Happy Birthday, Duke!  Duke Ellington was born on this date 125 years ago. Today also marks the 7th anniversary for podcast/blog Ellington Reflections.  I’m currently editing my Cootie Williams biography and securing the necessary image permissions, so it may … Continue reading →

Mercer Ellington, son of Duke Ellington, is an underrated contributor to the world of Ellingtonia. Continue reading →

Details to follow!!!!!

Duke Ellington said of trumpeter Harold "Shorty" Baker that "his way of playing a melody was absolutely personal, and he had no bad notes at all." Continue reading →

“Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and Wellman Braud were like Jelly [Roll Morton]; they’d talk as long as anyone would listen and hung around outside the Band Box. After Braud got written up in Ripley’s “Believe It or Not” column, he was … Continue reading →

The recordings heard on this podcast episode:   Wallace Jones, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol – trombone; Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Fred Guy … Continue reading →

“As a trumpet player, [Arthur Whetsel] had a tonal personality that has never really been duplicated. Sweet, but not syrupy, nor schmaltzy, nor surrealistic, it had a superiority of extrasensory dimensions. Both as a soloist and from the point of … Continue reading →

Multi-reedman Norris Turney became the first flute soloist featured with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. He was with the band for 4 years, leaving in 1973. Continue reading →

In 1967, the west African nation of Togo released a postage stamp of Duke Ellington. Ellington reciprocated by writing the four movement Togo Brava Suite in 1971, the subject of this month’s episode of Ellington Reflections. Continue reading →

“Then in 1960 we came up with Suite Thursday for the Monterey Festival that year…we tried to parallel John Steinbeck’s story, “Sweet Thursday,” which was set in Monterey’s Cannery Row.” Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress   The recordings heard … Continue reading →

Celebrating the 124th anniversary of the birth of Duke Ellington and the 6th birthday for Ellington Reflections with a Parisian themed episode in honor of the 2023 Ellington Conference being held in the City of Lights. Continue reading →

Since 1981, Ellington experts from around the world have been meeting every year in order to exchange and share their knowledge about Duke Ellington’s work and life. After the US, England, Canada, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands, La Maison du Duke welcomes for the first time in France the international symposium dedicated to one of the greatest creators of the 20th century. Continue reading →

Just a few items I either omitted unknowingly, or due to time, or just not having access to at the time. Continue reading →

Reminiscing In Tempo is one of Duke Ellington’s most personal compositions. In was written in memory of his mother, Daisy Kennedy Ellington. Continue reading →

During his 22 year sabbatical from the Duke Ellington orchestra, Cootie Williams continued to feature music from the Ellington songbook. Continue reading →

During his 22 year sabbatical from the Duke Ellington orchestra, Cootie Williams continued to feature music from the Ellington songbook. Continue reading →

The New York Choral Society, New York’s pioneering symphonic chorus that explores unique collaboration and dynamic repertory, in partnership with The New School College of Performing Arts, presents Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts, November 18 and 19 at the Tishman Auditorium at The New School. Continue reading →

Drummer/Composer/Arranger Louie Bellson (1924-2009) was a musician's musician. Although he was only with the Ellington for a short period, he created a huge impact in the Ellington legacy. Continue reading →

Duke Ellington premiered "The Perfume Suite" at his third Carnegie Hall concert in December, 1944. Continue reading →

“In 1946, we might remind ourselves, the American South was a one-party apartheid society, the Klu Klux Klan still operated without police intervention and lynchings were still an accepted form of justice; in Congress, Southern senators and representatives prevented the … Continue reading →

The second part of a survey of Russell Procope's work with the Ellington band. Continue reading →

“Russell Procope…. a man of dignity and gentility, of clean and gentlemanly appearance. What is more, he became a conscientious, all-around musician, one always to be depended on.” Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress This documentary features interviews of Russell … Continue reading →

“So I went out and wrote Creole Rhapsody, and I did so much music for it that we had to cut t up and do two versions. One came out on Brunswick and the other, longer one, on Victor. Irving … Continue reading →

The Duke Ellington Society of Sweden’s 2022 Conference will take place on April 25, 26, 28 and 29 on Zoom. The language will be English as last year. And it is FREE. Continue reading →

The second part of a survey of seldom covered Ellington compositions. Continue reading →

Another look at less commonly covered Ellington compositions. Continue reading →

“Meanwhile, I was looking around for musicians who were sympathetic to my musical ideas and would fit my plans. I now wanted to incorporate Duke Ellington’s harmonic approach and tone colors with Count Basie’s rhythmic drive.” Charlie Barnet, Those Swinging … Continue reading →

