18 That’s For Me

2-19 On The Atcheson, Topeka And The Santa Fe

2-20 Every Hour On The Hour

2-21 Ellington Bond Promo

2-22 How Deep Is The Ocean

2-23 Ellington And The Announcer “Joya’s Audition” Victory Drive

2-24 Autumn Serenade

2-25 (Theme) Take The “A” Train Into Broadcast Closing

Credits

Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Kermit Scott (tracks: 1-18), Nat Jones (tracks: 1-19 to 2-3), Otto Hardwicke (tracks: 1-1 to 17-1, 2-4 to 2-25)

Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Oett “Sax” Mallard (tracks: 1-18)

Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney

Bass – Junior Raglin

Cornet – Rex Stewart (tracks: 1-1 to 1-17, 2-4 to 2-25)

Drums – Sidney Catlett (tracks: 1-1 to 1-25)

Guitar – Fred Guy

Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn

Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington

Producer – Jerry Valburn

Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears, Ben Webster (tracks: 1-18 to 2-3)

Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton

Trombone – Claude Jones, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol (tracks: 1-18 to 2-3 ), Lawrence Brown (tracks: 1-1 to 1-22, 2-4 to 2-25), Sandy Williams (tracks: 2-1 to 2-3)

Trumpet – Cat Anderson (tracks: 1-1 to 1-17, 2-4 to 2-25), Harold Baker (tracks: 1-18 to 2-3), Ray Nance (tracks: 1-18 to 2-3), Shelton Hemphill (tracks: 1-1 to 1-17, 2-4 to 2-25), Taft Jordan (tracks: 1-1 to 1-17, 2-1 to 2-25), Wallace Jones (tracks: 1-18 to 2-3)

Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 2-22 ), Joya Sherrill (tracks: 1-7 , 1-13 , 1-18, 2-5), Kay Davis (tracks: 2-8),The Golden Gate Quartet (tracks: 1-9,1-10), The Mellotones (9) (tracks: 2-12)

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-17 – Treasury Broadcast No. 28, Radio City, Studio 6-B, October 27,1945 (ABC)
Track 1-18 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, May 23, 1943 (MBS)
Tracks 1-19 to 1-22 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, May 28, 1943 (MBS)
Tracks 2-1 to 2-3 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, June 6, 1943 (MBS)
Tracks 2-4 to 2-25 – Treasury Broadcast No. 29, Radio City, Studio 6-B, November 3,1945 (ABC)

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

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

 

 

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

 

vol 6

 

vol 7

 

vol 8

 

vol 9

 

vol 10

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 →

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

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

 

 

Errata –  For “Solitude,” I omitted crediting Al Hibbler as one of the vocalists. Rex Stewart was cited as a trumpeter; he was a cornetist.

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

 

vol 1

1-1                      Take The “A” Train & Broadcast Intro

1-2                      Blutopia

1-3                      Midriff

1-4                      Creole Love Call

1-5                      Suddenly It Jumped

1-6                      Frustration

1-7                      I’m Beginning To See The Light

1-8                      Duke Introduces The Perfume Suite

1-9                      Love (Balcony Serenade)

1-10                    Violence (Strange Feeling)

1-11                    Dancers In Love (A Stomp For Beginners)

1-12                    Sophistication (Coloratura)

1-13                    Air Conditioned Jungle

1-14                    I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But The Blues

1-15                    Subtle Slough

1-16                    Passion Flower (Into Closing)

1-17                    Take The “A” Train

1-18                    Hayfoot , Strawfoot

1-19                    Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

1-20                    A Slip Of The Lip

1-21                    Take The “A” Train

2-1                      Moon Mist (And Intro)

2-2                      New World A-Comin

2-3                      Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen

2-4                      Mood Indigo

2-5                      Chant For FDR (American Lullaby)

2-6                      Poor Pilgrim Of Sorrow

2-7                      Creole Love Call

2-8                      Moon Mist (Into Broadcast Close)

2-9                      (Transcription Theme) Any Bonds Today?

2-10                    (Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-11                    Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

2-12                    Caravan

2-13                    Bond Promo

2-14                    It Can’t Be Wrong

2-15                    Johnny Come Lately

2-16                    (Closing Theme) Any Bonds Today?

2-17                    (Opening Theme) Any Bonds Today?

