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 →
“[Joya] did such a good job on “I’m Beginning to See the Light” that we have been playing it ever since. It is a tribute to her diction and articulation, too, that when I ask them to join in singing it with us, audiences all over the world seem to know the words.”
– Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress
Joya Sherrill
[20 August 1924 – 28 June 2010]
Joya Sherrill and Duke Ellington on the cover of the November 1945 issue of Metronomemagazine. (With thanks to David Fletcher)
November 1945 issue of Metronomemagazine. (With thanks to David Fletcher)
Audio, but no video, of Duke Ellington’s 30 August 1970 appearance on Joya’s Fun School (Thanks, Mike!)
The recordings heard on this podcast episode:
Black, Brown & Beige (CD: Bluebird 6641-2-RB)
I’m Beginning to See the Light
(All of a Sudden) My Heart Sings
Kissing Bug
Everything But You
Tell Ya What I’m Gonna Do
The Wonder of You
Blue Jay (CD: “Classic Capitol Jazz Sessions” Mosaic Records MD12-170)
Recorded 26 January 1945, Los Angeles
Joya Sherrill – vocal; Rex Stewart – cornet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Al Sears – tenor sax; Harry Carney – baritone sax; Eddie Heywood – piano; Ulysses Livingston – guitar; Jr. Raglin – bass; Keg Purnell – drums.
The Blues (CD: “My People – The Complete Show” Storyville Records 1018430)
Recorded 20 August 1963, Chicago
Joya Sherrill – vocal; 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 Sings Duke (CD: Verve 547 266-2)
Mood Indigo/Kissing Bug
Recorded 12 January 1965, Chicago
Joya Sherrill – vocal; Cootie Williams – trumpet; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Ernie Harper – piano; John Lamb – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.
A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing/Day Dream/I’m Beginning to See the Light
Recorded 20 January 1965, New York City
Joya Sherrill – vocal; Ray Nance – violin, cornet; Billy Strayhorn – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Shep Shepherd – 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.
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)
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.
William Alexander “Sonny” Greer was the Ellington band’s first drummer; his tenure was from 1923-51. Continue reading →
“Sonny would sit up behind the band, elevated high at his drums, an enormous array of blocks, bells, chimes, cymbals, snares and so on surrounding him, looking like the king of the band. At least, he always sat up high until one unfortunate occasion when he arrived for work having imbibed too much and fell from his lofty perch.”
–Rex Stewart, Boy Meets Horn
Duke Ellington and Sonny Greer – front; Ray Nance, Rex Stewart, Joe “Tricky Sam” Nanton, Harry Carney, Johnny Hodges – rear.
Sonny Greer in action in 1958
The recordings heard on this podcast episode:
Social Parlor De Lux // Oh, How I Love My Darling(CD: 1924-1926: Birth of a Band, Vol. 1 EPM #HS151042)
Recorded November 1924 in New York City
Social Parlor De Lux – Alberta Prime and Sonny Greer – vocal; Duke Ellington – piano.
Oh, How I Love My Darling – Sonny Greer -vocal; Otto Hardwicke – C Melody sax; Duke Ellington – piano; George Francis – banjo.
The Mooche (CD: “Early Ellington 1927-1934” Bluebird 6852-2-RB)
Recorded October 1928 in New York City
Arthur Whetsel, Bubber Miley – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard(cl,ts); Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.
Dinah (LP: “The Works of Duke, Volume 7” French RCA 741 085)
Recorded 9 February 1932 in New York City
Arthur Whetsel, Freddie Jenkins, Cootie Williams – trumpet; Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – vocal, drums.
Jumpin’ Punkins (CD: “The Complete Prestige Carnegie Hall 1943-1944 Concerts Definitive Classics DRCD 11210)
Recorded 23 January 1943 at Carnegie Hall, New York City
Wallace Jones, Rex Stewart, Harold Baker – trumpet; Ray Nance – trumpet and violin; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Chauncy Haughton, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Junior Raglin – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.
