Home » Jazz Musicians » Duke Ellington Discography

Copenhagen 1958

Duke Ellington

Label: Storyville Records
Released: 2024
Views: 1,748

Tracks

Take the A Train (Theme); Newport Up; My Funny Valentine; Perdido; Sophisticated Lady; Sonnet to Hank Cinq; What Else Can You Do With a Drum; Rockin' in Rhythm; Prelude to a Kiss; Things Ain't What They Used to Be; El Gato; Hi Fi Fo Fum; Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue; I Can't Get Started; Body and Soul; A Little Blues; Sophisticated Lady; Mood Indigo.

Personnel

Duke Ellington

piano

Clark Terry

trumpet

Ray Nance

cornet

Johnny Hodges

saxophone, alto

Harry Carney

saxophone, baritone

Jimmy Woode

bass

Harold Baker

trumpet

Cat Anderson

trumpet

Britt Woodman

trombone

John Sanders

trombone

Quentin Jackson

trombone

Paul Gonsalves

saxophone, tenor

Ozzie Bailey

vocals

Sam Woodyard

drums

Russell Procope

clarinet

Jimmy Hamilton

clarinet

Album Description

A piece of music history comes alive as Storyville Records releases a new recording capturing the legendary Duke Ellingon, live in Copenhagen, Denmark, 1958. This recording, Copenhagen 1958 (Bonus: After Hours 1950), offers a rare glimpse into Ellington’s genius during a pivotal period in jazz history. In the late autumn of 1958, Ellington and his orchestra embarked on a whirlwind tour across Europe, leaving a trail of musical brilliance in their wake. Among the highlights of this tour were two electrifying concerts held at Copenhagen’s iconic sports center, KB Hallen, on November 7. Although the original tapes have been lost to time, segments of these historic performances were broadcasted on separate occasions. Now, these broadcast recordings serve as the foundation for this release, transporting listeners back to a time, when Ellington’s music redefined the jazz landscape. The album opens with Ellington’s signature tune, Take the A Train, over the vibrant energy of Newport Up to the soulful strains of My Funny Valentine, each track showcases the orchestra’s talent and Ellington’s innovative compositions. The orchestra was in great form in the late 50’s, with the mixture of veterans like... Johnny Hodges and Harry Carney, and modernists like Jimmy Hamilton, Clark Terry and Paul Gonsalves. One of the highlights is the rendition of Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue featuring Paul Gonsalves’ legendary solo. In addition to the live recordings from the 1958 tour, this album also includes bonus tracks from after-hours settings in 1950; three tracks from a jam session at the dance restaurant Sct. Thomas in Copenhagen and two solo Ellington tunes recorded at a social charity event in Aarhus. Copenhagen 1958 stands as evidence of Ellington’s enduring musical legacy, demonstrating that his music remains as pertinent and influential today as it was during its inception!

Album uploaded by Michael Ricci