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 →
“”Our theme is [Billy Strayhorn’s] “Take the ‘A’ Train,” and I can still hear his voice clearly clearing up any point of indecision with his watchword: “Ever onward and upward!” Many people are indebted to Billy Strayhorn, and I more than anybody.”
Take the “A” Train (CD: “Highlights of the Great 1940-1942 Band” Avid, AMSC1143)
Recorded 15 February 1941, Los Angeles
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.
Manhattan Murals(CD: “Carnegie Hall, November 13, 1948” Vintage Jazz Classics 1024)
Recorded 13 November 1948 at Carnegie Hall, New York City
Shelton Hemphill, Al Killian, Francis Williams, Harold Baker, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Quentin Jackson, Tyree Glenn – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guy; Wendell Marshall – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.
Take the “A” Train (LP: “The Greatest Jazz Concert In the World” Pablo 2625-070)
Recorded 26 March 1967, Carnegie Hall, New York City
Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson – piano; Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Hamilton, Harry Carney – reeds; John Lamb – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.
This is the last part of our look at the 25 double CD set of Storyville’s Treasury Show series…. 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
The 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.
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 →
“As a soloist, his taste his impeccable, but his greatest role is that of an accompanist. The old timers used to say, ‘Soloists are made, but accompanists are born’. Lawrence Brown is the accompanist par excellence. During the many years he was with us, records prove that his solo performances had the widest range from classical standard up to, around, and above the jet-swept contour of the vision we almost hear.”
-Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress
Lawrence Brown’s interview for the Jazz Oral History Project can be found here.
The recordings heard on this podcast episode:
(Under construction…..)
Globe Trotter (CD: “Four Classic Albums” Avid Jazz AMSC999)
Recorded 15 January 1951, New York City
Emmett Berry – trumpet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Al Sears – tenor sax; Leroy Lovett – piano; Lloyd Trotman – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.
Creole Blues(CD: “Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962” Columbia 5176872)
Recorded 14 July 1960, Los Angeles
Lawrence Brown – trombone; Duke Ellington – piano; Aaron Bell – bass.
Stardust (CD: “Johnny Hodges, soloist, Billy Strayhorn and The Orchestra” Verve 314 557 543-2)
Recorded 11/12 December 1961, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
Cat Anderson, Harold “Shorty” Baker, Bill Berry, Howard McGhee, Eddie “Moon” Mullens – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Quentin Jackson, Chuck Connors – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope; Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Jimmy Jones – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums
Rose of the Rio Grande (CD: “The Great Paris Concert” Collectables 7818)
Recorded 1 February 1963, Paris
Cat Anderson, Ray Nance, Cootie Williams, Roy Burrowes – trumpet; 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.
Minnie the Moocher (CD: “Recollections of the Big Band Era” Warner Bros. 7411628)
Recorded 13 December 1962, Chicago
Cat Anderson, Ray Nance, Cootie Williams, Roy Burrowes – trumpet; 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.
Let’s Go Fly a Kite (CD: “The Reprise Studio Recordings” Mosaic Records #193)
Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Cootie Williams, Nat Woodard – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope; Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Eddie Johnson, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; John Lamb – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.
I Left my Heart In San Francisco(CD: “The Reprise Studio Recordings” Mosaic Records #193)
Recorded 27 April 1964, New York City
Cat Anderson, Rolf Ericson, Cootie Williams, Herbie Jones – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope; Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Major Holley – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.
Stompy Jones/Mood Indigo (CD: “Everybody Knows Johnny Hodges” GRP/Impulse! GRD-116)
Recorded 8 March 1965, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
Ray Nance, Cat Anderson – trumpet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Jimmy Hamilton, Harold Ashby – reeds; Jimmy Jones – piano; Richard Davis – bass; Gus Johnson (on “Stompy Jones”), Johnny Hodges, Jr. (on “Mood Indigo”) – drums.
A Beautiful Friendship (CD: “The Reprise Studio Recordings” Mosaic Records #193)
Recorded Cat Anderson, Ray Nance, Cootie Williams, Herbie Jones – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope; Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; John Lamb – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.
Rabbit Out of the Hat (CD: “Con Soul & Sax/Wild Bill is the Boss” Lone Hill Jazz LHJ10283)
Recorded 17 January 1966, New York City
Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton – clarinet; Wild Bill Davis – organ; Billy Butler – guitar; Bob Bushnell – bass; Joe Marshall – drums.
Rockville
— 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.