Harlem Airshaft/Ring Dem Bells (CD: “World Broadcasting Series, Volume 3” Circle CCD-103)
Recorded 1 December 1943 in New York City
Wallace Jones, Rex Stewart, Harold Baker,Taft Jordan, Ray Nance – trumpet; 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, chimes.
Ring Dem Bells (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, chimes.
Stomp, Look and Listen (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.
Cotton Tail (CD: “Once Upon A Time” Universal/Verve 6544922)
Recorded 10 January 1966 in New York City
Cat Anderson, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harold Ashby – reeds; Earl Hines – piano; Richard Davis – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.
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.
Sun Ra, Cecil Taylor, Archie Shepp and others interpret Ellington’s music. Continue reading →
“Now, when I was considered avant garde, Duke Ellington at that time was avant garde to me — and I’m sure Barry Ulanov would say the same thing, although he never exactly said Duke was avant garde; but Duke was, because his music was more modern than most things going on.”
— Charles Mingus
Sun Ra and his Arkestra at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA 1985 (photo by Steve Bowie)
The recordings heard on this podcast episode:
Take the “A” Train (CD: “Live at Montreux” Inner City )
Recorded 9 July 1976 in Montreux, Switzerland
Sun Ra – piano; Ahmed Abdullah, Al Evans, Chris Capers – trumpet; Vincent Chancey: – french horn; Marshall Allen, John Gilmore, Pat Patrick, James “Ham” Jackson, Elo Omo, Danny Davis – reeds; Tony Bunn, Hayes Burnett – bass; Clifford Jarvis, Larry Bright, Stanley Morgan – drums and percussion.
Creole Love Call(CD:”Ancient to the Future, Volume 1″ DIW 804)
Recorded 17-19 March 1987 in Brooklyn, NY
Lester Bowie – trumpet; Roscoe Mitchell, Joseph Jarman – reeds; Malachi Favors – bass; Famadou Don Moye – drums.
Come Sunday (CD: “The World Saxophone Quartet Plays Duke Ellington” Nonesuch
79137)
Recorded April 1986 in New York City
Julius Hemphill, Oliver Lake – alto sax; David Murray – tenor sax; Hamiet Bluiett – baritone sax.
Jumpin’ Punkins (CD: “Highlights of the Great 1940-1942 Band” Avid AMSC1143)
Recorded 5 June 1941, Los Angeles
Wallace Jones, Rex Stewart, Ray Nance – trumpet; 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(CD: “The Complete Candid Recordings of Cecil Taylor and Buell Neidlinger” Mosaic 127)
Recorded 9 January 1961 in New York City
Cecil Taylor – piano; Clark Terry – trumpet; Roswell Rudd – trombone; Steve Lacy – soprano sax; Archie Shepp – tenor sax; Charles Davis – baritone sax; Buell Neidlinger – bass; Billy Higgins – drums.
Prelude to a Kiss (CD: “Day Dream” Denon Jazz DC-8547)
Recorded 3 June 1977 in New York City
Archie Shepp – tenor sax; Walter Davis – piano; Earl May – bass; Philly Joe Jones – drums.
Ko Ko(CD: “Monk’s Dream” Universal / Verve E5430902)
Recorded 21-22 June 1999 in Paris
Steve Lacy – soprano sax; Roswell Rudd – trombone; Jean-Jacques Avenel – bass; John Betsch – drums.
Summertime (CD: “Piano in the Foreground” Columbia / Legacy 87042)
Recorded 1 March 1961 in Los Angeles
Duke Ellington – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.
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.
It’s Something You Ought To Know (Paul Gonsalves – “Ellingtonia Moods and Blues,” RCA Victor / RCA63562)
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)
Rabbit Out of the Hat (CD: “Con Soul & Sax/Wild Bill is the Boss” Lone Hill Jazz LHJ10283)
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)
The Gal From Joe’s/ Your Love Has Faded (CD: “Johnny Hodges, soloist, Billy Strayhorn and The Orchestra” Verve 314 557 543-2)
Once Upon a Time (CD: Earl Hines “Once Upon a Time” Impulse! A-9108)
