Duke Ellington Live At The Blue Note CD

DUKE ELLINGTON LIVE AT THE BLUE NOTE contains the complete recorded performance of Ellington's Orchestra during its three sets at the Blue Note, on August 9, 1959. There were a number of songs that were performed but not captured on tape; otherwise, this two-disc set widely expands on the selections previously issued (and long out of print) as a single LP entitled "Live At The Blue Note."

Recorded live at The Blue Note, Chicago, Illinois on August 9, 1959. Includes liner notes by Stanley Dance.

LIVE AT THE BLUE NOTE contains three sets of loose, rambunctious Duke Ellington that were recorded on August 9, 1959 at the Duke's favorite Chicago club, less than a year before the legendary venue shut its doors. This music is filled with fun and exuberance--these sets are clearly the work of musicians letting their hair down and kicking out the jams in front of an appreciative audience of true jazz lovers. Surprises include composer Billy Strayhorn sitting in on piano for several tunes (including "Take the 'A' Train"), and a wild drum solo on "Duael Fuel (Dual Filter)" featuring both Sam Woodyard and Jimmy Johnson!

The unusual song selection includes several Ellington compositions from the film ANATOMY OF A MURDER (John D. Voelker, author of the book on which the movie was based, was in attendance) and an extended, 11-minute "Mood Indigo." Among the MVP's on this particular evening are Johnny Hodges, Clark Terry (who solos like a man possessed) and Cat Anderson, who absolutely burns on his own composition, "El Gato." The sound quality is excellent throughout and the recording wonderfully captures the live performance magic that records very often don't convey.

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

Personnel: Duke Ellington (piano); Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney (reeds); Clark Terry, Shorty Baker, Willie Cook, Cat Anderson, Ray Nance (trumpet); Quentin Jackson, Britt Woodman, John Sanders (trombone); Billy Strayhorn (piano); Johnny Pate, Jimmy Woode (bass); Sam Woodyard, Jimmy Johnson (drums).

Personnel: Duke Ellington (piano); Harry Carney, Jimmy Hamilton, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Russell Procope (reeds); Clark Terry, Ray Nance, Shorty Baker, Willie Cook, Cat Anderson (trumpet); Quentin Jackson, John Sanders, Britt Woodman (trombone); Billy Strayhorn (piano); Jimmy Johnson, Jr. , Sam Woodyard (drums).

Recording information: The Blue Note Club, Chicago IL (07/1952-08/1952).