Plays Standards - 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: Cracking food and a good price - for a pub!
Disadvantages: A bit small for buggies, awkward downstairs toilet access.

...stairs and although I can't speak for the gents I imagine they'd be the same as the ladies so please, watch your head as the ceiling is so low in the toilet cubicles that if you happen to be 5ft 6" (like me) and get up too fast, you could end up concussing yourself on the arched ceiling. Having said that, the two cubicles themselves are always spotlessly clean, the basin has L'Occitaine handwash and hand cream and they also have one of those rather zippy Dyson Blade hand dryers plus a fair sized mirror for general hair and facial faffage. ~Recommended?~ If you are in the neighbourhood then yes, although there are lots of eateries in SJW if you can get into The Duke then I'd say go there. Its food that feeds you and not just food that fills you up. www.thedukeofyork.com 2 St Anne's Terrace St Johns Wood NW8 6PJ T) 0207 722... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very 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