2-18                    (Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-19                    Wait For Me Mary

2-10                    Moon Mist

2-21                    Bond Promo

2-22                    A Slip Of The Lip

2-23                    Things Ain’t What They Used To Be

2-24                    (Closing Theme) Any Bonds Today?

Credits

  • Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwick
  • Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Nat Jones (tracks: 10-2 to 15-2 , 18-2 to 23-3), Oett “Sax” Mallard (tracks: 17-1 to 21-1)
  • Arranged By, Leader, Piano – Duke Ellington
  • Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney
  • Bass – Junior Raglin
  • Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Hamilton (tracks: 1-1 to 21-1 , 1-2 to 8-2 , 10-2 to 15-2 , 18-2 to 23-2)
  • Drums – Sonny Greer
  • Guitar – Fred Guy
  • Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn (tracks: 1-1 to 16-1 , 1-1 to 16-1 , 1-2 to 8-2 , 10-2 to 15-2 , 18-2 to 23-3)
  • Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears (tracks: 1-1 to 16-1 , 2-1 to 2-8 , 2-10 to 2-15 , 2-18 to 2-23), Ben Webster(tracks: 1-17 to 1-21 , 2-10 to 2-15 , 2-18 to 2-23)
  • Trombone – Claude Jones (tracks: 2-1 to 2-8), Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol (tracks: 1-1 to 1-21 , 2-10 to 2-16 , 18-2 to 23-2), Lawrence Brown (tracks: 1-1 to 21-1 , 2-1 to 2-8), Sandy Williams (tracks: 10-2 to 15-2 , 2-18 to 2-23)
  • Trumpet – Cat Anderson (tracks: 1-1 to 1-16 , 2-1 to 2-8), Harold Baker (tracks: 1-17 to 1-21 , 2-18 to 2-24), Rex Stewart (tracks: 1-1 to 1-21 , 2-1 to 2-8), Shelton Hemphill (tracks: 1-1 to 1-16 , 2-1 to 2-8), Taft Jordan (tracks: 1-1 to 1-16, 1-2 to 24-2), Wallace Jones (tracks: 1-17 to 1-21 , 2-18 to 2-24)
  • Trumpet, Violin – Ray Nance
  • Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 1-10 , 1-14 , 2-3 , 2-14 ), Joya Sherrill (tracks: 1-7), Kay Davis (tracks: 1-4 , 2-6 , 2-7), Ray Nance (tracks: 1-20 ,2-22)

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-16 recorded at 400 Restaurant ,NYC,April 7th,1945 – Treasury Broadcast No.1
Tracks 2-1 to 2-8 recorded at 400 Restaurant ,NYC,April 14th,1945 – Duke Ellington’s Treasury Broadcast Replaced By A Special FDR Memorial Broadcast
Tracks 1-17 to 1-21 recorded at NBC – Studio 6B – Radio City – NYC , May 1st,1943 – Duke Ellington Performing At A War Bond Rally
Tracks 2-10 to 2-15 , 2-18 to 2-23 recorded in New York – June 1943 – Treasury Star Parade No. 231
Tracks 2-18 to 2-23 recorded in New York – June 1943 – Treasury Star Parade No. 232
Tracks 2-19 , 2-16 , 2-17 , 2-24 recorded by an unknown studio orchestra.

 

vol 2

1-1              Take The “A” Train & Broadcast Intro

1-2              Mood To Be Wooed

1-3              If You Are But A Dream

1-4              (Otto Make That) Riff Staccato

1-5              I’m Beginning To See The Light

1-6              Duke Ellington Presents “Black, Brown And Beige” (Excerpts)

1-7              West Indian Dance

1-8              The Blues

1-9              Emancipation Celebration

1-10            Sugar Hill Penthouse

1-11            Sentimental Lady (Small Excerpt)

1-12            Stomp, Look And Listen

1-3              Frantic Fantasy

1-14            It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t That Swing)

1-15            Sentimental Lady (Into Closing)

1-16            Any Bonds Today?

1-17            (Theme) Take The “A” Train

1-18            Tonight I Shall Sleep

1-19            Go Away Blues

1-20            Bond Promo

1-21            Creole Love Song

1-22            Three Cent Stomp

1-23            (Closing Theme) Any Bonds Today?

