Complete Ellington Indigos, The - Duke Ellington

Advantages: The fundamentals - Classic Big Band Style Jazz
Disadvantages: Sound quality was poor

...Duke Ellington composed many interesting traditional jazz music suited at that time for big band style. Amongst the popular music he wrote were Mood Indigo, It Don't Mean A Thing, Caravan, Chelsea Bridge and many more. His compositions in my opinion were very radical compared to those of the traditional era which cause some people to dislike it. It applies more tension chords as ever, bringing in modern jazz concepts and adapting them in a traditional context. He is however one of the legends in the field of jazz and although many do not know him, they have heard of him. Many of his songs are taken today and played in small group bands, trios and quartets and improvised to meet modern expectations. I personally enjoyed the tracks because I am a jazz fanatic. What I didn't enjoy was the poor recording quality which is probably... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Superb playing and well-written music, cliche free
Disadvantages: Nothing

...I've been reluctant to write about this CD, since I generally can't string together two words about it. However, it is hands down my favourite Duke Ellington CD, so I thought I'd share my thoughts with you all! 'Such Sweet Thunder' is dedicated to the Stratford, Ontario Shakespearean Festival, and all the pieces are based on Shakepeare characters or sonnets. This has absolutely no reflection in the music though, so it's best just to sit back and enjoy the ride. Track Listing (HUGE, bear with me) 1. Such Sweet Thunder, 2. Sonnet for Caesar, 3. Sonnet to Hank Cinq, 4. Lady Mac, 5. Sonnet in Search of a Moor, 6. The Telecasters, 7. Up And Down, 8. Sonnet for Sister Kate, 9. The Star-Crossed Lovers, 10. Madness in Great Ones, 11. Half the Fun, 12. Circle of Fourths, BONUS TRACKS: 13. The Star-Crossed Lovers, 14. Circle of Fourths, 15... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Ellington Colliery once employed thousands of people
Disadvantages: It's now closed

...I didn't really know where to put this piece of writing. I hope you enjoy reading this, I've tried to keep it short so I don't bore you too much! ****************** As you may already know, I live in Northumberland. Our last coal mine, Ellington Colliery, closed in January 2005. I think this is quite a sad event as it is the end of an era. My dad has worked at Ellington Colliery since he was 16 years old (the same age as I am now!) He used to be a miner but has since become a heating engineer, so for the past 15 years he has looked after the boilers in the boiler house. A bit about the Big 'E' ************************ It is 27km North of Newcastle upon Tyne. It was opened in June 1909. The coal was extracted from seams under the North Sea. In its hey day the mine employed approximately 2,400 men. In recent years this dropped... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful