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Ellington Reflections

English, Music, 1 season, 101 episodes, 3 days, 9 hours, 54 minutes
About
Reflections on the many facets of the world of Duke Ellington, sometimes referred to as “Ellingtonia.”
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Happy Birthday, Duke! (Podcast #24-003)

  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 →
4/29/202448 minutes, 11 seconds
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Portrait of Mercer Ellington, Part I (Podcast #24-002)

Mercer Ellington, son of Duke Ellington, is an underrated contributor to the world of Ellingtonia. Continue reading →
2/29/202437 minutes, 49 seconds
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Portrait of Jimmy Jones (Podcast #24-001)

Details to follow!!!!!
2/1/20241 hour, 2 minutes, 10 seconds
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Portrait of Harold “Shorty” Baker (Podcast #23-011)

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 →
12/29/202354 minutes, 26 seconds
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Portrait of Wellman Braud (Podcast #23-010)

“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 →
12/2/202345 minutes, 10 seconds
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Side by Side and Back to Back (Podcast #23-009)

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 →
10/29/202343 minutes, 47 seconds
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Portrait of Arthur Whetsel (Podcast #23-008)

“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 →
9/29/202332 minutes, 15 seconds
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Portrait of Norris Turney (Podcast #23-007)

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 →
8/29/202345 minutes, 20 seconds
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Togo Brava Suite (Podcast #23-006)

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 →
7/29/202340 minutes, 44 seconds
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Suite Thursday (Podcast #23-005)

“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 →
5/29/202323 minutes, 23 seconds
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Parisian Birthday Celebration (Podcast #23-004)

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 →
4/29/202342 minutes, 32 seconds
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Ellington 2023 – Duke and the Lights (Podcast #23-003)

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 →
3/31/20236 minutes, 46 seconds
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One More Once… (Podcast #23-002)

Just a few items I either omitted unknowingly, or due to time, or just not having access to at the time. Continue reading →
3/1/202337 minutes, 22 seconds
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Reminiscing In Tempo (Podcast #23-001)

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 →
1/30/202325 minutes, 43 seconds
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Cootie plays Duke, Part II (Podcast #22-013)

During his 22 year sabbatical from the Duke Ellington orchestra, Cootie Williams continued to feature music from the Ellington songbook. Continue reading →
12/29/202237 minutes, 25 seconds
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Cootie plays Duke, Part I (Podcast #22-012)

During his 22 year sabbatical from the Duke Ellington orchestra, Cootie Williams continued to feature music from the Ellington songbook. Continue reading →
11/29/202240 minutes, 5 seconds
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The New York Choral Society performs Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts (Podcast #22-011)

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 →
10/28/202238 minutes, 3 seconds
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Portrait of Louie Bellson (Podcast #22-010)

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 →
9/29/20221 hour, 51 seconds
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The Perfume Suite (Podcast #22-009)

Duke Ellington premiered "The Perfume Suite" at his third Carnegie Hall concert in December, 1944. Continue reading →
8/29/202222 minutes, 37 seconds
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The Deep South Suite (Podcast #22-008)

“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 →
7/29/202236 minutes, 32 seconds
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Portrait of Russell Procope, Part II (Podcast #22-007)

The second part of a survey of Russell Procope's work with the Ellington band. Continue reading →
6/29/202254 minutes, 3 seconds
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Portrait of Russell Procope, Part I (Podcast #22-006)

“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 →
5/29/202253 minutes, 14 seconds
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Creole Rhapsody (Podcast #22-005)

“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 →
4/29/202228 minutes, 47 seconds
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Duke Ellington Society of Sweden 2022 Conference

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 →
3/28/20220
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Beyond the Usual Suspects, Part II (Podcast #22-004)

The second part of a survey of seldom covered Ellington compositions. Continue reading →
3/8/202247 minutes, 22 seconds
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Beyond the Usual Suspects, Part I (Podcast #22-003)

Another look at less commonly covered Ellington compositions. Continue reading →
2/22/202246 minutes, 49 seconds
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Portrait of Charlie Barnet, Part II (Podcast #22-002)

“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 →
1/28/202256 minutes, 38 seconds
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Portrait of Charlie Barnet, Part I (Podcast #22-001)

“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 →
1/12/202245 minutes, 50 seconds
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Ellingtonians play Ellington (Podcast #21-007)

A small sampling of Ellington songs played by his sidemen outside of the setting of the Ellington orchestra. Continue reading →
12/22/202154 minutes, 17 seconds
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Portrait of Jimmy Hamilton, Part III (Podcast #21-006)

The third episode featuring the recordings of clarinetist/saxophonist Jimmy Hamilton Continue reading →
12/2/202145 minutes, 46 seconds
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Portrait of Jimmy Hamilton, Part II (Podcast #21-005)

Part two of recordings featuring Jimmy Hamilton Continue reading →
10/30/202154 minutes, 52 seconds
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Portrait of Jimmy Hamilton, Part I (Podcast #21-004)

“[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 →
8/4/202155 minutes, 18 seconds
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And the Trumpets Sing! (Podcast #21-003)

Featuring the singing trumpeters of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Continue reading →
7/5/202153 minutes, 37 seconds
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My Favorite (Ellington) Things, according to the iPod (Podcast #21-002)

Here's a selection of what my iPod says are my most listened-to Ellington songs. Continue reading →
6/16/202153 minutes, 23 seconds
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Potrait of Tyree Glenn (Podcast #21-001)

“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 →
6/1/202141 minutes, 23 seconds
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Portrait of Harold Ashby (Podcast #20-007)

A look at the great, underrated tenor saxophonist in Ellington's late band, Harold Ashby. Continue reading →
11/8/20200
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Portrait of Joya Sherrill (Podcast #20-006)

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 →
6/28/202051 minutes, 53 seconds
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Portrait of Juan Tizol (Podcast #20-005)

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 →
5/31/20201 hour, 7 minutes, 10 seconds
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New (and temporary) schedule for Ellington Reflections

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!
5/3/20200
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Portrait of Sam Woodyard (Podcast #20-004)

“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 →
4/5/20201 hour, 4 minutes, 8 seconds
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Variations on a Theme Song (Podcast #20-003)

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 →
3/21/202054 minutes, 23 seconds
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Portrait of Rex Stewart, Part II (Podcast #20-002)

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 →
2/22/202058 minutes, 54 seconds
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Portrait of Rex Stewart, Part I (Podcast #20-001)

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 →
2/2/202057 minutes, 46 seconds
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Beyond the “Usual Suspects” once more (Podcast #19-021)

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 →
12/25/201956 minutes, 54 seconds
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Duke Ellington’s Wordless Melodies for the Soprano (Podcast #19-020)

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 →
11/30/201931 minutes, 9 seconds
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Beyond the “Usual Suspects” [Again] (Podcast #19-019)

More covers of Ellington compositions that deserve wider exposure. Continue reading →
11/16/201952 minutes, 38 seconds
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“Rabbit’s Blues” – A Conversation with Johnny Hodges biographer Con Chapman (Podcast #19-018)

Con Chapman discusses his new biography of Johnny Hodges. Continue reading →
10/22/201940 minutes, 46 seconds
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Portrait of Jimmie Blanton (Podcast #19-017)

During his short, illness terminated stint with the Ellington band, Jimmie Blanton revolutionized the role of the bass. Continue reading →
10/5/201942 minutes, 12 seconds
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Ellingtonian Geography (Podcast #19-016)

Geographically titled songs by Ellington and his associates. Continue reading →
9/21/201955 minutes, 20 seconds
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The Treasury Shows, Pt. V (Podcast #19-015)

This is the last part of our look at the 25 double CD set of Storyville's Treasury Show series.... Continue reading →
9/2/20191 hour, 7 minutes, 51 seconds
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Portrait of Lawrence Brown, Pt. II (Podcast #19-014)

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 →
8/4/20191 hour, 2 minutes, 29 seconds
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Portrait of Lawrence Brown, Pt. I (Podcast #19-013)

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 →
7/22/201945 minutes, 5 seconds
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The Treasury Shows, Pt. IV (Podcast #19-012)

A few selections from Volumes 16 thru 20 of Duke's Treasury Shows.... Continue reading →
7/7/201943 minutes, 48 seconds
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Old Wine and New Bottles (Podcast #19-011)

Ellington never liked to set his compositions in stone. Here's a few examples of how he would re-visit older works... Continue reading →
6/17/201934 minutes, 20 seconds
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Portrait of Otto Hardwicke (Podcast #19-010)

Reedman Otto "Toby" Hardwicke was one of the earliest Ellingtonians. Continue reading →
6/3/201932 minutes, 49 seconds
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Happy Birthday, Duke! (Podcast #19-009)

A belated podcast celebrating the 120th anniversary of Duke Ellington's birth and the 2 anniversary of Ellington Reflections! Continue reading →
5/19/201948 minutes, 11 seconds
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Portrait of Bubber Miley (Podcast #19-008)

