Featuring the singing trumpeters of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Continue reading →
Ray Nance, photo by Lee Tanner
The recordings heard on this podcast episode:
Dear 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.
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.
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.
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.
Ain’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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Take 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.
My Gal (CD: “Clark Terry – Bob Brookmeyer Quintet: Complete Studio Recordings” Lone Hill Jazz LHJ 10199) Recorded 1965, New York City
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
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:
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.
Chatter 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.
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.
Rhapsody 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.
Sonnet 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.
Tang (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.
The 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.
Joog 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.
Praise 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 —-
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.
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.
Billy Strayhorn wrote “Take the “A” Train,” which became the band’s theme song in 1941. We survey a number of diverse treatments from a thirty year period. Continue reading →
“”Our theme is [Billy Strayhorn’s] “Take the ‘A’ Train,” and I can still hear his voice clearly clearing up any point of indecision with his watchword: “Ever onward and upward!” Many people are indebted to Billy Strayhorn, and I more than anybody.”
Take the “A” Train (CD: “Highlights of the Great 1940-1942 Band” Avid, AMSC1143)
Recorded 15 February 1941, Los Angeles
Wallace Jones, Ray Nance –trumpets; Rex Stewart – cornet; Lawrence Brown, Juan Tizol, Joe “Tricky Sam” Nanton – trombones; Otto Hardwicke, Johnny Hodges, Ben Webster, Barney Bigard, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guitar; Jimmie Blanton – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.
Manhattan Murals(CD: “Carnegie Hall, November 13, 1948” Vintage Jazz Classics 1024)
Recorded 13 November 1948 at Carnegie Hall, New York City
Shelton Hemphill, Al Killian, Francis Williams, Harold Baker, Ray Nance – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Quentin Jackson, Tyree Glenn – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Al Sears, Ben Webster, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – guy; Wendell Marshall – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.
Take the “A” Train (LP: “The Greatest Jazz Concert In the World” Pablo 2625-070)
Recorded 26 March 1967, Carnegie Hall, New York City
Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson – piano; Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Hamilton, Harry Carney – reeds; John Lamb – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.
This is the last part of our look at the 25 double CD set of Storyville’s Treasury Show series…. Continue reading →
“In April 1945, Duke Ellington began what was to be the largest single recording project of his career, though it is most unlikely that he or anyone else thought of it in such terms at the time… [He] signed an agreement with the newly formed American Broadcasting Company to broadcast a series of hour-long Saturday afternoon network shows under the title “A Date With The Duke.”… The recordings of these complete broadcasts…make up the largest single block of material in the Ellington discography.”
– Eddie Lambert, A Listener’s Guide – Duke Ellington
The recordings heard on this podcast episode:
(Under construction…..)
— Our closing music —-
It’s Something You Ought To Know (Paul Gonsalves – “Ellingtonia Moods and Blues,” RCA Victor / RCA63562)
Recorded 29 February 1960, New York City
Paul Gonsalves- tenor sax; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Ray Nance – cornet; Mitchell “Booty” Wood – trombone; Jimmy Jones – piano; Al Hall – bass; Oliver Jackson – drums.
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)
“Bubber Miley was from the body and soul of Soulville. He was raised on soul and saturated and marinated in soul. Every note he played was soul filled with the pulse of compulsion….. Bubber was born in South Carolina, but … Continue reading →
“Bubber Miley was from the body and soul of Soulville. He was raised on soul and saturated and marinated in soul. Every note he played was soul filled with the pulse of compulsion…..
Bubber was born in South Carolina, but his family moved to New York when he was quite young, and he was raised there. His growl solos with the plunger mute were another of our early sound identities, and between 1925 and 1929 he laid the foundation of a tradition that has been maintained ever since by men like Cootie Williams and Ray Nance.” –
– Duke Ellington, Music Is My Mistress
The recordings heard on this podcast episode:
Early Ellington (1927 – 1934), Bluebird 6852-2-RB
Black and Tan Fantasy, recorded 6 October 1927, Camden, New Jersey
Bubber Miley, Louis Metcalf – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; unknown, Edgar Sampson, Otto Hardwicke – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Mack Shaw – tuba.
East St. Louis Toodle-oo, recorded 3 December 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; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.
Doin’ the Voom Voom and Flaming Youth, recorded 16 January 1929, New York City
Arthur Whetsel, Bubber Miley, Freddie Jenkins – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.
Early Ellington – The Complete Brunswick And Vocalion Recordings Of Duke Ellington, 1926-1931, Decca/MCA Records GRD-3-640 (3 CD set)
The Mooche, recorded 17 October 1928, New York City
Arthur Whetsel, Bubber Miley, unknown – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.
