My Favorite (Ellington) Things, according to the iPod (Podcast #21-002)

Here’s a selection of what my iPod says are my most listened-to Ellington songs. Continue reading

“iPod – 10,000 songs in your pocket”

Apple marketing slogan

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This is my “transcription” of Jimmy Hamilton’s clarinet solo on “Sonnet for Caesar” from c. 1982…

This is the song that has the most plays on my iPod. My grandfather had this on 78 rpm and I used to listen to it – a lot. I still do!



The recordings heard on this podcast episode:



webster blanton Portrait of Bert Williams (CD: “The Webster Blanton Band,” Bluebird 74321131812)

Recorded 28 May, 1940 Chicago

Wallace Jones, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart – trumpets; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombones; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges,  Otto Hardwicke, Ben Webster, Harry Carney -reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

FargoChatter Box (CD: “Fargo, ND, November 7, 1940” Vintage Jazz Classics VJC-1019/20-2)

Recorded 7 November 1940 at The Crystal Ballroom in Fargo, North Dakota

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.

2nd sacredHeaven (LP: “Second Sacred Concert” Prestige P-24045)

Recorded 22 January 1968, New York City

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; Jeff Castleman – bass; Sam Woodyard, Steve Little – drums; Alice Babs – vocal.

recollectionsRhapsody In Blue (CD: “Recollections of the Big Band Era” Atlantic Jazz 7567-90043-2)
Recorded 20 December 1962, New York City

Cootie Williams, Roy Burrowes, Cat Anderson, Ray Nance – trumpet; 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.

such sweetSonnet for Caesar (LP/CD “Such Sweet Thunder” Columbia CL 1033/Columbia/Legacy 65568)

Recorded 15 April 1957, New York City

Willie Cook, Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombones; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

afroTang (CD: “The Afro-Eurasian Eclipse” Original Jazz Classics OJCCD 645)

Recorded 17 February 1971, New York City

Cootie Williams, Eddie Preston, Harold “Money” Johnson, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Booty Wood, Malcolm Taylor, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope,

Norris Turney, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

latinThe Sleeping Lady and the Giant Who Watches Over Her (CD: “Latin American Suite” Original Jazz Classics OJC20 469-2)

Recorded 7 January 1970, New York City

Cat Anderson, Willie Cook, Mercer Ellington, Cootie Williams – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Paul Gonsalves, Harold Ashby, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jeff Castleman – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

world of DEJoog Joog (LP: “The World of Duke Ellington, Volume 2” Columbia KG 33341)

Recorded 22 December 1949, New York City

Ray Nance – trumpet;  Tyree Glenn – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Johnny Hodges, Jimmy Forrest, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano;  Wendell Marshall – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Lu Elliott, Kay Davis – vocal.

2nd sacredPraise God and Dance (LP: “Second Sacred Concert” Prestige P-24045)

Recorded 22 January 1968, New York City

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; Jeff Castleman – bass; Steve Little – drums; Alice Babs – vocal.

— Our closing music —-

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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.

Portrait of Harold Ashby (Podcast #20-007)

A look at the great, underrated tenor saxophonist in Ellington’s late band, Harold Ashby. Continue reading

“Duke Ellington obviously enjoys Ashby’s tenor playing, because he has featured him on many different numbers… Ashby sits between two of the band’s greatest stars, Johnny Hodges and Paul Gonsalves, and when he gets up to blow he seems modestly overconscious of the fact, but when he sits down the listener has been made aware that he is where he deserves to be.”

— Stanley Dance, The World of Duke Ellington

 

 

 



The recordings heard on this podcast episode:



Jeep’s Blues/Out of Nowhere (CD:

Recorded 1961

Ray Nance – trumpet; Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves – tenor sax; Sir Charles Thompson – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Jo Jones – drums.

I Can’t Get Started (CD: “The Private Collection, Volume 9” Saja Records 91233-2)

Recorded 7 November 1968, New York City

Harold Ashby – tenor sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Jeff Castleman – bass; Rufus Jones.