A few selections from Volumes 16 thru 20 of Duke’s Treasury Shows…. 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
The recordings heard on this podcast episode came from the following CDs:
Duke Ellington And His Orchestra – The Treasury Shows Vol.16
D.E.T.S. – 903 9016
Tracklist
1-1 (Theme) Take The “A” Train & Broadcast Intro
1-2 Just A-Sittin’ And A-Rockin’
1-3 (Theme) Take The “A” Train
1-4 9:20 Special
1-5 Frustration(1)
1-6 Ellington Bond Promo
1-7 Dancing In The Dark
1-8 Dancing In The Dark
1-9 Crosstown
1-10 Passion Flower
1-11 Bond Promo
1-12 Victory Drive
1-13 Get On Board Little Children
1-14 (Theme) Take The “A” Train And Broadcast Return
1-15 Black, Brown & Beige : Come Sunday, Light 12:14
1-16 Ellington Bond Promo 1:22
1-17 11:60 PM 2:04
1-18 Tell It To A Star 2:13
1-19 I Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues 3:12
1-20 Cotton Tail 3:16
1-21 Waiting For The Train To Coming In 2:02
1-22 Star Spangled Banner & Broadcast Closing 2:03
1-23 Subtle Slough 3:01
1-24 Main Steam 1:57
1-25 Bakiff 4:29
1-26 Waiting For The Train To Coming In 2:02
2-1 (Theme) Take The “A” Train & Broadcast Intro 0:50
2-2 Walking With My Honey 1:50
2-3 Jack The Bear 3:40
2-4 Autumn Serenade 3:57
2-5 Ellington Bond Promo 0:50
2-6 Tell It To A star 2:16
2-7 Hey Diddle Diddle 2:04
2-8 I Can’t Begin To Tell You 3:16
2-9 How Deep Is The Ocean 3:29
2-10 The Wonder Of You 2:39
2-11 Victory Drive 1:18
2-12 As Long As I Live & Broadcasting Closing 1:18
2-13 Take The “A” Train 0:26
2-14 Interview With Duke Ellington 0:35
2-15 The Canteen Bounce 1:51
2-16 Perdido 0:14
2-17 Interview With Duke Ellington 1:42
2-18 Hayfoot, Strawfoot 2:03
2-19 Don’t Get Around Much Anymore 4:30
2-20 Interview With Duke Ellington 1:32
2-21 A Slip Of The Lip 2:44
2-22 Things Ain’t What They Used To Be 0:14
2-23 Interview With Duke Ellington 1:39
2-24 Ring Them Bells 3:53
2-25 Moon Mist 0:28
2-26 C Jam Blues 2:30
2-27 It Don’t Mean A Thing 2:40
2-28 Tonight I Shall Sleep 2:10
2-29 Ring Them Bells 3:21
2-30 Don’t Get Around Much Anymore 2:21
2-31 Things Ain’t What They Used To Be 0:21
Credits
Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Nat Jones (5) (tracks: 1-22 to 1-25, 2-12 to 2-31), Otto Hardwicke (tracks: 1-1 to 1-22, 2-1 to 2-12)
Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney
Bass – Junior Raglin (tracks: 1-22 to 1-25, 2-13 to 2-31), Lloyd Trotman (2) (tracks: 1-1 to 1-22), Oscar Pettiford (tracks: 2-1 to 2-12)
Cornet – Rex Stewart, Rex Stewart (tracks: 1-1 to 1-22, 2-1 to 2-12)
Drums – Sonny Greer
Guitar – Fred Guy
Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn
Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington
Producer – Jerry Valburn
Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears (tracks: 1-1 to 1-22, 2-1 to 2-24, ), Ben Webster (tracks: 1-23 to 1-25, 2-13 to 2-24), Elmer Williams (tracks: 2-25 to 2-31)
Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton
Trombone – Bernard Archer (tracks: 2-25 to 2-31), Claude Jones (tracks: 1-1 to 1-22, 2-12, 2-24), Joe Nanton (tracks: 1-1 to 1-25, 2-13 to 2-31), Juan Tizol (tracks: 1-23 to 1-25, 2-13 to 2-24), Lawrence Brown (tracks: 1-1 to 1-22, 2-1 to 2-31), Sandy Williams (tracks: 1-23 to 1-25)
Trumpet – Cat Anderson (tracks: 1-1 to 1-22, 2-1 to 2-12), Harold Baker (tracks: 1-23 to 1-25, 2-13 to 2-31), Ray Nance (tracks: 1-23 to 1-25, 2-13 to 2-31), Shelton Hemphill (tracks: 1-1 to 1-22, 2-1 to 2-12),Taft Jordan (tracks: 1-1 to 1-22, 2-1 to 2-31), Wallace Jones (tracks: 1-23 to 1-25, 2-13 to 2-31)
Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 1-19), Joya Sherrill (tracks: 1-12 , 1-17, 2-4, 2-10, 2-11, ), Kay Davis (tracks: 1-8 , 1-19), The Mellotones (9) (tracks: 1-13, 2-7)
Notes
Tracks 1-1 to 1-22 – Treasury Broadcast No. 30, Radio City, Studio 6-B, NYC, November 10,1945 (ABC)
Tracks 1-23 to 1-24 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, June 7, 1943 (MPS)
Track 1-25 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, June , 1943 (MPS)
Tracks 2-1 to 2-12 – Treasury Broadcast No.31, Radio City, Studio 6-B, November 17,1945 (ABC)
Tracks 2-13 to 2-24 – The Fitch Bandwagon Broadcast from Radio City, Studio 6-B, NYC, May 30, 1943
Tracks 2-25 to 2-31 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, September 5, 1943 (MPS)
Duke Ellington And His Orchestra – The Treasury Shows Vol.17
D.E.T.S. – 903 9017
Tracklist
1-1 (Theme) Take The “A” Train & Intro 0:47
1-2 Way Low 4:10
1-3 “C” Jam Blues 4:16
1-4 The Kissing Bug 3:21
1-5 Duke Ellington Bond Promo 4:03