The Okeh Ellington, Columbia C2K 46177 (2 CD set)
Take it Easy, recorded 19 January 1928, New York City
Bubber Miley, Louis Metcalf – trumpet; Joe Nanton – trombone; Barney Bigard, Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy – banjo; Wellman Braud – bass; Sonny Greer – drums.
The Mooche, 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.
The Bix Beiderbecke Story, Proper Records P1362 (4 CD set)
Louisiana, recorded 23 April 1928, New York City
Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra: Henry Busse, Charles Margulis, Eddie Prinder – trumpet; Bix Beiderbecke – cornet; Boyce Cullen, Wilbur Hall, Bill Rank, Jack Fulton – trombone; Irving Friedman, Chet Hazlett, Rube Crozier, Frank Trumbauer, Red Mayer, Charles Strickfaden – reeds; Kurt Dierterle, Mischa Russell, Matty Malneck, Mario Perry, John Bowman, Charles Gaylord – violin; Roy Bargy, Lennie Hayton – piano; Mike Pingitore – banjo; Min Leibrook – tuba; Mike Trafficante – bass; Hal McDonald – drums; Bing Crosby, Jack Fulton, Austin Young, Charles Gaylord – vocal.
Rockin’ Chair, recorded 21 May 1930, New York City
Bix Beiderbecke – cornet; James “Bubber” Miley – trumpet; Tommy Dorsey – trombone; Arnold Brilhart, Benny Goodman, Bud Freeman – reeds; Joe Venuti – violin; Hoagy Carmichael – piano, vocal; .Eddie Lang – guitar; Harry Goodman – bass; Gene Krupa – drums; Irving Brodsky – vocal.
— 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 look at some of the music on Volumes 6 through 10 of Storyville Records’ release of the Duke Ellington Treasury Series radio 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
Ellington playing the electric piano, Billy Strayhorn on harpsichord and the 1932 band in stereo are just some of the different items you’ll hear from the Ellington oeuvre. Continue reading →
“Moon Maiden represents my public debut as a vocalist, but I don’t really sing. I’m a pencil cat. My other number will be I Want To See The Dark Side Of Your Moon, Baby. Everybody dreams about going to the moon, but I have too many obligations here, too many projects I haven’t completed.”
–Duke Ellington
The recordings heard on this podcast episode:
Moon Maiden (LP: “The Intimate Ellington” Pablo 2310-787)
Recorded 14 July 1969, New York City
Duke Ellington – vocal, celeste.
Moon Maiden (CD: “Live and Rare” Bluebird 09026-63953-2)
Recorded 4 September 1969, New York City
Cootie Williams, Willie Cook, Lloyd Michaels – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Benny Green, Chuck Connors – trombone; Norris Turney, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano, vocal; Wild Bill Davis – organ;Paul Kondziela, Victor Gaskin – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.
Black and Tan Fantasy (CD: “Jump for Joy” Jazz Life CD CD 15012)
Recorded 25 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.
Discontented Blues / Once In A Blue Mood (CD: “The Complete Capitol Recordings of Duke Ellington” Mosaic Records MD5-160)
Recorded 19 May 1955, Chicago
Ray Nance – trumpet; Quentin Jackson – trombone; Russell Procope – clarinet, alto sax; Duke Ellington – electric piano; Jimmy Woode – bass; Dave Black – drums.
East St. Louis Toodle-O/Lot O’ Fingers/Black And Tan Fantasy
Recorded 9 February 1932, 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 – 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 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.
Ray Nance, photo by Lee Tanner
Dear Old Southland (CD: “Duke Ellington, The Centennial Edition” RCA Victor – 09026-63386-2)
Ain’t The Gravy Good (CD:”The Complete 1936-1940 Variety, Vocalion and Okeh Small Group Sessions” Mosaic Records #235)
Take the “A” Train (CD: “The Private Collection, Volume 2: Dance Concerts California” ) LMR LMR CD 83001
Portrait of Bert Williams (CD: “The Webster Blanton Band,” Bluebird 74321131812)
Chatter Box (CD: “Fargo, ND, November 7, 1940” Vintage Jazz Classics VJC-1019/20-2)
Heaven (LP: “Second Sacred Concert” Prestige P-24045)
Rhapsody In Blue (CD: “Recollections of the Big Band Era” Atlantic Jazz 7567-90043-2)
Sonnet for Caesar (LP/CD “Such Sweet Thunder” Columbia CL 1033/Columbia/Legacy 65568)
Tang (CD: “The Afro-Eurasian Eclipse” Original Jazz Classics OJCCD 645)
The Sleeping Lady and the Giant Who Watches Over Her (CD: “Latin American Suite” Original Jazz Classics OJC20 469-2)
Joog Joog (LP: “The World of Duke Ellington, Volume 2” Columbia KG 33341)
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
Mood Indigo/Hot And Bothered/Creole Love Call
East St. Louis Toodle-O/Lot O’ Fingers/Black And Tan Fantasy
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)