2-1              (Opening Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-2              Midriff

2-3              Carnegie Blues

2-4              Someone

2-5              My Little Brown Book

2-6              Kissing Bug

2-7              Ring Dem Bells

2-8              I’m Beginning To See The Light

2-9              Duke Ellington Presents “Black, Brown And Beige ” (Excerpts)

2-10            Work Song

2-11            Come Sunday

2-12            Candy

2-13            Broadcast Interrupted By War Bulletin

2-14            Teardrops In The Rain (In Progress)

2-15            Accentuate The Positive

2-16            Way Low

2-17            (Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-18            (Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-19            Love Letters

2-20            Main Stem

2-21            Fishing For The Moon

2-22            Riff’N Drill

2-23            Kissing Bug

  • Recorded At – 400 Restaurant, NYC
  • Recorded At – The New Zanzibar ,NYC

Credits

  • Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwick (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-23)
  • Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney
  • Bass – Junior Raglin
  • Drums – Sidney Catlett (tracks: 2-18 to 2-23), Sonny Greer (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 1-17 to 1-22 , 2-1 to 2-17)
  • Guitar – Fred Guy
  • Leader, Arranged By, Piano – Duke Ellington
  • Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn (tracks: 1-2 to 2-23)
  • Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-23), Ben Webster (tracks: 1-17 to 1-22)
  • Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton
  • Trombone – Claude Jones (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15 , 2-1 to 2-23), Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol (tracks: 1-17 to 1-22), Lawrence Brown (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-23)
  • Trumpet – Cat Anderson (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-23), Harold Baker (tracks: 1-17 to 1-22), Ray Nance, Rex Stewart, Shelton Hemphill (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-23), Taft Jordan
  • Violin – Ray Nance (tracks: 2-1 to 2-17)
  • Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 2-5), Joya Sherrill (tracks: 1-5, 2-6, 2-8, 2-15, 2-23), Kay Davis (tracks: 1-3),Marie Ellington (tracks: 1-8), Ray Nance (tracks: 1-14), Taft Jordan (tracks: 1-14

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-15 recorded at 400 Restaurant, NYC, April 21st,1945 – Treasury Broadcast No.2
Tracks 2-17 to 2-22 recorded in NYC, June 1943 – Treasury Star Parade No. 233
Tracks 1-16 and 1-23 unknown studio orchestra –
Tracks 2-1 to 2-17 recorded at 400 Restaurant, NYC, April 28th,1945 – Treasury Broadcast No.3
Tracks 2-18 to 2-23 recorded at The New Zanzibar, NYC, October 7th,1943 – Duke Ellington Broadcast From The New Zanzibar (Mutual Broadcasting System)

 

vol 3

1-1               (Opening Theme) Take The “A” Train

1-2               Blutopia

1-3               Bond Promo

1-4               Clementine

1-5               My Hearts Sings

1-6               Sentimental Journey

1-7               I Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good)

1-8               Three Cent Stomp

1-9               Black And Tan Fantasy

1-10             Blue Skies (Broadcast Break)

1-11             Broadcast Return

1-12             Passion Flower

1-13             Air Conditioned Jungle

1-14             Frantic Fantasy

1-15             I’m Beginning To See The Light (& Bond Promo)

1-16             Main Stem

1-17             Everything But You

1-18             Carnegie Blues

1-19             Jump For Joy – (Theme) Things Ain’t What They Used To be

1-20             Jumpin’ Pumpkins

1-21             A Door Will Open

1-22             West Indian Dance

1-23             I Ain’t Got Nothin But The Blues

1-24             Jack The Bear (Into Broadcast Close)

2-1               (Opening Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-2               Carnegie Blues

2-3               Riff Staccato

2-4               Bond Promo

2-5               All At Once

2-6               Yesterdays

2-7               I Miss Your Kiss

2-8               Accentuate The Positive

2-9               Bond Promo

2-10             Blue Cellophane

2-11             (Theme) Take The “A” Train (Station Break)

2-12             (Theme)Take The “A” Train (Station Return)

2-13             Prelude To A Kiss

2-14             Caravan

2-15             Sophisticated Lady

2-16             I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But The Blues

2-17             I’m Beginning To See The Light – Bond Promo

2-18             In A Mellotone

2-19             Harlem Air Shaft

2-20             I Don’t Mind

2-21             Bond Promo

2-22             The Jeep Is Jumpin (Broadcast Close)