1-6 Just A-Sittin’ And A-Rockin’ 4:12
1-7 Caldonia 2:44
1-8 Fancy Dan 3:01
1-9 I’m Just A Lucky So And So 5:21
1-10 Take The “A” Train 3:33
1-11 Take The “A” Train 1:42
1-12 The Last Time I Saw You 3:10
1-13 On The Atchison, Topeka And Santa Fe 2:41
1-14 Duke Ellington Bond Promo 1:14
1-15 If I Loved You 2:54
1-16 I Can’t Begin To Tell You 3:46
1-17 The Wonder Of You 2:51
1-18 Riff ‘N’ Drill And Close 2:34
1-19 Take The “A” Train 0:25
1-20 Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me 3:30
1-21 It Don’t Mean A Thing If Ain’t Got That Swing 2:54
1-22 Things Ain’t What They Used To Be 0:57
1-23 Take The “A” Train 0:35
1-24 San Fernando Valley 2:51
1-25 Way Low (Aborted) ; Suddenly It Jumped 3:10
1-26 Summertime (Incomplete) 0:37
1-27 On The Alamo 2:27
1-28 Things Ain’t What They Used To Be 1:12
2-1 Caravan 3:34
2-2 Rugged Romeo 2:58
2-3 Sono 4:07
2-4 Air Conditioned Jungle 5:56
2-5 Circe 4:47
2-6 Rhapsoditty 7:03
2-7 Fugueaditty 2:25
2-8 Take The “A” Train 1:02
2-9 Jam-A-Ditty 4:05
2-10 Magenta Haze 5:11
2-11 Diminuendo In Blue/Transbluency/Crescendo In Blue 12:08
2-12 Pitter Panther Patter 2:29
2-13 The Suburbanite 3:55
2-14 Boys Meets Horn 3:52
2-15 Jump For Joy 2:15
2-16 Three Cent Stomp (Incomplete) 1:29
2-17 Solid Old Man 3:05
2-18 How Blue The Night 1:41
2-19 Ring Dem Bells 1:33
Credits
Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke
Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney
Bass – Junior Raglin (tracks: 1-19 to 1-28, 2-13 to 2-31), Oscar Pettiford (tracks: 1-1 to 1-18, 2-14 to 2-19)
Drums – Sonny Greer
Guitar – Fred Guy
Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn
Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington
Producer – Jerry Valburn
Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears (tracks: 1-1 to 1-18, 2-1 to 2-13)
Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Elmer Williams (tracks: 1-19 to 1-28, 2-14 to 2-19), Jimmy Hamilton
Trombone – Claude Jones, Joe Nanton (tracks: 2-14 to 2-19), Juan Tizol (tracks: 1-23 to 1-25, 2-13 to 2-24), Lawrence Brown
Trumpet – Bernard Flood (tracks: 2-1 to 2-13), Cat Anderson (tracks: 1-1 to 1-18, 2-1 to 2-13), Ray Nance (tracks: 1-19 to 1-28, 2-14 to 2-19), Rex Stewart (tracks: 1-1 to 1-28, 2-14 to 2-19), Shelton Hemphill, Taft Jordan (tracks: 1-19 to 1-28, 2-1 to 2-19)
Trumpet, Violin – Ray Nance (tracks: 1-19 to 1-28, 2-14 to 2-19)
Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 1-9, 1-26,), Joya Sherrill (tracks: 1-4, 1-17 ), The Mellotones (9) (tracks: 1-7)
Notes
Tracks 1-1 to 1-18 – Treasury Broadcast No. 32, Radio City, Studio 6-B, NYC, November 24,1945 (ABC)
Tracks 1-19 to 1-22 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, April 9, 1943 (MPS)
Tracks 1-23 to 1-28 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, April 20 , 1943 (MPS)
Tracks 2-1 to 2-13 – Treasury Broadcast No. 33, Civic Opera House, Chicago, ILL, January 20, 1946
Tracks 2-14 to 2-16 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, April 21, 1944 (MBS)
Tracks 2-25 to 2-31 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, April 27, 1944 (MBS)
Duke Ellington And His Orchestra – The Treasury Shows Vol.18
D.E.T.S. – 903 9018
Tracklist
1-1 Jam-A-Ditty 1:20
1-2 Blues Is The Night 2:55
1-3 Passion Flower 3:00
1-4 Take The “A” Train 0:45
1-5 Mood To Be Wooed 4:38
1-6 Caravan 4:16
1-7 Bond Promo 1:09
1-8 Don’t Take Your Love From Me 4:10
1-9 Take The “A” Train 0:48
1-10 The Blues 7:47
1-11 Bond Promo 1:08
1-12 Sono 5:27
1-13 One O’Clock Jump 5:19
1-14 I’m Just A Lucky So-And-So 3:26
1-15 Riff Staccato 2:59
1-16 Just A-Sittin’ And A-Rockin’ 1:34
1-17 Rockabye River (Hop, Skip, Jump) 2:48
1-18 Jumping Frog Jump 3:39
1-19 Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me 2:58
1-20 Johnny Come Lately 2:38
1-21 Poinciana 2:37
1-22 On The Alamo 2:31
1-23 Three Cent Stomp 3:36
1-24 I Didn’t Know About You 3:01
2-1 Take The “A” Train 0:54
2-2 Stompy Jones 4:17
2-3 Moon Mist 3:11
2-4 Bond Promo 1:17
2-5 Just A-Sittin’ And A-Rockin’ 4:57
2-6 I Can’t Believe That You ‘re In Love With Me 4:19
2-7 Sophisticated Lady 2:34
2-8 Bond Promo 1:09
2-9 Jennie 2:35
2-10 I’m Just A Lucky So-And-So 3:02
2-11 Black Brown And Beige : Come Sunday & Light 11:48
2-12 Bond Promo 0:12
2-13 We’ll Be Together Again 3:29
2-14 Hollywood Hangover 4:18
2-15 Subtle Slough 4:21
2-16 Bond Promo 1:04
2-17 Perdido 3:05
2-18 Time Alone Will Tell 2:27
2-19 San Fernando Valley 1:53
2-20 Stomp, Look And Listen 4:09
2-21 Concerto For Cootie 0:34
2-22 Long Ago And Far Away 2:35
