Release Date: 10 January 2006
Label: Naxos - Jazz Legends / Naxos Jazz Legends
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 636943281222
Genres: Jazz
Description
Duke Ellington, Vol. 12 'Blue Abandon' - 1946 Radio Transcriptions & Concert Recordings Throughout his career, Duke Ellington's only competition among his fans was with his earlier ensembles. Some listeners preferred his 'jungle band' of 1928 or his swing era group of 1935 while jazz critics often cite the 1940-42 'Blanton-Webster Band' as his finest. The truth is that Ellington continued to evolve steadily through the years in his writing, playing and arranging for his orchestra. While few would say that his 1946 orchestra was his finest, this CD offers compelling evidence that it was certainly up there.In hindsight, Edward Kennedy Ellington seemed destined for greatness from the start. Born 29 April 1899 in Washington DC, Ellington was constantly encouraged by his doting mother who told him repeatedly that he was special and had great things to accomplish; the youth never doubted her word. Nicknamed 'Duke' due to his classy nature, he thought for a while of becoming an artist but instead found himself attracted to the lifestyle of the pianists whom he saw playing locally in bars and pool halls. Soon he was leading his own band, despite knowing very few songs. Ellington put on a strong front and advertised his ensemble with a big ad in the Yellow Pages, faking his way for a time until he had developed much further with his piano playing.Duke Ellington visited New York City for the first time in 1922 as part of clarinettist's Wilbur Sweatman's band, but had better luck the following year as a member of Elmer Snowden's Washingtonians. A money dispute resulted in Ellington becoming its leader in 1924. After three years of working at a low-level club and making some interesting if erratic recordings, it all came together in 1927, particularly when Duke landed the very important job as leader of the house band at the Cotton Club. He was on his way and rarely ever looked back after that.By 1946 Ellington had not only survived the Depression, the Swing era and World War II, but had thrived during each period. He turned 47 that year and had been widely regarded as a genius for over fifteen years. Dozens of his songs had become standards, he was considered an innovative arranger, and his piano playing was an influence on Thelonious Monk. In addition, he was a household name and, even though big bands were breaking up constantly during 1946, Duke's was in no trouble.In addition to his commercially available recordings – some of which are on Vol. 11 in this series: Time's A Wastin' (8.120811) – Ellington also made a series of transcriptions specifically to be played on the radio. It is from that treasure trove that the first fourteen selections of this collection are drawn.At the time of the 28 March 1946 session that starts this CD, Duke Ellington's orchestra was larger than usual. He had five trumpeters although only two were soloists: Taft Jordan and the high-note wonder Cat Anderson. The trombone
Tracklisting
Various
Waller, Fats
Waller, Fats
Venuti, Joe
Vaughan
Various Artists
Various
Various