2-23             (Opening Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-24             Just A-Settin And A-Rockin’

2-25             Clementine

2-26             The Wonder Of You

2-27             I’ll Buy That Dream

2-28             Come To Baby, Do (Broadcast Close)

Credits

  • Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwick
  • Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney
  • Bass – Junior Raglin (tracks: 1-1 to 1-9 , 2-2 to 2-22), Lloyd Trotman (2) (tracks: 1-20 to 1-24 ), Oscar Pettiford (tracks: 2-23 to 2-28)
  • Drums – Sonny Greer
  • Guitar – Fred Guy
  • Liner Notes – Frank Rutter
  • Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn
  • Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington
  • Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears
  • Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton
  • Trombone – Claude Jones, Joe Nanton (tracks: 1-1 to 1-24 , 2-1 to 2-22), Lawrence Brown, Wilbur De Paris (tracks: 2-23 to 2-28)
  • Trumpet – Cat Anderson, Rex Stewart, Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan
  • Trumpet, Violin – Ray Nance (tracks: 1-1 to 1-24 , 2-1 to 2-22)
  • Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 1-7 , 1-23 , 2-16), Joya Sherrill (tracks: 3-1 , 1-17 , 2-8, 2-17 , 2-26), Kay Davis (tracks: 1-23 , 2-16), Marie Ellington (tracks: 2-20), Ray Nance (tracks: 1-19)

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-19 – Treasury Broadcast No. 4, Adams Theatre, Newark, N.J, May 5th, 1945 (ABC)
Tracks 1-20 to 1-24 – Remote Broadcast From The New Zanzibar, New York City, October 1945 (NBC)
Tracks 2-1 to 2-22 – Treasury Broadcast No. 5, From Studio 6B, Radio City, NYC, May 12th, 1945 (ABC)
Tracks 23-2 to 2-28 – Remote Broadcast From The New Zanzibar, New York City, November 1945 (NBC)

 

vol 4

1-1              (Opening Theme) Take The “A” Train

1-2              Teardrops In The Rain

1-3              Everything But You

1-4              Ellington Bond Promo

1-5              Perdido

1-6              If You Are But A Dream

1-7              Pitter Panther Patter

1-8              Emancipation Celebration

1-9              Ellington Bond Promo

1-10            I Should Care

1-11            Take The “A” Train (Station Break)

1-12            Take The “A” Train (Broadcast Return)

1-13            In A Sentimental Mood

1-14            It Don’t Mean A Thing

1-15            Solitude

1-16            I’m Beginning To See The Light And Ellington Bond Promo

1-17            Subtle Slough

1-18            C-Jam Blues

1-19            Don’t You Know I Care

1-20            Ellington Bond Promo

1-21            Stomp Look And Listen

1-22            (Closing Theme) Things Ain’t What They Used To Be

1-23            In The Special Of The Old Apple Tree

1-24            9:20 Special

1-25            Tell Ya’ What I’m Gonna Do

1-26            West Indian Dance

2-1              A Door Will Open

2-2              In A Mellotone

2-3              Everything But You

2-4              Solid Old Man

2-5              Things Ain’t What They Used To Be (Into Broadcasting Closing)

2-6              (Opening Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-7              Ellington Bond Promo

2-8              Sugar Hill Penthouse

2-9              Suddenly It Jumped

2-10            Ellington Bond Promo

2-11            Candy

2-12            A Friends Of Yours

2-13            Kissing Bug

2-14            Hollywood Hangover

2-15            Laura

2-16            Ellington Bond Promo (Station Break)

2-17            (Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-18            In The Special Of The Old Apple Tree

2-19            Frankie And Johnny

2-20            I’m Beginning To See The Light And Ellington Bond Promo

2-21            Midriff

2-22            I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But The Blues

2-23            My Honey’s Lovin Arms

2-24            Ellington Bond Promo

2-25            Rockin’ In Rhythm (Into Broadcasting Closing)