2-23 Someone 2:08
2-24 Suddenly It Jumped 2:55
2-26 Things Ain’t What They Used To Be 1:38
Credits
Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke (tracks: 1-1 to 1-24, 2-18 to 18-24), Russell Procope(tracks: 2-1 to 2-17)
Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney
Bass – Junior Raglin (tracks: 1-17 to 1-24, 2-18 to 2-25), Oscar Pettiford (tracks: 1-1 to 1-16, 2-1 to 2-17)
Cornet – Rex Stewart (tracks: 1-17 to 1-24, 2-18 to 2-24)
Drums – Sonny Greer
Guitar – Fred Guy
Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn
Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington
Producer – Jerry Valburn
Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears (tracks: 1-1 to 1-16, 2-1 to 2-17, 2-22 to 2-25), Elmer Williams (tracks: 1-17 to 1-24, 2-18 to 2-21)
Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton
Trombone – Claude Jones, Joe Nanton, Lawrence Brown, Wilbur De Paris (tracks: 1-1 to 1-16, 2-1 to 2-17)
Trumpet – Bernard Flood (tracks: 1-1- to 1-3), Cat Anderson (tracks: 1-1 to 1-16), Francis Williams(tracks: 1-1 to 1-16, 2-1 to 2-17), Reunald Jones (tracks: 1-4 to 1-16, 2-1 to 2-17), Hemphill, Taft
Trumpet, Violin – Ray Nance
Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 1-9, 1- 14, 1-19, 2-5, 2-22 ), Kay Davis (tracks: 2-13)
Notes
Tracks 1-1 to 1-3 – Broadcast ,KABC Studios, San Antonio, Texas, April 13, 1946(ABC)
Tracks 1-4 to 1-16 – Treasury Broadcast No. 34, Howard Theatre, Washington, D.C., April 20, 1946 (ABC)
Tracks 1-17 to 1-24 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, April 28 , 1943 (MBS)
Tracks 2-1 to 2-17 – Treasury Broadcast No. 35, Municipal Auditorium, Worcester, Mass., April 27, 1946 (ABC)
Tracks 2-18 to 2-25 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, May 12&19, 1944 (MBS)
Tracks 1-1 to 1-16 issued on LP DETS 34
Tracks 2-1 to 2-17 issued on LP DETS 35
Duke Ellington And His Orchestra – The Treasury Shows Vol.19
D.E.T.S. – 903 9019
Tracklist
1-1 Take The “A” Train 0:36
1-2 Just A-Sittin’ And A-Rockin’ 4:02
1-3 Duke Ellington Bond Promotion 0:58
1-4 9:20 Special 3:48
1-5 I Can’t Get Started 4:12
1-6 Flamingo 0:54
1-7 Fancy Dan 3:33
1-8 Diminuendo In Blue 3:00
1-9 Transbluency 4:02
1-10 Crescendo In Blue 3:57
1-11 Duke Ellington Bond Promotion 1:09
1-12 Someone 3:07
1-13 Three Cent Stomp 3:47
1-14 Duke Ellington Bond Promotion 1:08
1-15 I’m Just A Lucky So-And-So 2:47
1-16 Intro 0:34
1-17 Barzillai Lew 2:39
1-18 The “C” Jam Blues 2:40
1-19 Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me 3:52
1-20 Subtle Slough 3:26
1-21 Take The “A” Train 0:13
2-1 In A Mellotone 2:59
2-2 I’m Just A Lucky So-And-So 2:35
2-3 Announcement 0:34
2-4 Sono 4:34
2-5 Rugged Romeo 3:21
2-6 Circe 4:46
2-7 Air Conditioned Jungle 5:08
2-8 Full Moon And Empty Arms 2:20
2-9 Announcement 0:20
2-10 Duke Ellington Bond Promotion 0:48
2-11 Laughin’ On The Outside 3:27
2-12 Take The “A” Train 1:49
2-13 Take The “A” Train 0:52
2-14 Just A-Sittin’ And A-Rockin’ 4:24
2-15 Crosstown 2:55
2-16 Duke Ellington Bond Promotion 1:11
2-17 Summertime 3:12
2-18 Teardrops In The Rain 3:07
2-19 Frankie And Johnny 8:02
2-20 Duke Ellington Bond Promotion 1:12
2-21 Hop, Skip And Jump 2:57
2-22 Take The “A” Train 0:32
2-23 Take It From Here 2:18
2-24 Later Tonight 1:12
2-25 Wait For Me Mary 2:18
2-26 Go Away Blues 2:02
2-27 Tonight I Shall Sleep 1:59
2-28 Don’t Get Around Much Anymore 1:12
Credits
Alto Saxophone – Nat Jones (5) (tracks: 1-16 to 1-21, 2-22 to 2-28)
Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope (tracks: 1-15 to 2-15, 2-1 to 2-21)
Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney
Bass – Junior Raglin (tracks: 1-16 to 1-21, 2-22 to 2-28), Oscar Pettiford (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-21)
Cornet – Rex Stewart (tracks: 1-17 to 1-24, 2-18 to 2-24)
Drums – Sonny Greer
Guitar – Fred Guy
Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn
Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington
Producer – Jerry Valburn
Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-21), Elmer Williams (tracks: 1-16 to 1-21, 2-22 to 2-28), Elmer Williams (tracks: 1-17 to 1-24, 2-18 to 2-21)
Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton
Trombone – Bernard Archer (tracks: 1-16 to 1-21, 2-22 to 2-28), Claude Jones (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-21), Joe Nanton, Lawrence Brown, Wilbur De Paris (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-21)
