Duke Ellington has been gone for 43 years but “new” music by him still continues to be discovered and released. It is fair to say that there has never been a shortage of Ellington recordings, at least not since 1926. The Tom Lord Jazz Discography shows that he led no less than 1,100 sessions during 1924-74 and appeared on another 103 as a guest or sideman. And yet, due to his brilliance as a pianist, arranger, composer and bandleader, the release of additional Ellington recordings is always a welcome event.
On Aug. 26, 1972, a 73-year old Duke Ellington, who was appearing at the time with an octet drawn from his orchestra at the Rainbow Grill in New York, decided to make some solo recordings, documenting some lesser-known songs along with a few revivals. They are released for the first time on An Intimate Piano Session. Most of the pieces are ballads including “The Anticipation,” two renditions of Billy Strayhorn’s “Lotus Blossom,” and a heartfelt version of “Melancholia.”
More light-hearted are a pair of versions of the brief “A Blue Mural From Two Perspectives.” On two songs Anita Moore joins Ellington, singing “I’m Afraid Of Loving You Too Much” and “I Didn’t Know About You” while Tony Watkins (always an acquired taste) takes three dramatic vocals. But the highpoint for this set is Ellington’s extensive exploration of his “New World A-Com
You've read three articles this month! That makes you one of a rare breed, the true jazz fan!
The Syncopated Times is a monthly publication covering traditional jazz, ragtime and swing. We have the best historic content anywhere, and are the only American publication covering artists and bands currently playing Hot Jazz, Vintage Swing, or Ragtime. Our writers are legends themselves, paid to bring you the best coverage possible. Advertising will never be enough to keep these stories coming, we need your SUBSCRIPTION. Get unlimited access for $30 a year or $50 for two.
Not ready to pay for jazz yet? Register a Free Account for two weeks of unlimited access without nags or pop ups.
Already Registered? Log In
If you shouldn't be seeing this because you already logged in try refreshing the page.