Here's a treat. Vol. 42 of the chronologically reissued recordings of
Duke Ellington opens with some 56 minutes of music recorded live at
the Civic Auditorium in Seattle, WA, on March 25, 1952. This document fully conveys the excitement of hearing
Duke's orchestra in person, on tour in the great Northwest.
Ellington enthusiasts have cherished these recordings for years, and this concert is particularly satisfying. "Skin Deep" is an extroverted exercise for drum kit by
Louie Bellson. After this percussive fireworks display the leader provides eloquent spoken introductions, acknowledging the musician chosen as soloist on each selection. Conservatory-trained trombonist
Britt Woodman -- a favorite of
Charles Mingus -- expresses himself beautifully throughout "Sultry Serenade." "Sophisticated Lady" spotlights "internationally celebrated alto saxophonist"
Willie Smith.
Clark Terry is the star soloist on a smoky ride through
Juan Tizol's "Perdido," after which that valve trombonist elucidates another of his marvelous compositions, "Caravan."
Ellington composed his majestic "Harlem Suite" for
the NBC Symphony Orchestra. He briefly explains the concept of the piece and reminds his audience that Harlem has "more churches than cabarets." This was in keeping with
Duke's lifelong dedication to improving the public's understanding and appreciation of Afro-American culture.
Louie Bellson's zippy offering, "The Hawk Talks," has a rowdy piano introduction, whereupon the band generates quite a head of steam. There is a very showy crowd-pleasing medley of
Ellington hits and lastly the famous "Jam With Sam," during which
Ellington briefly introduces each soloist. This may serve as a listening lexicon of more than half of the wind players in the band at that time, enabling the listener to become better acquainted with the specific sounds of
Willie Cook,
Russell Procope, and
Quentin "Butter" Jackson, as well as the familiar tones of
Paul Gonsalves and
Cat Anderson. On the cusp of June and July 1952, the
Ellington orchestra concentrated its energies on the art of making extended LP recordings.
Betty Roche added her scat singing to eight glorious minutes of "Take the 'A' Train" and did up "I Love My Lovin' Lover" in what at times seems a fairly close imitation of
Dinah Washington.
Jimmy Grissom goes out of his way to sound like
Al Hibbler during "Come On Home." This full helping of
Ellington jazz closes with an exquisitely expanded rendition of
Duke's hit of 1928, "The Mooche," with breathtaking solos by
Jimmy Hamilton,
Quentin Jackson,
Willie Smith,
Ray Nance, and the mighty
Harry Carney. ~ arwulf arwulf, All Music Guide
Portions of Content Provided by All Music Guide © a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.© 2008 All Media Guide, LLC.