Historically Speaking - The Duke/Duke Ellington Presents/Ellington '55 - Duke Ellington

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

to about 450 and at present there are only approximately 30 men left, and they are pulling it down. Ellington was the last pit in the UK to use pit ponies underground. These came out of the pit in 1994. It closed in January 2005. My dad filmed the last few months at Ellington. I must admit when my dad suggested we watch it I thought it would be a bit boring. But I actually found it very interesting. It was also quite moving - it brought a tear to my eye! I am so glad I watched it. The first 2 times I thought it was really good but by the 15th it had started to get a bit boring, until the final cut, which had music and transitions and it still brought a tear to my eye! It's definitely a DVD that will stay in my collection all my life! A tribute to Ellington *********************** Ellington had a very big mine, All the miners ...

bluejules 24.09.2005 · Read full review
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Review of Everything that starts with E ...