Masterpieces By Ellington - Duke Ellington & His Orchestra

Duke Ellington - The Essential

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 ...

jazzwillie 28.05.2004 (29.05.2004) · Read full review
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Review of Duke Ellington

Top big band tunes

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 ...

JaySee 07.07.2001 · Read full review
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Review of Such Sweet Thunder - Duke Ellington & His Orchestra

The End of an Era (Ellington Colliery)

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

worked in a line, Mr Scargill did his best, But Mrs Thatcher was a pest, So all the miners went on strike, Mr Tebbitt said "on your bike" The dispute was settled, back to work they went, For they needed the money for food and for rent, But many years later, it still wasn't working out, So Ellington closed - now they've had their last shout, Memories that will stay with the miners forever, Friendships of gold they'll always treasure. Thank you for reading. Fortunately as my dad is not employed directly by the Big 'E' he still has a job. If you worked at Ellington and have been made redundant I wish you every success in your future employment. © bluejules 2005 Please ignore information below as it refers to a CD! (??) ...

bluejules 24.09.2005 · Read full review
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