Portrait of Jimmy Hamilton, Part I (Podcast #21-004)

“[Jimmy Hamilton] usually manages anything musical that he sets his mind to, and there, I think, is the key to any attempt at describing him. He has the capacity to discipline himself and the diligence to study in order to … Continue reading

“[Jimmy Hamilton] usually manages anything musical that he sets his mind to, and there, I think, is the key to any attempt at describing him. He has the capacity to discipline himself and the diligence to study in order to learn. He practices endlessly and scarcely ever gets away from the school rules. You might say that he is a tutor-rooter, and a credit to his tutor!”

 – Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress


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The recordings heard on this podcast episode:



Duke100Progressive Gavotte (CD: “Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962” Columbia 5176872)

Recorded 11 November 1947, New York City

Shelton Hemphill, Dud Bascomb, Francis Williams, Ray Nance, Harold Baker – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Claude Jones, Tyree Glenn – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Billy Strayhorn – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Oscar Pettiford – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

 

Duet –

The One that Got Away – Charlie Shavers – trumpet; Jimmy Hamilton – clarinet; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Don Byas – tenor sax; Red Norvo – vibraphone; Billy Strayhorn – piano; Remo Palmeiri – guitar; Sonny Greer – drums.

EmpireTake the “A” Train (CD: “Duke Ellington at the Hollywood Empire,” Storyville 101 8346)

Recorded 10 February 1949, Empire Club Broadcast, Hollywood, California

Shelton Hemphill, Al Killian, Francis Williams, Harold Baker, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Tyree Glenn, Quentin Jackson – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Wendell Marshall – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

 

Vol 14

Air Conditioned Jungle

Recorded 1 September 1945, New York City

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

CornellThe Tattooed Bride (CD: “The Great Concerts, Cornell University 1948,” Nimbus Records, Ni-2727)

Recorded 10 December 1948, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

Shelton Hemphill, Al Killian, Francis Williams, Ray Nance, Harold Baker – 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 – guitar; Wendell Marshall – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

CapitolIt Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing (CD: “The Complete Capitol Recordings of Duke Ellington” Mosaic Records MD5-160)

Recorded 17 June 1954, New York City

Willie Cook, Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Ray Nance – trumpet; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Rick Henderson, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Wendell Marshall – bass; Dave Black – drums-

 

— Our closing music —-

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.

And the Trumpets Sing! (Podcast #21-003)

Featuring the singing trumpeters of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Continue reading

 

RayNanceRay Nance, photo by Lee Tanner



The recordings heard on this podcast episode:


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

Recorded 4 December 1933, Chicago

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


centennial edition

Rude Interlude  (CD: “Duke Ellington, The Centennial Edition” RCA Victor ‎– 09026-63386-2)

Recorded 26 September 1933, Chicago

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


centennial edition

I’ll Come Back For More (CD: “Duke Ellington, The Centennial Edition” RCA Victor ‎– 09026-63386-2)

Recorded 20 March 1939, New York City

Louis Bacon – trumpet, vocal; Rex Stewart – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard – clarinet; Duke Ellington – piano; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.


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Baby, Ain’tcha Satisfied (CD: “The Duke’s Men: Small Groups, Vol. 1” Columbia C2K 46995)

Recorded 12 December 1934, New York City

Rex Stewart – cornet, vocal; George Stevenson – trombone; Rudy Powell, Bingie Madison – reeds; Roger “Ram” Ramirez – piano; Billy Taylor – bass; Jack Maisel – drums.


small groupsAin’t The Gravy Good  (CD:”The Complete 1936-1940 Variety, Vocalion and Okeh Small Group Sessions” Mosaic Records #235)

Recorded 28 February 1939, New York City

Cootie Williams – trumpet, vocal; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.


small groups

Peckin’  (CD:”The Complete 1936-1940 Variety, Vocalion and Okeh Small Group Sessions” Mosaic Records #235)

Recorded 20 May 1937, New York City

Cootie Williams – trumpet, vocal; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwick, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Hayes Alvis – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.


small groups

Dry Long So  (CD:”The Complete 1936-1940 Variety, Vocalion and Okeh Small Group Sessions” Mosaic Records #235)

Recorded 14 February 1940, Chicago

Cootie Williams – trumpet, vocal; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.


blanton webster

Bli-Blip (CD: “The Blanton-Webster Band” Bluebird RCA 5659-2-RB35)