Black Power (LP: “Paris Jazz Party” Affinity AFF 57)

Recorded 1 November 1969, Paris

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Ambrose Jackson, Harold “Money” Johnson – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Francois Guin, Chuck Conners – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Norris Turney, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano: Victor Gaskin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

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Thanks for the Beautiful Land on the Delta (CD: “New Orleans Suite,” Warner Bros. 7411644)

Recorded 27 April 1970, New York City

Cootie Williams, Al Rubin, Mercer Ellington, Fred Stone – trumpets; Booty Wood, Julian Priester, Malcolm Taylor – trombones; Russell Procope, Norris Turney, Johnny Hodges, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.


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Thanks for the Beautiful Land on the Delta (CD: “Never Before Released Recordings (1965-1972),” Music Masters 5041-2-C)

Recorded 23 July 1970, Milan

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Fred Stone, Nelson Williams – trumpets; Booty Wood, Chuck Connors, Malcolm Taylor – trombones; Russell Procope, Norris Turney, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Benjamin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

Some Summer Fun (LP: “The Intimate Ellington” Pablo 2310-787)

 Recorded 15 June 1970, New York City

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Fred Stone – trumpets; Booty Wood, Chuck Connors, Julian Priester – trombones; Russell Procope, Norris Turney, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Wild Bill Davis – organ; Joe Benjamin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

Chinoiserie (LP: “Concerts in Canada” Ellington ’87)

Recorded 25 May 1973, Winnipeg

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 Brotherhood (LP: “Duke Ellington’s Third Sacred Concert, The Majesty of God” RCA APL 1-0785)

Recorded 24 October 1973, Westminster Abbey, London

Blue Serge (CD: “Continuum” Fantasy FANCD 24765)

Recorded 16-17 July 1974, New York City

Mercer Ellington – conductor; Cootie Williams, James “Buddy” Bolden, Harold “Money” Johnson, Barrie Lee Hall, Jr. – trumpet; Art Baron, Vince Prudente, Chuck Connors – trombone; Harold Minerve, James Spaulding, Maurice Simon, Harold Ashby, Harry Carney – reeds; Lloyd Mayers – piano; Larry Ridley – bass; Quentin “Rocky” White – drums.

Struttin’ with some Barbeque (CD: “I’m Old Fashioned” Stash Records ST-CD-545)

Recorded 1991

Harold Ashby – tenor sax; Richard Wyands – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Connie Kay – drums.

 

 

— Our closing music —-

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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.

Ellingtonian Geography (Podcast #19-016)

Geographically titled songs by Ellington and his associates. Continue reading

“Night Life was New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Paris, Berlin; uptown, downtown; Harlem, out South; anywhere where they wore that gorgeous velvet mantle.”

– Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress




The recordings heard on this podcast episode:



 

centennial editionWashington Wobble (CD: “Duke Ellington, The Centennial Edition” RCA Victor ‎– 09026-63386-2)

Recorded 6 October 1927, New York City

Bubber Miley, Louis Metcalf – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Rudy Jackson, Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo;  Mack Shaw – tuba; Sonny Greer – drums.


Complete Columbia Volume 2New York City Blues (LP: “The Complete Duke Ellington 1947-1952” CBS 462986 2)

Recorded 30 December 1947, New York City

Harold “Shorty” Baker – trumpet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Junior Raglin – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.


Treasury Show Vol. 7Blue Belles of Harlem (CD: “The Treasury Shows, Volume 7” D.E.T.S. ‎– 903 9007)

Recorded 7 July 1945, New York City

Shelton Hemphill,  Rex Stewart, Taft Jordan, Cat Anderson, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Claude Jones – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Junior Raglin – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.


duke small groups vol. 2Mobile Blues (CD: “The Duke’s Men, Volume 2” Columbia Jazz Masterpieces ‎– C2K 48835)

Recorded 21 December 1938, New York City

Cootie Williams – trumpet; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.


rem in tempoNew East St. Louis Toodle-oo (CD: “Reminiscing In Tempo” Legacy ‎– CK 48654)

Recorded 5 March 1937, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Billy Taylor, Hayes Alvis – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Freddy Jenkins – chimes.


all star road band vol 2Isfahan (CD: “All Star Road Band, Volume 2” Doctor Jazz FDC 5011)

Recorded  31 May 1964, Chicago

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Nat Woodard – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Peck Morrison – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.