“Charlie Barnet has always been a wonderful friend to me. Because of his musicianship, good judgement, and good taste, he has always had people working for him whose potential was immense. Some who come to my mind are Lena Horne, … Continue reading →

A small sampling of Ellington songs played by his sidemen outside of the setting of the Ellington orchestra. Continue reading →

The third episode featuring the recordings of clarinetist/saxophonist Jimmy Hamilton Continue reading →

Part two of recordings featuring Jimmy Hamilton Continue reading →

“[Jimmy Hamilton] usually manages anything musical that he sets his mind to, and there, I think, is the key to any attempt at describing him. He has the capacity to discipline himself and the diligence to study in order to … Continue reading →

Featuring the singing trumpeters of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Continue reading →

Here's a selection of what my iPod says are my most listened-to Ellington songs. Continue reading →

“Tyree, to me, is a very beautiful trombone player. He plays real good legit trombone, and when he applied the plunger to it his tone remained very precise and clean, so that you were tempted to like it better than … Continue reading →

A look at the great, underrated tenor saxophonist in Ellington's late band, Harold Ashby. Continue reading →

Joya Sherrill was a featured vocalist with the Ellington orchestra from 1944 to 1946, but returned periodically in subsequent years. One of Ellington's best vocalists, she deserves wider recognition. Continue reading →

Valve trombonist Juan Tizol (1900-84) was an important member of the Ellington band. Besides instrumental duties, he was a composer, arranger and copyist. Continue reading →

Due to time limitations and a manuscript deadline, Ellington Reflections will be monthly until the end of the year. The next episode will be out on May 30th. Thanks for your continued support!

“Sometimes we would write something that seemed or was expected to be below bland, but when Sam added his thing to it, immediately it took on a new dimension, exotic, zesty, or maybe lecherous soul. Sam the Man, who began … Continue reading →

Billy Strayhorn wrote "Take the "A" Train," which became the band's theme song in 1941. We survey a number of diverse treatments from a thirty year period. Continue reading →

Rex Stewart played cornet in the Ellington and from 1934-45. Part II of a look at Stewart's work with the band and the years beyond. Continue reading →

Rex Stewart played cornet in the Ellington and from 1934-45. Part I of a look at Stewart's work with the band. Continue reading →

Most Duke Ellington tribute concerts and recordings rely on just a handful of his compositions (Mood Indigo, Satin Doll, In A Sentimental Mood, etc.). The Duke Ellington Society refers  to these songs as “the usual suspects.” While they are worthy … Continue reading →

Dr. Lisa M. Clark’s thesis, Synchrony of the Sublime: A Performer ‘s Guide to Duke Ellington’s Wordless Melodies for Soprano can be found here Adelaide Hall [1901-1993] “The Victor recording of Creole Love Call introduces a device which Ellington was … Continue reading →

More covers of Ellington compositions that deserve wider exposure. Continue reading →

Con Chapman discusses his new biography of Johnny Hodges. Continue reading →

During his short, illness terminated stint with the Ellington band, Jimmie Blanton revolutionized the role of the bass. Continue reading →

Geographically titled songs by Ellington and his associates. Continue reading →

This is the last part of our look at the 25 double CD set of Storyville's Treasury Show series.... Continue reading →

Lawrence Brown (1907-88) was a major voice in the Ellington orchestra. He played with Duke for 29 years, longer than any other trombonist in the orchestra. Continue reading →

Lawrence Brown (1907-88) was a major voice in the Ellington orchestra. He played with Duke for 29 years, longer than any other trombonist in the orchestra. Continue reading →

A few selections from Volumes 16 thru 20 of Duke's Treasury Shows.... Continue reading →

Ellington never liked to set his compositions in stone. Here's a few examples of how he would re-visit older works... Continue reading →

Reedman Otto "Toby" Hardwicke was one of the earliest Ellingtonians. Continue reading →

A belated podcast celebrating the 120th anniversary of Duke Ellington's birth and the 2 anniversary of Ellington Reflections! Continue reading →

“Bubber Miley was from the body and soul of Soulville. He was raised on soul and saturated and marinated in soul. Every note he played was soul filled with the pulse of compulsion….. Bubber was born in South Carolina, but … Continue reading →

Fred Guy played banjo and guitar in the Ellington Orchestra from 1925 to 1949. Continue reading →

Continuing our exploration of Duke's radio broadcasts on behalf of the US Treasury Department. Continue reading →

Duke Ellington was an extraordinary master of ceremonies who reveled in the spoken word.... Continue reading →