“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 →
4/20/201942 minutes, 25 seconds
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Portrait of Fred Guy (Podcast #19-007)

Fred Guy played banjo and guitar in the Ellington Orchestra from 1925 to 1949. Continue reading →
4/7/201919 minutes, 10 seconds
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The Treasury Shows, Pt. III (Podcast #19-006)

Continuing our exploration of Duke's radio broadcasts on behalf of the US Treasury Department. Continue reading →
3/24/20191 hour, 10 minutes, 8 seconds
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Duke Ellington, Raconteur Extraordinaire (Podcast #19-005)

Duke Ellington was an extraordinary master of ceremonies who reveled in the spoken word.... Continue reading →
3/2/201956 minutes, 7 seconds
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The Treasury Shows, Pt. II (Podcast #19-004)

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 →
2/18/201956 minutes, 12 seconds
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And Now For Something Completely Different…. (Podcast #19-003)

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 →
2/2/201946 minutes, 10 seconds
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Portrait of Johnny Hodges, Pt. III (Podcast #19-002)

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 →
1/20/20191 hour, 25 seconds
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Portrait of Johnny Hodges, Pt. II (Podcast #19-001)

A look at some of the outside projects done by Johnny Hodges during his second tenure with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Continue reading →
1/5/20191 hour, 14 minutes, 45 seconds
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Portrait of Johnny Hodges, Pt. I (Podcast #18-020)

Johnny Hodges one of the most unique voices in jazz, graced the Ellington band for almost 40 years. Continue reading →
12/15/20181 hour, 11 minutes, 29 seconds
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The Treasury Shows, Pt. I (Podcast #18-019)

A look at the first 5 volumes of the 25 volume set of Duke Ellington's Treasury Shows released by Storyville Records. Continue reading →
11/17/20181 hour, 17 minutes, 56 seconds
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Tiger Rag & its Ellington Contrafacts (Podcast #18-018)

Tiger Rag provided Ellington with composition material for many years Continue reading →
10/21/201843 minutes, 8 seconds
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Portrait of Ella Fitzgerald (Podcast #18-017)

A look at the magical teaming of Duke and Ella.... Continue reading →
10/6/201859 minutes, 45 seconds
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Sittin’ In, Part II (Podcast #18-016)

Another set of visitors to the Ellington universe - Django Reinhardt, Don Byas, Rosemary Clooney and more! Continue reading →
9/22/201858 minutes, 32 seconds
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The Ellington Greatest Hits Medley (Podcast #18-015)

“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 →
9/8/20181 hour, 1 minute, 14 seconds
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Portrait of Louis Armstrong (Podcast #18-014)

If there were a Mount Rushmore for American Music, Ellington and Armstrong would be guaranteed members. Here we highlight their collaborations. Continue reading →
8/25/201841 minutes, 14 seconds
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Piano In the Foreground, II (Podcast #18-013)

Piano solo, duet and trio interpretations of Ellington compositions by Duke and others.... Continue reading →
7/28/201850 minutes, 12 seconds
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Portrait of Al Hibbler (Podcast #18-012)

Al Hibbler was with the Ellington band from 1943 to 1951. Continue reading →
7/14/201850 minutes, 26 seconds
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Beyond the Valley of the Usual Suspects (Podcast #18-011)

Another sampling of rarely covered Ellington compositions.... Continue reading →
6/30/20181 hour, 12 minutes, 27 seconds
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Portrait of Ivie Anderson (Podcast #18-010)

Ivie Anderson was Duke's first full time singer and was perhaps his best vocalist. Continue reading →
6/16/201845 minutes, 14 seconds
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Where to Start? (Podcast #18-009)

These four CD sets are a great start to a Duke Ellington collection at a reasonable price. Continue reading →
5/19/201856 minutes, 27 seconds
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The Symphonic Ellington (Podcast #18-008)

Borrowing the title of a 1963 album to survey a few of Ellington's recordings with symphony orchestras. Continue reading →
5/5/201837 minutes, 8 seconds
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Portrait of Sonny Greer (Podcast #18-007)

William Alexander "Sonny" Greer was the Ellington band's first drummer; his tenure was from 1923-51. Continue reading →
4/21/201844 minutes, 7 seconds
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Beyond the Usual Suspects, Again (Podcast #18-006)

