A look at the great, underrated tenor saxophonist in Ellington's late band, Harold Ashby. Continue reading →

Ellington Reflections

Portrait of Harold Ashby (Podcast #20-007)

Joya Sherrill was a featured vocalist with the Ellington orchestra from 1944 to 1946, but returned periodically in subsequent years. One of Ellington's best vocalists, she deserves wider recognition. Continue reading →

Portrait of Joya Sherrill (Podcast #20-006)

Valve trombonist Juan Tizol (1900-84) was an important member of the Ellington band. Besides instrumental duties, he was a composer, arranger and copyist. Continue reading →

Portrait of Juan Tizol (Podcast #20-005)

“Sometimes we would write something that seemed or was expected to be below bland, but when Sam added his thing to it, immediately it took on a new dimension, exotic, zesty, or maybe lecherous soul. Sam the Man, who began … Continue reading →

Portrait of Sam Woodyard (Podcast #20-004)

Billy Strayhorn wrote "Take the "A" Train," which became the band's theme song in 1941. We survey a number of diverse treatments from a thirty year period. Continue reading →

Variations on a Theme Song (Podcast #20-003)

Rex Stewart played cornet in the Ellington and from 1934-45. Part II of a look at Stewart's work with the band and the years beyond. Continue reading →

Portrait of Rex Stewart, Part II (Podcast #20-002)

“…[H]e was an exciting player who made a big contribution during the years he was with us –  1934-45. He was extremely versatile and we made use of his virtuosity on “Trumpet in Spades” and “Boy Meets Horn.” His half-valved … Continue reading →

Portrait of Rex Stewart, Part I (Podcast #20-001)

Most Duke Ellington tribute concerts and recordings rely on just a handful of his compositions (Mood Indigo, Satin Doll, In A Sentimental Mood, etc.). The Duke Ellington Society refers  to these songs as “the usual suspects.” While they are worthy … Continue reading →

Beyond the “Usual Suspects” once more (Podcast #19-021)

Dr. Lisa M. Clark’s thesis, Synchrony of the Sublime: A Performer ‘s Guide to Duke Ellington’s Wordless Melodies for Soprano can be found here Adelaide Hall [1901-1993] “The Victor recording of Creole Love Call introduces a device which Ellington was … Continue reading →

Duke Ellington’s Wordless Melodies for the Soprano (Podcast #19-020)

More covers of Ellington compositions that deserve wider exposure. Continue reading →

Beyond the “Usual Suspects” [Again] (Podcast #19-019)

Con Chapman discusses his new biography of Johnny Hodges. Continue reading →

“Rabbit’s Blues” – A Conversation with Johnny Hodges biographer Con Chapman (Podcast #19-018)

During his short, illness terminated stint with the Ellington band, Jimmie Blanton revolutionized the role of the bass. Continue reading →

Portrait of Jimmie Blanton (Podcast #19-017)

Geographically titled songs by Ellington and his associates. Continue reading →

Ellingtonian Geography (Podcast #19-016)

This is the last part of our look at the 25 double CD set of Storyville's Treasury Show series.... Continue reading →

The Treasury Shows, Pt. V (Podcast #19-015)

Lawrence Brown (1907-88) was a major voice in the Ellington orchestra. He played with Duke for 29 years, longer than any other trombonist in the orchestra. Continue reading →

Portrait of Lawrence Brown, Pt. II (Podcast #19-014)

Reflections on the many facets of the world of Duke Ellington, sometimes referred to as “Ellingtonia.”

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Ellington Reflections

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