Recorded 26 September 1941 in Los Angeles

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


duke 100

You’re Just an Old Antidisestablishmentarianismist (CD: “Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962” Columbia 5176872)

Recorded 30 September 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.


world broadcasting vol 2

It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing (CD: “World Broadcasting Series, Volume 2” Circle ‎ CCD-102)

Recorded 1 December 1943, New York City

Ray Nance – trumpet, violin, vocal; Taft Jordan – trumpet, vocal; Wallace Jones, Rex Stewart, Harold Baker – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Johnny Hodges(as); Otto Hardwick(cl,as); Skippy Williams(ts); Harry Carney(cl,as,bar); Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Junior Raglin – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.


private collection vol 2Take the “A” Train  (CD: “The Private Collection, Volume 2: Dance Concerts California” ) LMR LMR CD 83001

Recorded 4 March 1958, Travis Air Force Base

Ray Nance – vocal; Harold Baker, Clark Terry – trumpet;  Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Bill Graham, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.


 

terry brookmeyer


My Gal 
(CD: “Clark Terry – Bob Brookmeyer Quintet: Complete Studio Recordings” Lone Hill Jazz LHJ 10199)
Recorded 1965, New York City

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 —-

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.

Potrait of Tyree Glenn (Podcast #21-001)

“Tyree, to me, is a very beautiful trombone player. He plays real good legit trombone, and when he applied the plunger to it his tone remained very precise and clean, so that you were tempted to like it better than … Continue reading

“Tyree, to me, is a very beautiful trombone player. He plays real good legit trombone, and when he applied the plunger to it his tone remained very precise and clean, so that you were tempted to like it better than Tricky’s because it was so clean. But then, Tricky’s was so plaintive. Tyree is a very agile-minded musician and he always wants to do a lot of things….[H]e is one of the most effective plunger trombones I have ever heard.”

– Duke Ellington, “Duke’s Bones”

Tyree GlennWilliam Tyree Glenn

(23 November 1910 – 18 May 1974)


Glenns birth certificate

Tyree Glenn’s Birth Certificate




The recordings heard on this podcast episode:



duke 100Hy’a Sue (CD: “Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962” Columbia 5176872)

Recorded 14 August 1947, Los Angeles

Shelton Hemphill, Dud Bascomb, Francis Williams, Ray Nance, Harold Baker – 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.

DE at the empireSolid Old Man (CD: “Duke Ellington at the Hollywood Empire,” Storyville 101 8346)

Recorded 10 February 1949, Empire Club Broadcast, Hollywood, California

Shelton Hemphill, Al Killian, Francis Williams, Harold Baker, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Tyree Glenn, Quentin Jackson – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Wendell Marshall – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

duke 100Sultry Serenade (CD: “Duke Ellington: The Columbia Years 1927-1962” Columbia 5176872)

Recorded 6 October 1947, Los Angeles

Shelton Hemphill, Dud Bascomb, Ray Nance, Francis Williams – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Tyree Glenn, Claude Jones – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Oscar Pettiford – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

DE Carnegie Hall 1947

Dance #2 (from “The Liberian Suite”) (CD: “Duke Ellington Carnegie Hall Concerts, December 1947,” Prestige 2PCD-24075-2)

Recorded 26 December 1947, Carnegie Hall, NYC

Shelton Hemphill, Al Killian, Francis Williams, Ray Nance, Harold Baker – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Claude Jones – trombone; Tyree Glenn – vibraphone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Oscar Pettiford, Junior Raglin – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

DE Cornell University

Limehouse Blues (CD: “The Great Concerts, Cornell University 1948,” Nimbus Records, Ni-2727)

Recorded 10 December 1948, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

Shelton Hemphill, Al Killian, Francis Williams, Ray Nance, Harold Baker – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Quentin Jackson – trombone; Tyree Glenn – vibraphone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Wendell Marshall – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

In A Mellow Tone/ Cotton Tail (CD: “Duke with a Difference” – Clark Terry, Original Jazz Classics OJCCD-229-2, RLP 12-246)

Recorded 6 September 1957, NYC

Clark Terry – trumpet, Tyree Glenn – trombone, vibraphone; Britt Woodman – trombone; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Paul Gonsalves – tenor sax; Jimmy Woode – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.