Another survey of Ellington covers - beyond those you usually hear. Continue reading →
4/7/201854 minutes, 5 seconds
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Duke Ellington’s “String Section” (Podcast #18-005)

This episode focuses on the violin of the multi-talented Ray Nance... Continue reading →
3/24/201853 minutes, 45 seconds
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Sittin’ In (Podcast #18-004)

Over a half century, Ellington crossed paths with many illustrious musicians.... Continue reading →
3/10/201855 minutes, 6 seconds
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Portrait of Ben Webster, Pt. II (Podcast #18-003)

A look at the music of Ben Webster after his tenure with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Continue reading →
2/24/20181 hour, 20 minutes, 46 seconds
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Portrait of Ben Webster, Pt. I (Podcast #18-002)

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 →
2/10/201849 minutes, 26 seconds
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Beyond “The Usual Suspects” (Podcast #18-001)

Featuring rarely covered Ellington compositions Continue reading →
1/20/20181 hour, 8 minutes, 48 seconds
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Season’s Greetings! (Podcast #17-017)

Happy Holidays from Ellington Reflections! We will return with new bi-weekly episodes on 20 January 2018.. Continue reading →
12/4/20173 minutes, 3 seconds
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The Cinematic Ellington (Podcast #17-016)

A survey of Duke Ellington's film appearances and soundtracks. Continue reading →
11/18/201748 minutes, 12 seconds
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The River (Podcast #17-015)

Ellington was commissioned by the American Ballet Theatre to write a ballet, which became "The River" in 1970. Continue reading →
11/4/201743 minutes, 3 seconds
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Reflections from the Avant Garde (Podcast #17-014)

Sun Ra, Cecil Taylor, Archie Shepp and others interpret Ellington's music. Continue reading →
10/21/201755 minutes, 21 seconds
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Ellington & 100 years of Thelonious Monk and Dizzy Gillespie (Podcast #17-013)

Celebrating the 100th birth anniversaries of Thelonious Monk and Dizzy Gillespie through their connections with Duke Ellington. Continue reading →
10/7/201753 minutes, 10 seconds
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Portrait of Barney Bigard (Podcast #17-012)

New Orleanian Barney Bigard joined the Ellington band in December 1927 and left in 1942 after tiring of life on the road. Continue reading →
9/23/20171 hour, 3 minutes, 45 seconds
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When Cootie Left the Duke, Pt. III (Podcast #17-011)

Cootie disbanded his big band in 1947. This episode covers the period of 1947 up until 1962, the year Cootie rejoined Ellington. Continue reading →
9/9/201758 minutes, 56 seconds
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When Cootie Left the Duke, Pt. II (Podcast #17-010)

Cootie Williams starts his own big band after a year long stint with Benny Goodman. Continue reading →
8/19/201757 minutes, 24 seconds
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When Cootie Left the Duke, Pt. I (Podcast #17-009)

After 11 years with Duke Ellington, Cootie Williams leaves to join Benny Goodman. Continue reading →
8/5/201757 minutes, 28 seconds
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Piano in the Foreground (Podcast #17-008)

We feature piano versions of Ellington's music, by the Maestro himself and other giants like Hines, Tyner, Waller, Tatum and others.... Continue reading →
7/22/20171 hour, 4 minutes, 43 seconds
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Reflections on “The Far East Suite” (Podcast #17-007)

Examining different interpretations of Ellington's Far East Suite Continue reading →
7/8/20171 hour, 53 minutes, 8 seconds
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Portrait of Mahalia Jackson (Podcast #17-006)

Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson and the Ellington orchestra meet in 1958. Continue reading →
6/24/201738 minutes
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Harlem (Podcast #17-005)

Duke Ellington lived in Harlem and celebrated the city and the people in song. Continue reading →
6/10/201748 minutes, 31 seconds
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“Take A Train” (Podcast #17-004)

Trains were a preferred mode of transportation for Duke Ellington and he captured their essence in several great compositions. Continue reading →
5/27/201751 minutes, 49 seconds
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Portrait of Clark Terry (Podcast #17-003)

Trumpet virtuoso and flugelhorn pioneer Clark Terry was a featured soloist with the Ellington band from 1951-1959 Continue reading →
5/13/201759 minutes, 28 seconds
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Diminuendo in Blue and Crescendo in Blue (Podcast #17-002)

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 →
4/29/20171 hour, 3 minutes, 57 seconds
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Introduction (Podcast #17-001)

An overview of the format of the "Ellington Reflections" podcast series. Continue reading →
4/29/201737 minutes, 55 seconds