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Duke Ellington: Blues In Orbit

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Duke Ellington: Blues In Orbit
Featuring the talented solo voices of alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges, tenor saxophonist Jimmy Hamilton, trumpeter Ray Nance, trombonist Booty Wood, and most other members of this 1958-59 Ellington Orchestra, this reissue swings with the blues. Alternate takes are included, and one of those has never been issued before.

"Blues in Blueprint" remains one of the album's high points. With Billy Strayhorn at the piano and Ellington snapping his fingers on two and four, bass clarinet and string bass quietly stroll with a unison passage to introduce and to close the arrangement. In between, Nance steps forward with a lyrical chorus or two. It's a frail piece that lends a delicate touch to this casual session.

Matthew Gee's baritone horn feature on "The Swingers Get the Blues, Too" stands out for its heartfelt passion. Ellington understood the blues. He made sure that it came from within, and that his orchestra had the freedom to express it appropriately. Nance, Wood, Hodges, and Hamilton came through with a sensitive performance.

Much of the album, however, drives with a light swing and focuses on the band's passion for lyricism. The bonus tracks add more of the same formula. The sound is unbeatable, and Hodges stands out. The one track that had never been issued before, an alternate take of "Blues In Orbit," differs considerably from the original. On it, we find Ellington more explorative, and more at ease with his feelings for the blues. It's a release that appeals more than the arrangement used on the original recording.

Track Listing

Three J's Blues; Smada; Pie Eye's Blues; Sweet & Pungent; C Jam Blues; In a Mellow Tone; Blues in Blueprint; The Swingers Get the Blues, Too; The Swinger's Jump; Blues In Orbit; Villes Ville is the Place, Man; Track 360; Sentimental Lady; Brown Penny; Pie Eye's Blues (alternate take); Sweet & Pungent (alternate take); The Swinger's Jump (alternate take); Blues In Orbit (alternate take); Track 360 (alternate take).

Personnel

Duke Ellington- piano; Jimmy Woode- bass; Sam Woodyard, Jimmy Johnson- drums; Clark Terry, Cat Anderson, Shorty Baker- trumpet; Ray Nance- trumpet, violin; Quentin Jackson, Britt Woodman, John Sanders, Booty Wood- trombone; Matthew Gee- trombone, baritone horn; Johnny Hodges, Bill Graham- alto saxophone; Russell Procope- alto saxophone, clarinet; Jimmy Hamilton- tenor saxophone, clarinet; Paul Gonsalves- tenor saxophone; Harry Carney- baritone saxophone; Billy Strayhorn- piano on "Smada" and "Blues in Blueprint."

Album information

Title: Blues In Orbit | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Sony Music

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