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 Anderson and Willie Cook, Ray Nance on cornet and violin, trombonists Quentin Jackson and Britt Woodman, altoist-clarinetist Russell Procope, tenor-saxophonist Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Hamilton on clarinet and tenor, baritonist Harry Carney, and the leader on piano. While some of the material that they recorded were versions of older hits (given new arrangements) and they recorded some unlikely pieces (such as “Cocktails For Two,” “In The Mood,” “Bunny Hop Mambo,” “Echo Tango,” and “Twelfth Street Rag Mambo”), the Ellington Orchestra was still a mighty force, whether it was on vintage material or some newer Ellington and Strayhorn pieces.
Included on the Mosaic set is the music from the albums Premiered By Ellington, The Duke Plays Ellington, Ellington ’55, Dance To The Duke, Ellington Showcase, The Best Of Duke Ellington, and a very good trio record, Piano Reflections.
This hard-to-find but well-worth-the-search box set shows that in Duke Ellington’s career, there was no off period.
The Complete Capitol Recordings Of Duke Ellington
Mosaic MD5-160
