Ellington Masterworks
Available on CD/Digitally
Duke Ellington is widely acknowledged as jazz’s greatest composer. While Ellington certainly experienced many artistic peaks—such as the 1927 Cotton Club “Jungle Band,” the 1940 orchestra with Ben Webster and Jimmie Blanton, the post-Newport 1956 band, and the mid-60s ensembles powered by drummers Sam Woodyard and Rufus Jones—he produced memorable compositions during every phase of his career. This live recording of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra proves that point, as it features several rare masterworks composed between 1940 and 1968. Some of these pieces may be new to longtime Ellington fans, but each composition reveals a unique aspect of Ellington’s genius.
Track List
- The Flaming Sword [03:40]
- Tattooed Bride [12:09]
- Race [04:57]
- Madness in Great Ones [04:31]
- Ad Lib on Nippon [11:58]
- Oclupaca [05:07]
- Shepherd [07:49]
- Jack the Bear [05:41]
Credits
conductor and artistic director Charlie Young saxophone section Steve Williams, Lead Alto Saxophone Bill Mulligan Scott Silbert Luis Hernandez Leigh Pilzer trumpet section Josh Kauffman, Lead Trumpet Barbara Laronga Ally Hany Albrecht Kenny Rittenhouse trombone section Jennifer Krupa, Lead Trombone Matt Niess Bill Holmes rhythm section Tony Nalker, Piano Amy Shook, Bass Ken Kimery, Drums and Executive Producer production credits Producer: Marty Ashby Associate Producer: Renée Govanucci Live Concert Engineer: Jay Dudt Mixing and Editing: Jay Ashby Additional Editing: Jay Dudt Mastering: Jesse Naus Graphic Design: Greg Schooley Photography: Murphy Moschetta All compositions by Duke Ellington except “Madness in Great Ones” which was composed by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Publishing: EMI Robbins Catalog, Inc., SONY ATV Harmony, Tempo Music, Inc., Music Sales Corp. Recorded April 6, 2024 at MCG Jazz, Pittsburgh, PA.
(P) 2024 MCG Jazz
(C) 2024 MCG Jazz