Trumpet – Cat Anderson (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-21), Francis Williams (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-21), Reunald Jones (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-21), Shelton Hemphill (tracks: 1-1 to 1-15, 2-1 to 2-21), Taft Jordan, Wallace Jones (tracks: 1-16- to 1-21, 2-22 to 2-28)
Trumpet, Violin – Ray Nance
Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 1-6, 1- 15, 2-2, 2-17, 2-27), Betty Roché (tracks: 2-26), Kay Davis (tracks: 1-15, 2-8)
Notes
Tracks 1-1 to 1-15 – Treasury Broadcast No. 36, Dartmouth College, Hanoner, NH, May 4,1946, (ABC)
Tracks 1-16 to 1-21 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, September 3, 1943 (MBS)
Tracks 2-1 to 2-21 – Treasury Broadcast No. 37 & 38, Radio City, New York, May 18 & 25, 1946 (ABC)
Tracks 2-22 to 2-28 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, September 1, 1943 (MBS)
Duke Ellington And His Orchestra – The Treasury Shows Vol.20
D.E.T.S. – 903 9020
Tracklist
1-1 Take The “A” Train 0:40
1-2 A Flower Is A Lonesome Thing 3:29
1-3 Duke Ellington Bond Promo 0:58
1-4 Main Steam 3:19
1-5 A Ghost Of A Chance 3:14
1-6 Interview With Duke Ellington 0:39
1-7 In A Jam 3:22
1-8 I’m Just A Lucky So-And-So 3:48
1-9 Stomp, Look And Listen 3:45
1-10 Come Rain Or Come Shine 3:18
1-11 Duke Ellington Bond Promo 1:29
1-12 Things Ain’t What They Used To Be 2:07
1-13 Summertime 2:57
1-14 Jack The Bear 3:33
1-15 Sentimental Lady 3:19
1-16 In A Mellotone 3:07
1-17 Rockin’ In Rhythm 4:23
2-1 Take The “A” Train 0:43
2-2 Mood To Be Wooded 4:47
2-3 Duke Ellington Bond Promo 1:03
2-4 Johnny Come Lately 2:40
2-5 They Say It’s Wonderful 2:45
2-6 Strange Love 2:44
2-7 Honeysuckle Rose 3:17
2-8 Don’t Take Your Love From Me 4:44
2-9 Duke Ellington Bond Promo 1:04
2-10 Blue On The Double 4:40
2-11 Take The “A” Train 0:36
2-12 Take The “A” Train 0:51
2-13 Come Sunday 6:27
2-14 Light 4:24
2-15 Duke Ellington Bond Promo 1:01
2-16 Lover Man 3:23
2-17 Riff Staccato 3:10
2-18 Mood Indigo 4:39
2-19 Duke Ellington Bond Promo 1:08
2-20 Riff’N’Drill 2:17
2-21 Johnny Come Lately 1:32
2-22 Emancipation Celebration 2:25
2-23 Go Away Blues 2:06
2-24 Don’t Get Around Much Anymore 2:13
2-25 Things Ain’t What They Used To Be 1:00
Credits
Alto Saxophone – Otto Hardwicke (tracks: 1-1 to 1-12, 2-1 to 2-20)
Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Johnny Hodges, Nat Jones (5) (tracks: 1-13 to 1-17, 2-21 to 25)
Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Harry Carney
Bass – Junior Raglin (tracks: 1-13 to 1-17, 2-21 to 2-25), Oscar Pettiford (tracks: 1-1 to 1-12, 2-1 to 2-20)
Drums – Sonny Greer
Guitar – Fred Guy
Piano, Arranged By – Billy Strayhorn
Piano, Arranged By, Leader – Duke Ellington
Producer – Jerry Valburn
Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears (tracks: 1-1 to 1-12, 2-1 to 2-20), Ben Webster (tracks: 1-13 to 1-17, 2-21 to 2-25)
Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton
Trombone – Claude Jones (tracks: 1-1 to 1-12, 2-1 to 2-20), Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol (tracks: 1-13 to 1-17, 2-21 to 2-25), Lawrence Brown, Wilbur De Paris (tracks: 1-1 to 1-12, 2-1 to 2-20)
Trumpet – Cat Anderson (tracks: 1-1 to 1-12, 2-1 to 2-20), Francis Williams (tracks: 1-1 to 1-12, 2-1 to 2-20), Harold Baker (tracks: 1-13 to 1-17, 2-21 to 2-17), Reunald Jones (tracks: 1-1 to 1-12, 2-1 to 2-20), Shelton Hemphill (tracks: 1-1 to 1-12, 2-1 to 2-20), Taft Jordan (tracks: 1-1 to 1-12, 2-1 to 2-25),Wallace Jones (tracks: 1-16- to 1-21, 2-22 to 2-28)
Trumpet, Violin – Ray Nance
Voice – Al Hibbler (tracks: 1-8, 1- 13, 2-2, 2-8, 2-24), Betty Roché (tracks: 2-23), Kay Davis (tracks: 2-5), Marion Cox (tracks: 1-5), Ray Nance (tracks: 2-17)
Notes
Tracks 1-1 to 1-12 – Treasury Broadcast No. 39, Rehearsal Hall, Paramount Theatre, NYC ,June 1, 1946, (ABC)
Tracks 1-13 to 1-17 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, September 10, 1943 (MBS)
Tracks 2-1 to 2-20 – Treasury Broadcast No. 40, WEEU Studios, Reading, PA., June 8, 1946 (ABC)
Tracks 2-21 to 2-25 – Broadcast from the Hurricane Restaurant, NYC, September 7, 1943 (MBS)
Duke Ellington was an extraordinary master of ceremonies who reveled in the spoken word…. Continue reading →
The recordings heard on this podcast episode:
Monologue (Pretty and the Wolf) (CD: “The 1953 Pasadena Concert” Vogue 600105)
Recorded 20 March 1953, Pasadena California
Duke Ellington – narrator; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope – clarinet; Harry Carney – bass clarinet; Wendell Marshall – bass; Butch Ballard – drums.
