Search - Duke Ellington & His Orchestra :: Masterpieces by Ellington

Masterpiece is an understatement

06/21/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The term "masterpiece" does not come close enough to describing the music on this disc. For in the extended arrangements of 3 classic Ellington songs and 1 new song can you truly grasp the genius of Ellington, Strayhorn and the Ellington orchestra. Starting with Mood Indigo you are greeted with the unique sound of the trumpet, trombone, and clarinet that Duke pioneered almost 25 prior to this version. This arrangement however allows each key member of the orchestra to "stretch out" with extended solos. Procope, Gonzalves, Hodges, Williams and Strayhorn (really the whole orchestra) give top notch performances. This Strayhorn arrangement takes you on a musical journey until, before you know it, you once again hear that familiar sound of the "Mood Indigo" and its on to the next song. With Sophisticated Lady, Carney takes the lead and that rich sound of his is just so great. The other members of the orchestra each take a solo with Strahorn's playing linking each element. His solo in mid-song is delicate, yet powerful. Again, you have a Strayhorn arrangement that makes the most of the orchestra. In The Tattooed Bride, its Duke all the way. The arrangement is definitely different than the 3 other songs and the piano playing is that familiar sound of the master himself. Switching from free flowing swing to intense big band sounds the orchestra lets loose. I think this is some of Ellington's best work, there simply is no other music like it on this planet. Lastly, with Solitude you once again hear the orchestra under a Strayhorn arrangement. Carney Strayhorn, Gonsalves, Hamilton, and Brown really utilize the framework of this song to show off their talents. With this disc you have a rare look at what could have been if 3 Ellington classics were extended beyond the confines of recording technology and the limited attention of the mass listening public. To hear Strayhorn play extended solos on 3 songs and do their arrangements is a real treat. And, to hear Duke perform a new song that incorporates the best of all his previous 25 years of recordings is almost too much to ask."

"Beyond Category" , Duke's famous quote.....

Robert J. Ament | Ballwin, MO United States | 03/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

".....for something exceptional, appropriately describes this cd.The re-release of this 1950 recording was long overdue! Sony's 20 bit Super Bit Mapping digital system makes these concert length selections sound as though they were just recently recorded! These selections, with the exception of "The Tattooed Bride" which was completed in 1950, are all from 1931 thru 1934. The sound, arrangements, and solos will blow you away! According to the liner notes, the Duke once listed George Gershwin, Stravinsky, Debussy and Respighi as his favorite composers. All I can say is that I remain fascinated with the music on this cd for the orchestration, the textures,and the intricacies particularly on "The Tatooed Bride", and the men of this fine organization.To hear versions which allow the band as a group and individually to really stretch out......guys like Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Billy Strayhorn, Paul Gonsalves, Tyree Glenn, Shorty Baker, Harry Carney, Jimmy Hamilton, Lawrence Brown, Ray Nance, and of course, the Duke himself .... is pure bliss. I think this is certainly one of his best recordings.If you really like the music of Duke Ellington, as played by Duke Ellington, this cd is a must for your library!"

Outstanding CD

Robert J. Ament | 08/27/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a must for every Duke's fan. The advent of the 12" LP gave Ellington a chance to record extended versions of three of his classic compositions. I believe this is the only CD which presents the rare studio version of "The tattooed bride". This version is a true masterpiece."