centennial editionDallas Doings (CD: “Duke Ellington, The Centennial Edition” RCA Victor ‎– 09026-63386-2)

Recorded  26 September 1933, Chicago

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins, Louis Bacon – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.


latin am suiteOculpaca (CD: “Latin American Suite” Fantasy OJC20 469-2)

Recorded 5 November 1968, New York City

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Willie Cook – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harold Ashby, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jeff Castleman – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.


highlightsRumpus in Richmond (CD: “Highlights of the Great 1940-1942” Avid EMSC1143)

Recorded 22 July 1940, New York City

Cootie Williams, Wallace Jones, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe “Tricky Sam” Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Ben Webster, Barney Bigard, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.


piano reflectionsMontevideo (CD: “Piano Reflections” Capitol Jazz ‎– CDP 7 92863 2)

Recorded 3 December 1953, New York City

Duke Ellington – piano; Wendell Marshall – bass; Dave Black – drum, Ralph Collier – congas.


highlightsMoon Over Cuba (CD: “Highlights of the Great 1940-1942” Avid EMSC1143)

Recorded 2 July1941, Los Angeles

Ray Nance, Wallace Jones, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe “Tricky Sam” Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Ben Webster, Barney Bigard, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.


early ellingtonOklahoma Stomp (CD: “Early Ellington – The Complete Brunswick And Vocalion Recordings Of Duke Ellington, 1926-1931” Decca/MCA Records GRD-3-640)

Recorded 29 October 1929, New York City

Cootie Williams, Freddy Jenkins – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Johnny Hodges – alto sax;  Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Teddy Bunn – guitar; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Howard “Blinky” Randolph – kazoo.


duke 100A Midnight In Paris (CD: “Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962” Columbia 5176872)

Recorded 21 June 1962, New York City

Bill Berry, Roy Burrowes, Cat Anderson, Ray Nance  – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Britt Woodman, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.


featuring Paul GonsalvesParis Blues (CD: “Duke Ellington and his Orchestra featuring Paul Gonsalves” Fantasy ‎– F-9636)

Recorded 1 May 1962, New York City

Bill Berry, Roy Burrowes, Cat Anderson, Ray Nance – trumpet; Leon Cox, Lawrence Brown, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.

— Our closing music —-

0000120517It’s Something You Ought To Know (Paul Gonsalves – “Ellingtonia Moods and Blues,” RCA Victor / RCA63562)

Recorded 29 February 1960, New York City

Paul Gonsalves- tenor sax; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Ray Nance – cornet; Mitchell “Booty” Wood – trombone; Jimmy Jones – piano; Al Hall – bass; Oliver Jackson – drums.

The Treasury Shows, Pt. V (Podcast #19-015)

This is the last part of our look at the 25 double CD set of Storyville’s Treasury Show series…. Continue reading

“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 —-

0000120517It’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.

 

Happy Birthday, Duke! (Podcast #19-009)

A belated podcast celebrating the 120th anniversary of Duke Ellington’s birth and the 2 anniversary of Ellington Reflections!
Continue reading

 



The recordings heard on this podcast episode:



 

box

Portrait of Ella Fitzgerald (Podcast #18-017)

A look at the magical teaming of Duke and Ella….
Continue reading

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

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ella stampduke stamp

 

 

 

 



The recordings heard on this podcast episode:



 

cw jubilee

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.


 

ella and duke58

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.


 

stockholm concert

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.


Ella and Duke greek theatre

 

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.


 

ella at dukes place

 

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.

Where to Start? (Podcast #18-009)

These four CD sets are a great start to a Duke Ellington collection at a reasonable price. Continue reading


Duke Ellington 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. 

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 The recordings heard on this podcast episode:



 

Highlights

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.


 

Great Paris Concert

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.


 

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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.

 


ella and duke58

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

Portrait of Sonny Greer (Podcast #18-007)

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


Sonny Greer autograph

Sonny-Greer.jpg

sonny and duke

Duke Ellington and Sonny Greer – front; Ray Nance, Rex Stewart, Joe “Tricky Sam” Nanton, Harry Carney, Johnny Hodges – rear.

SONNY GREER DUKE


Sonny Greer in action in 1958

 



The recordings heard on this podcast episode:



 

MI0001923424

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.


early ellington

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.



works of duke vol. 7

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.


