Search - Duke Ellington :: The Ellington Legacy

Take The "A" Train . . . To Duke Ellington's World of Jazz

Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* | CA USA | 04/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"On Liner Notes, Ian Whitcomb wrote: "Posterity agrees that Edward "Duke" Ellington is right up there in the pantheon of great American composers." True enough, Duke Ellington belonged to a few legendary musicians/bandleaders/composers who greatly paved the way to the Dance Band Era in the early 1920s. He had composed to his credit a great number of notable melodies that define the essence of real jazz from the smooth and mellow tones of "Mood Indigo" and "In A Sentimental Mood" to the highly-spirited and zesty "Caravan" and "Take The "A" Train."



This CD is a representation of his most remarkable hits of all-time, which were recorded between 1956 and 1968 that ultimately made him an international jazz icon. He was described as "The Duke," "The Old Man of Jazz" or "The Aristocrat of Harlem," and according to one of his fellow musicians, he was a "gentlemanly manipulator ruling with an iron hand on a mink glove."



He once said after a triumphant tour in Europe: "Maybe our music does mean something." Yes, definitely, Duke Ellington's music does not only mean something, it means a great deal and for the record he was the leader of the longest-lasting band in the history of Big Band.



Every track is so impressive and easy on the ears but my highlights include "Satin Doll," "Mood Indigo," "In A Sentimental Mood," "Sophisticated Lady," "Take The "A" Train," "Caravan" and a medley of "I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart/Don't Get Around Much Anymore." In this wonderful CD, the Duke, a great pianist and bandleader, is supported by his own orchestra with the backing of some of the greatest studio musicians such as Johnny Hodges (alto sax), Clark Terry (trumpet/flugelhorn) and Jimmy Woode (bass), to mention a few.



Listen to this CD and experience the Duke Ellington musical legacy.



Happy Listening!

"

"never forget that the art is in the cooking"

J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 02/23/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (1899-1974) - once commented his music was "beyond category" - well, if you have any doubts - give a listen to the 18 tracks featured on this release - "The Duke Ellington Legacy". Surrounding himself with only the best raw talent, he'd listen take note of a mesmeric riff here or a pretty melody there, throwing in some lush harmonies from his piano, spicing for variety with key changes, blending tonal coloring, stirring the ingredients of the recipe into a delectable tasty tune. An Ellington quote - "Never forget, that the art is in the cooking", which proved to be true - quite an achievement for a pianist who scarcely ever put pen to paper.In the 1940s he faced up to Be-Bop, in the middle of the 1950s he became the king of the one-night-stands - subsidized the band with royalties from his songs - foreign tours to the Middle East, India, Japan and the Soviet Union as a gentleman ambassador of American music. But in 1956 at the Newport Jazz Festival he made the extraordinary artistic comeback - and Time magazine put him on its cover - Ellington was back stronger than ever - as he produced serious concert works, confabulated new licks on his classic numbers and gave us some of the best tracks you'll ever witness on album.There is a wealth of music from the vaults of this great composer - but here, thanks to Cary E. Mansfield and Marty Wekser (producers), Jim Phillips (remastering), Ian Whitcomb (liner-notes) and Varese Sarabande for this outstanding legacy presentation from - "The Aristocrat of Harlem"...we have front-row-seats!Total Time: 76:02 on 18 Tracks...Varese Sarabande 302 066 051 2...(1999)"

Ellington from a different angle...

vmzfla | Orlando, Fl. | 12/16/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Those expecting typical pop versions of classic Duke Ellington, are in for a surprise. This generous 18 song collection(not all hits)depicts him and his band at perhaps their jazzy most playful and spontaneously innovative. The source of material here dates from 1956 through 1968, with sessions from coast to coast, along with a few live cuts sprinkled in. Immediately with the first track(live) "Take the A Train", the listener becomes aware of something special. Trumpet/vocalist Ray Vance along with the the Duke and the other band members, as well as the audience; take us on wild vocal party train ride. Creative license flows on everything on this disc. Purists beware! The reworking will appeal to a matter of ones taste. It makes you sit up and listen and smile! How about a live cha-cha version of "Caravan"? "Mood Indigo" normally a subtle piece, takes on a slightly intoxicating feel, perfectly feeding off the half-crocked cabaret crowd chatter. Even on all the studio recordings emphasis is on the legendary soloists improv. "Ocht O'clock Rock" features rock n roll drumming with an almost mocking jazz reference. The entire band rarely blazes out, thus my reservation for a 5th star! That's just my opinion! This CD is a gem and features first rate digital remastering that will command repeated listenings. The sound is immediate, putting you right there. A jovial bio tracking the Duke's illustrious career and personnel listings are included."