Ballet of the Flying Saucers/Zajj’s Dream (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; Joya Sherrill, Margaret Tynes, Choir – vocals.
My People/The Blues (CD: “My People – The Complete Show” Storyville Records 1018430)
Recorded 20, 21 & 27 August 1963, Chicago
Duke Ellington – speech; Bill Berry, Ziggy Harrell, Nat Woodard, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Booty Wood, John Sanders – trombone; Russell Procope, Rudy Powell, Harold Ashby, Pete Clark, Bob Freedman – reeds; Billy Strayhorn – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Louie Bellson – drums; Juan Amalbert – conga; Joya Sherrill – vocal.
The Little Purple Flower, Parts I and II (LP: “The Yale Concert” Fantasy Records F9433)
Recorded 26 January 1968, New Haven, Connecticut
Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jeff Castleman – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.
Chinoiserie (LP: “Concerts in Canada” Special Release of the Canadian Duke Ellington Society commemorating Ellington ’87 may 16 – 18 Toronto)
Recorded 25 May 1973, Winnepeg
Cootie Williams, Mercer Ellington, Harold “Money” Johnson, Johnny Coles – trumpet; Vincente Prudente, Murray McEachern, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope, Harold Minerve, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Doug Harris, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.
The Clown
Recorded 29 September 1969, UC Berkley
Duke Ellington – narrator; Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Willie Cook, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Benny Green, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Victor Gaskin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.
Ellington Final Speech(CD: “Duke Ellington’s 70th Birthday Concert” Solid State SS 19000)
Recorded 26 November 1969, Manchester, England
Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Rolf Ericson – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope, Norris Turney, Johnny Hodges, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Victor Gaskin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.
A look at some of the outside projects done by Johnny Hodges during his second tenure with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Continue reading →
“I don’t suppose there is anybody in the business who can do more with a melody than Johnny Hodges.”
–Wild Bill Davis
Johnny Hodges and Billy Strayhorn
The recordings heard on this podcast episode:
Straight Back (CD: “The Complete Verve Johnny Hodges Small Group Sessions 1956-61” Mosaic MD6-200)
Recorded 7 April 1959, New York City
Harold “Shorty” Baker – trumpet; Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Jimmy Hamilton, Ben Webster – reeds; Jimmy Jones – piano; Les Spann – guitar; Ray Brown – bass; Jo Jones – drums.
Echoes of Harlem/ Black, Brown and Beautiful (CD: Oliver Nelson “Black, Brown and Beautiful” )
Recorded 17/19 March 1970, New York City
Ernie Royal, Snooky Young, Marvin Stamm, Randy Brecker – trumpets; Al Grey, Garnett Brown, Quentin Jackson, Thomas Mitchell – trombones; Johnny Hodges, Danny Bank, Frank Wess, Jerome Richardson, Jerry Dodgion, Joe Farrell, Bob Ashton – reeds; Hank Jones – piano; Ron Carter – bass; Grady Tate – drums.
Wanderlust (CD: Johnny Hodges “Buenos Aires Blues” Lone Hill Jazz – LHJ10373)
Recorded 26 May 1963, New York City
Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Lalo Schifrin – piano; Barry Galbraith – guitar; George Duvivier – bass; Dave Baker – drums.
Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Dizzy Gillespie – trumpet; Junior Mance – piano; Les Spann – guitar; Sam Jones – bass; Lex Humphries – drums.
Back Beat (CD: “Johnny Hodges, Verve Jazz Masters 35” Verve 314 521 857-2)
Recorded 17 November 1959, Los Angeles
Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Gerry Mulligan – baritone sax; Claude Williamson – piano; Buddy Clark – bass; Mel Lewis – drums.
In a Sentimental Mood (CD: “Johnny Hodges with Lawrence Welk’s Orchestra” Ranwood Records 8246)
Recorded 21 December 1965, Los Angeles
Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Lawrence Welk orchestra – musicians uncredited.
Rabbit Out of the Hat (CD: “Con Soul & Sax/Wild Bill is the Boss” Lone Hill Jazz LHJ10283)
Recorded 17 January 1966, New York City
Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton – clarinet; Wild Bill Davis – organ; Billy Butler – guitar; Bob Bushnell – bass; Joe Marshall – drums.
Stolen Sweets (CD: “Mess of Blues” Lone Hill Jazz LHJ10285)
Recorded 3/4 September 1963, New York City
Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Wild Bill Davis – organ; Kenny Burrell – guitar; Osie Johnson – drums.
Don’t Sleep in The Subway (CD: “Johnny Hodges, Verve Jazz Masters 35” Verve 314 521 857-2)
Recorded 17, 18, 21 August 1967, Los Angeles
Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Ernie Royal, Snooky Young – trumpet; Bill Berry – trumpet, vibraphone; Tony Studd – bass trombone; Jerome Richardson, Frank Wess – flute, clarinet, alto sax; Jimmy Hamilton – clarinet, tenor sax; Danny Bank – baritone sax, clarinet; Hank Jones – piano; Everett Barksdale – guitar; Milt Hinton – bass; Grady Tate – drums; Jimmy Jones – arranger, conductor
Broadway Babe (CD: Mercer Ellington “Stepping Into Swing Society” Fresh Sound Records FSR-CD 531)
Recorded 20 July 1958, New York City
Cat Anderson, Harold “Shorty” Baker, Clark Terry – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Jimmy Hamilton, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Jimmy Jones – piano; Skeeter Best – guitar; Wendell Marshall -bass; Joe Marshall – drums.