DE and Brewer Columbia

Mood Indigo (CD: “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing,” Columbia CK 37340)

Recorded 6 September 1973, NYC

Teresa Brewer – vocal; Duke Ellington – piano; Tyree Glenn – trombone; Russell Procope – clarinet; Harry Carney – bass clarinet; Jeff Beck – guitar; Herb Bushler, Wulf Freedman – electric bass; Bernard “Pretty” Purdie – drums.

— Our closing music —-

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 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 —-

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 Joya Sherrill (Podcast #20-006)

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


Joya2

Joya Sherrill

[20 August 1924 – 28 June 2010]


Joya metronome

Joya Sherrill and Duke Ellington on the cover of the November 1945 issue of Metronome magazine. (With thanks to David Fletcher)


Joya studio

November 1945 issue of Metronome magazine. (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 and beige2

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


Capitol Jazz Sessions

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.


My People

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 sings duke

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 —-

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.

 

Portrait of Juan Tizol (Podcast #20-005)

Valve trombonist Juan Tizol (1900-84) was an important member of the Ellington band. Besides instrumental duties, he was a composer, arranger and copyist.

Continue reading

“Juan Tizol was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and suitably named after the saint, San Juan. He studied and mastered every instrument in the orchestra, but finally settled down to specialize on the valve trombone. He came to Washington, D.C., about 1920 in Marie Lucas’ orchestra, and played the Howard Theatre and the T.O.B.A. circuit. When we decided to add a valve trombone, [Arthur] Whetsol took the responsibility of convincing him to join us at the Cotton Club in 1929. He was a tremendous asset to our band….”

– Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress


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Juan Tizol


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Charles Mingus played for a brief stint in the band of his hero Duke Ellington. Juan Tizol, Ellington’s longtime trombonist and sometime arranger, asked Mingus to play a certain solo, which the bass player decided to change slightly. The alteration so infuriated Tizol he threatened Mingus with his bolo knife. Mingus responded by attacking him during a performance. Here, according to Mingus in his Beneath the Underdog, is what the Duke said to him afterwards.

“Now Charles,” he says, looking amused, putting Cartier links into the cuffs of his beautiful hand-made shirt, “you could have forewarned me–you left me out of the act entirely! At least you could have let me cue in a few chords as you ran through that Nijinsky routine. I congratulate you on your performance, but why didn’t you and Juan inform me about the adagio you planned so that we could score it? I must say I never saw a large man so agile–I never saw anybody make such tremendous leaps! The gambado over the piano carrying your bass was colossal. When you exited after that I thought, ‘That man’s really afraid of Juan’s knife and at the speed he’s going he’s probably home in bed by now.’ But no, back you came through the same door with your bass still intact. For a moment I was hopeful you’d decided to sit down and play but instead you slashed Juan’s chair in two with a fire axe! Really, Charles, that’s destructive. Everybody knows Juan has a knife but nobody ever took it seriously–he likes to pull it out and show it to people, you understand. So I’m afraid, Charles–I’ve never fired anybody–you’ll have to quit my band. I don’t need any new problems. Juan’s an old problem, I can cope with that, but you seem to have a whole bag of new tricks. I must ask you to be kind enough to give me your notice, Mingus.”

From the blog “Billy and Dad’s Emporium”


Juan Tizol’s Oral Jazz History Interview can be found here





The recordings heard on this podcast episode:



 

***UNDER CONSTRUCTION!***

 

small groups

Caravan (CD:”The Complete 1936-1940 Variety, Vocalion and Okeh Small Group Sessions” Mosaic Records #235)

Recorded 19 December, 1936 in Los Angeles

Cootie Williams – trumpet; Juan Tizol – valve trombone; Barney Bigard – clarinet; Harry Carney – baritone sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Billy Taylor – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.

Juibiliesta

 

elling_duke_complete1_101b

Juibiliesta (CD: “The Complete 1932-1940 Brunswick, Columbia and Master Recordings of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra” Mosaic Records #248)

 

 

 


Highlights

Conga Brava/Moon Over Cuba (CD: “Highlights of the Great 1940-1942 Band” Avid, AMSC1143)

 


fabulousKeb-lah/The Sphinx/Zanzibar/You Can’t Have Your Cake and Eat It (CD: “The Fabulous Ellingtonians” Mercury 830 926-2)

Recorded 7 April 1946, Los Angeles

Dick Cathcart – trumpet; Juan Tizol – valve trombone; Willie Smith – alto sax, vocal; Babe Russin – tenor sax; Arnold Ross – piano; Irving Ashby – guitar; Ed Mihelich – bass; Nick Fatool – drums.


on the air

Bakiff  (LP: “The Duke is On the Air” Aircheck Records #4)

Recorded 30 July 1952 in Chicago

Willie Cook, Cat Anderson, Clark Terry – trumpet; Ray Nance – violin; Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, Juan Tizol – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Hilton Jefferson, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Wendell Marshall – bass; Louie Bellson – drums.