 

carnegie

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.


 

world volume 3

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.


 

ellington hollywd bowl

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.


 

duke 100

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.


 

hines

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.


 

0000120517

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.




 

Portrait of Ben Webster, Pt. II (Podcast #18-003)

A look at the music of Ben Webster after his tenure with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Continue reading

“He was considered the supreme ballad master. As great as Prez, Hawk and Byas were, they all had to take a back seat to Ben on ballads. Ben almost had a monopoly on the pretty ones. His breathy, whispy [sic] style, coupled with a most distinct tone enabled him to get an effect of a violin sound in his upper register playing. And when he would manipulate down to the lower register, he would nearly blow you out of your mind.”

-Bernard Montgomery



ben webster late




Alum

 Jet Magazine, 24 July 1958


BW website

Screenshot from The Official Ben Webster website





websterbenjamim

 Ben Webster’s ashes are buried at Assistens Cemetery in Copenhagen


The recordings heard on this podcast episode:



atmosphere

Blue Light (LP: “Atmosphere for Lovers and Thieves” Black Lion Records 65117)

Recorded September 1965, Copenhagen

Ben Webster, Ole Kongsted – tenor sax; Arnved Meyer – trumpet; John Darville – trombone; Niels Jorgen Steen – piano; Henrik Hartmann – bass; Hans Nymand – drums.


bw with strings

What Am I Here For? (CD: “Music for Loving” Verve 314 527 774-2)

Recorded 9 September 1955, New York City

Ben Webster – tenor sax; Al Epstein, Danny Bank – reeds; Harold Colletta, Martin Donegan, Leo Kruczek, Harry Lookofsky, Eugene Orloff, Tosha Samaroff, Paul Winter – violin; Burt Fisch – viola; Abram Boradkin, George Ricci, Lucien Schmitt – cello; Hank Jones – piano; Chet Amsterdam, Wendell Marshall – bass; Osie Johnson – drums; Ralph Burns – arranger, conductor.

My Funny Valentine

Recorded 30 March 1954, New York City

Ben Webster – tenor sax; Teddy Wilson – piano; Ray Brown – bass; Jo Jones – drums.


BW emarcy

Pouting/The Iron Hat (CD: “The Complete Ben Webster on EmArcy” EmArcy 824 836-2(1))

Recorded 23 January 1953, New York City

Don Elliot – trumpet, mellophone; Eddie Bert – trombone; Sam Rubinowitch – alto sax, piccolo; Ben Webster – tenor sax; Sidney Brown – baritone sax; Billy Taylor – piano; Milt Hinton – bass; Jo Jones – drums; Johnny Richards – arranger.


 

See_You_at_the_Fair

In a Mellow Tone / The Single Petal of a Rose (CD: “See You At The Fair” Impulse! GRD-121)

Recorded 11 March 1964, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Ben Webster – tenor sax; Hank Jones – piano; Richard Davis – bass; Osie Johnson -drums.


Ben-Webster-Meets-Don-Byas-cover

Caravan (CD: “Ben Webster meets Don Byas” Verve 827920-2)

Recorded 1/2 February 1968, Villingen, Black Forest, Germany

Ben Webster, Don Byas – tenor sax; Tete Montoliu – piano; Peter Trunk – bass; Albert “Tootie” Heath – drums.


ben and bean

It Never Entered My Mind (CD: “Coleman Hawkins encounters Ben Webster” Verve 9884036)

Recorded 16 October 1957, Los Angeles

Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkins – tenor sax; Oscar Peterson – piano; Herb Ellis – guitar; Ray Brown – bass; Alvin Stoller – drums.


side by side

Just A Memory (CD: “Johnny Hodges and Duke Ellington – Side by Side” PolyGram
5214052)

Recorded 14 August 1958, New York City

Johnny Hodges – alto saxophone; Roy Eldridge – trumpet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Ben Webster – tenor saxophone; Billy Strayhorn – piano; Wendell Marshall – bass; Jo Jones – drums.


king of the tenors

That’s All (CD: “King of the Tenors” Verve 314 519 806-2)