The Gal From Joe’s/ Your Love Has Faded (CD: “Johnny Hodges, soloist, Billy Strayhorn and The Orchestra” Verve 314 557 543-2)
Recorded 11/12 December 1961, New York City
Cat Anderson, Harold “Shorty” Baker, Ed Mullens, Bill Berry – trumpets; Lawrence Brown, Quentin Jackson, Chuck Connors – trombones; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Billy Strayhorn – piano; Jimmy Jones – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.
Once Upon a Time (CD: Earl Hines “Once Upon a Time” Impulse! A-9108)
Recorded 10/11 January 1966, New York City
Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Ray Nance, Bill Berry – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope – alto sax; Paul Gonsalves, Harold Ashby – tenor sax; Earl “Fatha” Hines – piano; Aaron Bell -bass; Elvin 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.
Ella Fitzgerald is a great philanthropist. She gives so generously of her talent, not only to the public, but to the composers whose works she performs. Her artistry always brings to mind the words of the Maestro, Mr. Toscanini, who said concerning singers, “Either, you’re a good musician or you’re not.” In terms of musicianship, Ella Fitzgerald is “Beyond Category.”
– Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress
The recordings heard on this podcast episode:
A-Tisket, A-Tasket/Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me (CD: “The Jubilee Shows No. 77 & 78” Storyville Records 501 1004)
Recorded 1 May 1944, Los Angeles (Note – On the podcast, I mistakenly stated the year was 1942.)
Ella Fitzgerald – vocal; Cootie Williams, E. V. Perry, George Treadwell, Harold “Money” Johnson – trumpet; Ed Burke, George Edward Stevenson or Ed Glover, Robert H. Horton – trombone; Eddie Vinson, Charlie Holmes, Sam Taylor, Lee Pope, Eddie DeVertemil – reeds; Bud Powell – piano; Lenny Kirkland – guitar; Norman Keenan or Carl Pruitt – bass; Sylvester Payne – drums.
Drop Me Off in Harlem/I Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good)/Day Dream/Chelsea Bridge (CD: “Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook” Verve Records 314 559 248-2)
Recorded 24-27 June 1957, New York City
Ella Fitzgerald – vocal; Cat Anderson, Willie Cook, Ray Nance, Clark Terry – trumpet; Quentin Jackson, Britt Woodman, John Sanders – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Billy Strayhorn (on I’ve Got It Bad, Day Dream and Chelsea Bridge), Duke Ellington (on Drop Me Off In Harlem) – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.
Duke’s Place/Satin Doll (CD: “The Stockholm Concert” Pablo Live PACD-2308-242-2)
Recorded 8 February 1966, at the Konserthuset, Stockholm
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 – piano; John Lamb – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums. Jimmy Jones – piano; Joe Comfort – bass; Gus Johnson – drums.
Cotton Tail (CD: “Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald Live at The Greek Theatre, Los Angeles”
Recorded 23/24 September 1966, Live at The Greek Theatre, Los Angeles
Ella Fitzgerald – 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; Duke Ellington – piano; John Lamb – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums
Ella Fitzgerald and her trio : Jimmy Jones – piano; Jim Hughart – bass; Ed Thigpen – drums.
Brown-skin Gal (in the Calico Gown)/What Am I Here For?(CD: “Ella at Duke’s Place” Verve Records 314 529 700-2)
Recorded 18-20 October 1965, Los Angeles
Ella Fitzgerald – vocal; Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Herb Jones, Cootie Williams – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington, Jimmy Jones – piano; John Lamb – bass; Louis Bellson – drums.
These four CD sets are a great start to a Duke Ellington collection at a reasonable price. Continue reading →
Duke Ellington recorded thousands of selections over a nearly 50 year career. If you’re new to him, where do you begin? It’s daunting! These four CD sets are a great start to a Duke Ellington collection at a reasonable price.
The recordings heard on this podcast episode:
Take the “A” Train/Pitter Panther Patter/The Flaming Sword (Highlights of the Great 1940-1942 Band [2 disk set] Avid, AMSC1143)
Take the “A” Train was recorded 15 February 1941, Los Angeles
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.
Pitter Panther Patter was recorded 1 October 1940, Chicago
Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmie Blanton – bass.
The Flaming Sword was recorded 17 October 1940, Chicago
Wallace Jones, Cootie Williams –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.
Kinda Dukish-Rockin’ In Rhythm/Tutti for Cootie (The Great Paris Concert [2 disk set] 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.
Hot and Bothered/Lady of the Lavender Mist/Solitude (Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962 [3 disk set] Columbia 5176872)
Hot and Bothered was recorded 1 October 1928, New York City
Arthur Whetsel, Bubber Miley – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Lonnie Johnson – guitar; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Baby Cox – vocal.
Lady of the Lavender Mist was recorded 14 August 1947 in Los Angeles
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.
Solitude was recorded 14 October 1957
Willie Cook, 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; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.
Day Dream/Caravan/Rockin’ in Rhythm (Ella Fitzgerald sings the Duke Ellington Songbook [3 CD set] Verve Records 559 248-2)
Recorded June 1957 in New York City
Willie Cook, 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; Billy Strayhorn (on Day Dream), Duke Ellington (Caravan and Rockin’ in Rhythm) – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums; Ella Fitzgerald – vocal
Another survey of Ellington covers – beyond those you usually hear. Continue reading →
Most Duke Ellington tribute concerts and recordings rely on just a handful of his compositions (MoodIndigo, 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!
Duke Ellington performs The Perfume Suite with some animated friends
The recordings heard on this podcast episode:
Skrontch (CD: “The Complete 1932-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosiac Records #248)
Recorded 21 December 1936 in Los Angeles
Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney, Pete Clark – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Hayes Alvis – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Ivie Anderson – vocal.
