JAZZ CLASSIC OF THE MONTH
In Duke Ellington’s remarkably productive career, 1953-55 is considered by some to be his “off period” despite musical evidence to the contrary. In 1951, altoist Johnny Hodges, trombonist Lawrence Brown and drummer Sonny Greer all departed at the same time to form the nucleus of Hodges’ small group. Ellington temporarily filled these major gaps by raiding Harry James’ band in what was dubbed “the great James robbery,” securing the services of altoist Willie Smith, valve trombonist Juan Tizol (originally a long-time member of Duke’s band), and drummer Louie Bellson. But by 1953, Bellson and Smith were gone, the situation for big bands in general was increasingly difficult (despite the comeback of Count Basie) and, after recording “Satin Doll” on Apr. 6, 1953, there would be no more popular hits for Ellington.
The limited-edition five-CD Mosaic box set The Complete Capitol Recordings Of Duke Ellington has all of the orchestra’s studio recordings from the “Satin Doll” session up to May 19, 1955. While no major suites were composed by Ellington and Billy Strayhorn during this period, the music that the band recorded (despite comparatively low sales) still kept them at the top of their field.
Consider that, even with Johnny Hodges’ absence, the Duke Ellington Orchestra of the time had 11 major soloists: trumpeters Clark Terry, Cat An
