Planet D Nonet: Blues to Be There

The subtitle of Blues to be There, the Detroit-based Planet D Nonet's latest album (recorded in June and July 2022), is "A Salute to Duke Ellington." As with almost any bow to the Duke, it encompasses a healthy measure of Billy Strayhorn as well. Ellington wrote or co-wrote thirteen of the album's persuasive numbers, Strayhorn five including the classics "Take the 'A' Train" and "U.M.M.G."

As for Ellington, he is represented almost exclusively by lesser-known compositions, most of which are no less colorful and charming than his more familiar themes. And although Planet D has none of the "name" soloists associated with Ellington, those it has more than hold their own and in fact swing as hard (if not harder) than their celebrated predecessors. Even more to the point, the Ellington spirit prevails throughout as everyone in the ensemble climbs on board and strives to refresh the Duke's enduring legacy for a new generation of listeners.

When it comes to appraising Ellington's storied career, even albums as ambitious as this one can do no more than scratch the surface. Ellington wrote or co-wrote many hundreds of songs, recorded more than half a hundred albums with his orchestra and others with such legends as Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald, to name only a few. The best that can be hoped is that contemporary ensembles epitomize at least a fraction of his mastery.

Planet D does the best it can, roaring from the starting gate on the surprisingly up-to-date "Spacemen" and emulating the Duke's memorable dialect and essence on essays ranging from burners to blues. It's clear that the ensemble has done its homework, as the Duke's singular approach is never far from hand. As the album's name implies, the blues is well-marked, from the title song to "Pie Eye's Blues," "Moonblow" and "The Swingers Get the Blues Too," but no more so than such swing-centered items as "Blow by Blow," "Tigress," "Purple Gazelle," "U.M.M.G." and the high-spirited closer, "VIP's Boogie/Jam with Sam."

There are two vocals, by trombonist Tbone Paxton on "Swingers Get the Blues" and trumpeter James O'Donnell (delivering a sharp Louis Armstrong impression) on Strayhorn's "'A' Train." They are splendid soloists, as are most of the others: trumpeter Charlie Miller, alto Alex Colista, tenor (and clarinetist) Christopher Tabaczynski, pianist Michael Zaporski , bassist Trevor Lamb, drummer Sean Perlmutter and guest saxophonists Alex Harding (baritone) and Ryan Bills (tenor).

While this isn't Ellington, it comes about as close as one could imagine to replicating his music. Kudos to the impressive Planet D Nonet for nurturing the blueprint.