Recorded 8 December 1953, Los Angeles

Ben Webster – tenor sax; Harry “Sweets” Edison – trumpet; Benny Carter – alto sax; Oscar Peterson – piano; Herb Ellis – guitar; Ray Brown – bass; Alvin Stoller – drums.


ben and art tatum

Gone with the Wind (CD: “The Tatum Group Masterpieces” Pablo J33J 20034)

Recorded 11 September 1956, Los Angeles

Ben Webster – tenor sax; Art Tatum – piano; Red Callender – bass; Bill Douglass – drums.


slim gaillard

Potato Chips (CD: Slim Gaillard, “Laughing in Rhythm: The Best of the Verve Years” Verve 314 521 651-2)

Recorded 1952, New York City

Slim Gaillard – vocal; Ben Webster – tenor sax; others unknown.


newport

C Jam Blues/Chelsea Bridge (LP: Various Artists, “Newport Jazz Festival Live (Unreleased Highlights from 1956, 1958, 1963”) Columbia C2 38262)

Recorded 4 July 1958 live at The Newport Jazz Festival

Cootie Williams – trumpet; Rex Stewart – cornet; Tyree Glenn – trombone; Hilton Jefferson – alto sax; Ben Webster – tenor sax; Billy Strayhorn – piano; Oscar Pettiford – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.


ella and duke

All Too Soon (CD: “Ella & Duke at The Cote D’Azur” PolyGram 539030)
Recorded 29 July 1966, Juan-les-Pins, France

Ray Nance – trumpet, violin; Ben Webster – tenor sax; 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.

 

Portrait of Ben Webster, Pt. I (Podcast #18-002)

The addition of Ben Webster in 1940 permanently brought Ellington’s saxophone section to five members. But Webster’s tenor voice was to impact the band far beyond his four year tenure. Continue reading

“After he had made a record date with us in 1935, I always had a yen for Ben. So as soon as we thought we could afford him, we added him on, which gave us a five-piece saxophone section for the first time. Although Barney Bigard used to play tenor saxophone, clarinet was his main instrument, so Ben Webster was really our first tenor specialist and soloist. His splendid performances on “Cottontail,” “Conga Brava,” “All Too Soon,” “Just a-Settin’ and a-Rockin’,” and “What Am I Here For?” were a sensation everywhere, and he soon became a big asset to the band. His enthusiasm and drive had an especially important influence on the saxophone section.

His influence didn’t end when he left either, because when Paul Gonsalves came into the band he knew all of Ben’s solos note for note.”

-Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress

 

ben webster

cottontail

Ben Webster’s famous solo on “Cottontail.” Link to the full solo is here.

 



The recordings heard on this podcast episode:



 

elling_duke_complete1_101b

(CD: “The Complete 1933-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosaic Records #248)

Truckin’

Recorded 19 August 1935, New York City

Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Barney Bigard, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums, Ivy Anderson – vocal.


In A Jam

Recorded 29 July 1936, New York City
Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Barney Bigard, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.


Mood Indigo

Recorded 14 February 1940, Chicago

Wallace Jones, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Barney Bigard, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums; Ivie Anderson – vocal.



 

Highlights

(CD: “Highlights of the Great 1940-1942 Band” Avid AMSC1143)

All Too Soon

Recorded 22 July 1940, New York City

Wallace Jones, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Barney Bigard, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.


Cotton Tail 

Recorded 4 May 1940, Los Angeles

Wallace Jones, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Barney Bigard, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.


Blue Serge

Recorded 15 February 1941, Los Angeles

Wallace Jones, Ray Nance, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Barney Bigard, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.


Rain Check

Recorded 2 December 1941, Los Angeles

Wallace Jones, Ray Nance, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Barney Bigard, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.



 

Duke-at-Fargo-1

Bojangles/Star Dust (CD: “Fargo, ND, November 7, 1940” Vintage Jazz Classics VJC-1019/20-2)

Recorded 7 November 1940 at The Crystal Ballroom in Fargo, North Dakota

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.



nance non ducal

Swinging in 4 (CD: “Ray Nance, The Complete 1940-1949 Non-Ducal Violin Recordings”)

Recorded 1941, Los Angeles

Ben Webster – clarinet; Ray Nance – violin; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.



 

carnegie 48

How High The Moon (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.


 

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.