He got his start in music by playing piano in local bands in the Washington, D.C. area in the 1910s. In 1923, he moved to New York City and formed his own band, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, which became one of the most popular and successful jazz groups of all time. Ellington’s distinctive style of arranging and composing, as well as his skill as a pianist, made him one of the most influential figures in jazz history. He continued to record and perform until his death in 1974.
Duke Ellington – The Birthday Sessions
What does a musician do on their birthday – record a live concert!
Here is what a potential purchaser of this CD (and also Volumes 2 and 3 of this Laserlight issue) needs to know: The music is glorious Ellingtonia. The set originates from concert/club performances recorded on April 29, 1953 in McElroy’s Ballroom of Portland, Oregon. Volumes 4 and 5 are from the same venue, but were recorded one year later on April 29, 1954. ~ Marks
For the A-Train cut alone (also featuring Billy Strahorn), a piece written or published in 1941, this CD is well worth the great price. ~ Alyssa A. Lappen
Duke Ellington – The Birthday Sessions
Duke Ellington shares a birthday with these jazz musicians:
- Alla Rakha
- Alysa Haas
- Andrea Ventriglia
- Beata Pater
- Big Jay McNeely
- Bradley Leighton
- Branko Arnsek
- Brian Hill
- Brian Nova
- Claus Ogerman
- Danny Davis
- Dave Valentin
- David Burnett
- Dino Casillas
- Frank Rein
- George Adams
- Hugh Hopper
- Jacob Chung
- Jody Sandhaus
- Julius Tolentino
- Kristian Lind
- Lara Solnicki
- Michael B. Nelson
- Otis Rush
- Paul Wainwright
- Pietro Valente
- Ray Barretto
- Robert Blennerhed
- Scott Arcangel
- Stephen Schwab
- Thomas Winther Andersen
- Tim Chernikoff
- Tommaso Cecere
- Toots Thielemans