Skrontch (CD: “Fats Waller, Volume 4 of the Complete Recorded Works” JSP Records JSP77192D)
Recorded 12 April 1938 in New York City
Fats Waller – piano, vocal; Herman Autrey, John Hamilton, Nathaniel Williams – trumpet; George Robinson, John Haughton – trombones; William Alsop, James Powell, Fred Skerritt – alto sax; Gene Sedric, Lonnie Symons – tenor sax; Albert Casey – guitar; Cedric Wallace – bass; Slick Jones – drums.
Black Butterfly (CD: “The Complete 1932-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosiac Records #248)
Recorded 21 December 1936 in Los Angeles
Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney, Pete Clark – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Hayes Alvis – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.
Black Butterfly (CD: “Passion Flower – Zoot Sims plays Duke Ellington” Pablo OJCCD-939-2)
Recorded 10/11 December 1979 in Los Angeles
Zoot Sims – tenor sax; Bobby Bryant, Oscar Brashear, Al Aarons, Earl Gardner – trumpet; J.J. Johnson, Britt Woodman, Grover Mitchell, Benny Powell – trombone; Marshal Royal, Buddy Collette, Plas Johnson, Frank Wess – reeds; Jimmy Rowles – piano; John Collins – guitar; Andy Simpkins – bass; Grady Tate – drums.
Blue Bubbles (LP: “The Works of Duke, Volume 1” French RCA 731043)
Recorded 19 December 1927 in New York City
Bubber Miley, Louis Metcalfe – trumpet; Joseph “Tricky Sam” Nanton – trombone; Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney, Rudy Jackson – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.
Blue Bubbles (CD: “Bug Music” Nonesuch 79438-2)
Recorded May 1996 in New York City
Don Byron – clarinet; Uri Caine – piano.
Strange Feeling (LP: “The Girl’s Suite and The Perfume Suite” Columbia C38028)
Recorded 1 June 1961 in New York City
Cat Anderson, Willie Cook, Ray Nance, Ed “Moon” Mullens – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Lou Blackburn, Chuck Connors – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums; Milt Grayson – vocal.
Strange Feeling (CD: “The African Flower – The Music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn” )
Recorded 24/25 June 1985 in New York City
James Newton – flute; John Blake – violin; Olu Dara – cornet; Arthur Blythe – alto sax; Sir Jay Hoggard – vibraphone; Roland Hanna – piano; Rick Rozie – bass; Pheeroan Ak Laff – drums; Anthony Brown – percussion; Milt Grayson – vocal.
Dancers In Love (LP: “The Girl’s Suite and The Perfume Suite” Columbia C38028)
Recorded 9 December 1957 in New York City
Cat Anderson, Harold “Shorty” Baker, Ray Nance – trumpet; Quentin Jackson, Britt Woodman, John Sanders – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums; Milt Grayson – vocal.
Dancers In Love (CD: “Swing Reunion” Book-of-the-Month Records 71-7024)
Recorded 1/2 March 1985 at Town Hall in New York City
Red Norvo – vibraphone
Virgin Jungle (CD: “Concert in the Virgin Islands” Collectables 6734)
Recorded 14 April 1965 in Chicago
Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Richard Williams – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; John Lamb – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.
Virgin Jungle (CD: “The Door” Novus 3049-2-N)
Recorded 4/5 July 1988 in Paris
Steve Lacy, Steve Potts – soprano sax; Irene Aebi – violin; Bobby Few – piano; Jean-Jacques Avinel – bass; Sam Woodyard, Oliver Johnson – drums.
It’s Something You Ought To Know (Paul Gonsalves – “Ellingtonia Moods and Blues,” RCA Victor / RCA63562)
Globe Trotter (CD: “Four Classic Albums” Avid Jazz AMSC999)
Creole Blues (CD: “Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962” Columbia 5176872)
Stardust (CD: “Johnny Hodges, soloist, Billy Strayhorn and The Orchestra” Verve 314 557 543-2)
Rose of the Rio Grande (CD: “The Great Paris Concert” Collectables 7818)
Minnie the Moocher (CD: “Recollections of the Big Band Era” Warner Bros. 7411628)
Stompy Jones/Mood Indigo (CD: “Everybody Knows Johnny Hodges” GRP/Impulse! GRD-116)
Rabbit Out of the Hat (CD: “Con Soul & Sax/Wild Bill is the Boss” Lone Hill Jazz LHJ10283)
Duke Ellington And His Orchestra – The Treasury Shows Vol.16
Duke Ellington And His Orchestra – The Treasury Shows Vol.17
Duke Ellington And His Orchestra – The Treasury Shows Vol.18
Duke Ellington And His Orchestra – The Treasury Shows Vol.19
Duke Ellington And His Orchestra – The Treasury Shows Vol.20
Straight Back (CD: “The Complete Verve Johnny Hodges Small Group Sessions 1956-61” Mosaic MD6-200)
Echoes of Harlem/ Black, Brown and Beautiful (CD: Oliver Nelson “Black, Brown and Beautiful” )
Wanderlust (CD: Johnny Hodges “Buenos Aires Blues” Lone Hill Jazz – LHJ10373)
Squatty Roo (CD: “Johnny Hodges, Verve Jazz Masters 35” Verve 314 521 857-2)
Stolen Sweets (CD: “Mess of Blues” Lone Hill Jazz LHJ10285)
Broadway Babe (CD: Mercer Ellington “Stepping Into Swing Society” Fresh Sound Records FSR-CD 531)
Once Upon a Time (CD: Earl Hines “Once Upon a Time” Impulse! A-9108)
Strange Feeling (CD: “The African Flower – The Music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn” )
