The Duke of Elegant: Gems from the Duke Ellington Songbook

by Duke Of Elegant: Gems From The

Overview

The third volume in Highnote Records' excellent Duke of Elegant tribute series to Duke Ellington is much like the previous two: it features a host of artists from the label's stable playing tunes by the great jazz composer and bandleader. What's so wonderful about the series is that not only are all the performances excellent, they focus so closely on what is traditionally Ellingtonian that they simply come off as great jazz albums, as well. This set boasts some of the finest performance sin the series thus far with Houston Person's version of "Do Nothing 'Til You Hear from Me"; a truly nocturnal, tender, and innovative reading of "Solitude" by Lucky Thompson; Mark Murphy's graceful "In a Sentimental Mood"; and a dynamite set of harmonic inventions on "Melancholia" by the great Larry Willis in excellent balladic form. Highly recommended. ~ Thom Jurek

Product Details

Release Date:	08/18/2009
Label:	Highnote Records
UPC:	0632375602123
Rank:	101327

Tracks

1. Do Nothing 'Til You Hear from Me  - Houston Person
2. Drop Me off in Harlem  - Richard Wyands
3. Warm Valley  - James Spaulding
4. Solitude  - Lucky Thompson
5. I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good
6. Mood Indigo  - Sheila Jordan
7. Take the Coltrane  - David "Fathead" Newman
8. Sophisticated Lady  - Cedar Walton
9. Prelude to a Kiss  - Don Braden
10. In a Sentimental Mood
11. All Too Soon
12. Melancholia

Album Credits

Performance Credits

David "Fathead" Newman   Primary Artist,Sax (Tenor)
Cedar Walton   Primary Artist,Piano,Soloist
Sheila Jordan   Primary Artist,Vocals
Richard Wyands   Primary Artist,Piano
James Spaulding   Primary Artist,Sax (Alto)
Lucky Thompson   Primary Artist,Sax (Tenor)
Houston Person   Primary Artist,Sax (Tenor)
Don Braden   Primary Artist,Sax (Tenor)
Bryan Carrott   Vibraphone
Vito Lesczak   Drums
Allan Praskin   Saxophone
Steve Novosel   Bass
Kenny Washington   Drums
Dwayne Burno   Bass
John Hicks   Piano
Martial Solal   Piano
Achim Tang   Bass
Ray Drummond   Bass
Chip White   Drums
Grady Tate   Drums
Russell Malone   Guitar
Winard Harper   Drums
Xavier Davis   Piano
Cecil Brooks III   Drums
Teddy Edwards Octet   Sax (Tenor)
Gana M'Bow   Percussion
Michael A. Hauser   Vibraphone
Peter Mihelich   Piano

Technical Credits

David Jaye   Liner Notes,Compilation Producer
Chuck Stewart   Cover Photo
Kevin Blackler   Mastering
Brad Wrolstad   Design