 

jazz after midnight

 

Caravan (CD: “The Complete After Midnight – The Complete Session” Capitol Jazz 7243 5 20087 2 8)

Recorded

Nat “King” Cole – vocal, piano; Juan Tizol – valve trombone;

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

 

maison du dukePyramid (CD: “The Great 1963 Paris Concert, Unissued Material” Maison du Duke MDD 009)

Recorded

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.

 


— 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.

 


ONA: New York Jazz Workshop in Conversation at home with Thana Alexa

Welcome to the New York Jazz Workshop In Conversation at home podcast. The music you are hearing is  “The Resistance” off vocalist Thana Alexa’s brand new recording ONA (Self produced, 2020). Her sophomore album celebrates not only the journey of herself as a woman, but women everywhere. In our interview, you’ll hear the Best Jazz Composition PORIN (Croatian Grammy equivalent) nominee and Alpe-Aldria International songwriting contest winner discuss her growth as an artist and human being […]

Welcome to the New York Jazz Workshop In Conversation at home podcast. The music you are hearing is  “The Resistance” off vocalist Thana Alexa’s brand new recording ONA (Self produced, 2020). Her sophomore album celebrates not only the journey of herself as a woman, but women everywhere. In our interview, you’ll hear the Best Jazz Composition PORIN (Croatian Grammy equivalent) nominee and Alpe-Aldria International songwriting contest winner discuss her growth as an artist and human being between her 2015 debut Ode To Heroes and the new record; in addition to the people in her life that served as inspiration for tracks on the album, and her role in organizing the massively successful Live From Our Living Rooms music festival. The festival, which took place in April, was the first streaming music festival of the COVID-19 era, a fundraiser with vocalist Sirintip and saxophonist Owen Broder, that aims to help New York musicians out of work because of the pandemic.

Recorded May 1, 2020 in New York

Recording and post production: CJ Shearn

Podcast produced by: CJ Shearn and Thana Alexa

Music:”The Resistance” (feat. Stacey Ann Chin) (c) Thana Alexa

New (and temporary) schedule for Ellington Reflections

Due to time limitations and a manuscript deadline, Ellington Reflections will be monthly until the end of the year. The next episode will be out on May 30th. Thanks for your continued support!

1200px-RCA_Indian_Head_Test_Pattern.svgDue to time limitations and a manuscript deadline, Ellington Reflections will be monthly until the end of the year. The next episode will be out on May 30th. Thanks for your continued support!

Portrait of Sam Woodyard (Podcast #20-004)

“Sometimes we would write something that seemed or was expected to be below bland, but when Sam added his thing to it, immediately it took on a new dimension, exotic, zesty, or maybe lecherous soul. Sam the Man, who began … Continue reading

“Sometimes we would write something that seemed or was expected to be below bland, but when Sam added his thing to it, immediately it took on a new dimension, exotic, zesty, or maybe lecherous soul. Sam the Man, who began with his hand on the plan for the stand of his drums – exotic as the tabla, lecherous as the cuica, his elbow on the snare drum.” 

Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress


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The recordings heard on this podcast episode:



 

Hi Fi Fo Fum

Dueal Fuel


hawkins impules

Limbo Jazz (CD: “Duke Ellington meets Coleman Hawkins” Impulse! IMPD-162)

Recorded 18 August 1962, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Coleman Hawkins – tenor sax; Harry Carney – baritone sax; Duke Ellington – piano; Aaron Bell – bass; Sam Woodyard – drums.


Great Paris ConcertTheme from “The Asphalt Jungle”  (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.


Bonga


gpc

Stompin’ at the Savoy (CD: “The Great Paris 1963 Concert – Unissued Material” La Maison du Duke, MDD 009)

Recorded 23 February 1963, Paris

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


R-6038228-1531480967-5432.jpeg

La Plus Belle Africaine (CD: “Cote D’Azur Concerts” Verve 314539033-2)
Recorded 29 July 1966, Juan-les-Pins, France

Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Mercer Ellington, 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.


lacy the door

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.


— 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.