A look at some of the music on Volumes 6 through 10 of Storyville Records' release of the Duke Ellington Treasury Series radio shows. Continue reading →

Ellington playing the electric piano, Billy Strayhorn on harpsichord and the 1932 band in stereo are just some of the different items you'll hear from the Ellington oeuvre. Continue reading →

A sample of the many Ellington/Strayhorn compositions that featured the sublime alto sax of Johnny Hodges from his return to the orchestra in 1955 until his death in 1970. Continue reading →

A look at some of the outside projects done by Johnny Hodges during his second tenure with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Continue reading →

Johnny Hodges one of the most unique voices in jazz, graced the Ellington band for almost 40 years. Continue reading →

A look at the first 5 volumes of the 25 volume set of Duke Ellington's Treasury Shows released by Storyville Records. Continue reading →

Tiger Rag provided Ellington with composition material for many years Continue reading →

A look at the magical teaming of Duke and Ella.... Continue reading →

Another set of visitors to the Ellington universe - Django Reinhardt, Don Byas, Rosemary Clooney and more! Continue reading →

“We’d like to remind you that you’re very beautiful, very sweet, very gracious, very generous and we do love you madly.” -Duke Ellington The recordings heard on this podcast episode:   Medley/Ellington Final Speech (CD: “Duke Ellington’s 70th Birthday Concert” Solid … Continue reading →

If there were a Mount Rushmore for American Music, Ellington and Armstrong would be guaranteed members. Here we highlight their collaborations. Continue reading →

Piano solo, duet and trio interpretations of Ellington compositions by Duke and others.... Continue reading →

Al Hibbler was with the Ellington band from 1943 to 1951. Continue reading →

Another sampling of rarely covered Ellington compositions.... Continue reading →

Ivie Anderson was Duke's first full time singer and was perhaps his best vocalist. Continue reading →

These four CD sets are a great start to a Duke Ellington collection at a reasonable price. Continue reading →

Borrowing the title of a 1963 album to survey a few of Ellington's recordings with symphony orchestras. Continue reading →

William Alexander "Sonny" Greer was the Ellington band's first drummer; his tenure was from 1923-51. Continue reading →

Another survey of Ellington covers - beyond those you usually hear. Continue reading →

This episode focuses on the violin of the multi-talented Ray Nance... Continue reading →

Over a half century, Ellington crossed paths with many illustrious musicians.... Continue reading →

A look at the music of Ben Webster after his tenure with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Continue reading →

The addition of Ben Webster in 1940 permanently brought Ellington's saxophone section to five members. But Webster's tenor voice was to impact the band far beyond his four year tenure. Continue reading →

Featuring rarely covered Ellington compositions Continue reading →

Happy Holidays from Ellington Reflections! We will return with new bi-weekly episodes on 20 January 2018.. Continue reading →

A survey of Duke Ellington's film appearances and soundtracks. Continue reading →

Ellington was commissioned by the American Ballet Theatre to write a ballet, which became "The River" in 1970. Continue reading →

Sun Ra, Cecil Taylor, Archie Shepp and others interpret Ellington's music. Continue reading →

Celebrating the 100th birth anniversaries of Thelonious Monk and Dizzy Gillespie through their connections with Duke Ellington. Continue reading →

New Orleanian Barney Bigard joined the Ellington band in December 1927 and left in 1942 after tiring of life on the road. Continue reading →

Cootie disbanded his big band in 1947. This episode covers the period of 1947 up until 1962, the year Cootie rejoined Ellington. Continue reading →

Cootie Williams starts his own big band after a year long stint with Benny Goodman. Continue reading →

After 11 years with Duke Ellington, Cootie Williams leaves to join Benny Goodman. Continue reading →

We feature piano versions of Ellington's music, by the Maestro himself and other giants like Hines, Tyner, Waller, Tatum and others.... Continue reading →

Examining different interpretations of Ellington's Far East Suite Continue reading →

Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson and the Ellington orchestra meet in 1958. Continue reading →

Duke Ellington lived in Harlem and celebrated the city and the people in song. Continue reading →

Trains were a preferred mode of transportation for Duke Ellington and he captured their essence in several great compositions. Continue reading →

Trumpet virtuoso and flugelhorn pioneer Clark Terry was a featured soloist with the Ellington band from 1951-1959 Continue reading →

Duke Ellington's career is given a boost by the 1956 Newport Jazz Festival by a spirited performance of a pair of vintage compositions. Continue reading →

An overview of the format of the "Ellington Reflections" podcast series. Continue reading →