Credits

  • Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwick
  • Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney
  • Bass – Junior Raglin
  • Drums – Sonny Greer
  • Guitar – Fred Guy
  • Liner Notes – Rob Bamberger
  • Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn
  • Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington
  • Reissue Producer – Jerry Valburn
  • Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears
  • Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton
  • Trombone – Claude Jones, Joe Nanton, Lawrence Brown
  • Trumpet – Cat Anderson, Ray Nance, Rex Stewart, Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan
  • Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 1-14, 1-15, 1-19, 2-22), Joya Sherrill (tracks: 1-3, 1-14, 1-15, 1-25, 2-3 , 2-13 ), Kay Davis (tracks: 1-6, 1-14, 1-15, 2-22), Marie Ellington (tracks: 1-14, 1-15), Ray Nance (tracks: 2-11)

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-22 : Treasury Broadcast No. 6 – Paradise Theatre, Detroit, Michigan – May 19th, 1945
Tracks 1-23 to 2-5 : Broadcast from the New Zanzibar, NYC – October 10th, 1945 (MBS)
Tracks 2-6 to 2-25 : Treasury Broadcast No. 7 from the Regal Theatre, Chicago, Illinois – May 26th, 1945

 

vol 5

1-1              (Opening Theme) Take The “A” Train

1-2              Mood To Be Wooed

1-3              Jack The Bear

1-4              Ellington Bond Promo

1-5              The More I See You

1-6              Way Low

1-7              Blues On The Double

1-8              Ellington Bond Promo

1-9              Summertime

1-10            (Theme) Take The “A” Train (Station Break)

1-11            (Theme) Take The “A” Train (Broadcast Return)

1-12            Come Sunday

1-13            Light

1-14            I’m Beginning To See The Light – Ellington Bond Promo

1-15            On The Alamo

1-16            Carnegie Blues

1-17            Ellington Bond Promo

1-18            Riff Staccato

1-19            Blues Skies

1-20            (Closing Theme) Things Ain’t What They Used To Be

1-21            (Opening Theme) Take The “A” Train

1-22            As Long As I Live

1-23            Nine-Twenty Special

1-24            The Wonder Of You

1-25            Walkin With My Honey

1-26            Three Cent Stomp

2-1              Don’t Take Your Love From Me

2-2              Court Session

2-3              Emancipation Celebration

2-4              Let The Zoomers Drool

2-5              (Opening Theme) Take The “A” Train

2-6              Blues Is The Night

2-7              Ellington Bond Promo

2-8              Can’t You Read Between The Lines?

2-9              Hop Skip And Jump

2-10            Kissing Bug

2-11            Solid Old Man

2-12            I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But The Blues

2-13            Ellington Bond Promo

2-14            I Miss Your Kiss

2-15            (Theme) Things Ain’t What They Used To Be (Station Break)

2-16            (Theme) Things Ain’t What They Used To Be (Broadcast Return)

2-17            Duke Ellington Presents The “Blues Clusters”

2-18            Diminuendo And Crescendo In Blue

2-19            Rocks In My Bed

2-20            Crescendo In Blue

2-21            I’m Beginning To See The Light – Ellington Bond Promo

2-22            Teardrops In The Rain

2-23            My Little Brown Book

2-24            Ac-Cen-Tu-Ate The Positive

2-25            Ellington Bond Promo

2-26            C-Jam Blues

2-27            (Closing Theme) Take The “A” Train

Credits

  • Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwick
  • Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney
  • Bass – Junior Raglin, Oscar Pettiford (tracks: 1-21 to 2-4)
  • Drums – Sonny Greer
  • Guitar – Fred Guy
  • Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn
  • Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington
  • Reissue Producer – Jerry Valburn
  • Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears
  • Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton
  • Trombone – Claude Jones, Joe Nanton, Lawrence Brown
  • Trumpet – Cat Anderson, Rex Stewart, Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan
  • Trumpet, Violin – Ray Nance
  • Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 2-1, 2-12, 2-23), Joya Sherrill (tracks: 1-14, 1-24, 2-10, 2-21, 2-24), Kay Davis (tracks: 1-5, 2-12), Marie Ellington (tracks: 2-19), Ray Nance (tracks: 1-18)

Notes

Tracks 1-1 to 1-20 : Treasury Broadcast No. 8 – Percy Jones Center, Battle Creek, Michigan – June 2nd, 1945
Tracks 1-21 to 2-4 : Broadcast from the New Zanzibar, NYC, September 18th,1945 (NBC)
Tracks 2-5 to 2-27 : Treasury Broadcast No. 9 from Paramount Theatre, Toledo, Ohio