EKE BBB Posted May 31, 2005 Report Posted May 31, 2005 I mentioned this recent release in the Storyville thread, but I thought it´d be worth opening a new thread on it. Anyone has already spinned this one? Duke Ellington - The Piano Player Storyville Records CATALOG NUMBER: 101 8399 Duke Ellington – piano, Wild Bill Davis – organ, Joe Benjamin – bass, Rufus Jones- drums Meditation / Single Petal Of A Rose / Blues – take 1 / Nagoya / Unknown - Little African Flower / Meditation / T.G.T.T. - Little Purple Flower / THE RIVER – A Ballet Suite: The Spring - The Run - The Meander – Grap - The Lake – Stud / Riddle / Blues – take 2 / Blues – take 3 From Storyville´s website: Anytime new material is released with Duke Ellington is a major musical event; the fact that this CD consists mostly of solo numbers makes this CD release extra special because there are practically no recordings of Ellington playing solo piano. None of the music on this CD (16 tunes - 67 minutes) has been previously released on LP or CD. The CD was recorded during eight different sessions in New York, Paris and Tokyo between 1961 and 1971, and includes 13 piano solo numbers by Duke Ellington plus three tunes with organ, bass & drums accompaniment. The tunes are all Duke Ellington originals, most of which had never previously been recorded. The absolute high point on the CD is Ellington’s “River Ballad Suite”, composed for a ballet production by Alvin Ailey. As one can hear on this CD, besides being the most important big band leader of all time, Ellington was also a true stylist and exciting originator on the piano. Quote
Chuck Nessa Posted May 31, 2005 Report Posted May 31, 2005 (edited) I will buy it. I sent a letter to Norman Granz asking him to record solo Ellington (as he did with Tatum) but since I was a nobody, he didn't respond. The one time I had Duke's ear he slyly brushed off the idea . I really don't think he understood the unique qualities of his touch and skill. Edited May 31, 2005 by Chuck Nessa Quote
jazzbo Posted May 31, 2005 Report Posted May 31, 2005 Amen Chuck. Agustin, we have to wait a little longer this side of the ocean I believe before we can buy it. Quote
EKE BBB Posted June 1, 2005 Author Report Posted June 1, 2005 (edited) I really don't think he understood the unique qualities of his touch and skill. ← I totally agree, Chuck. Wish he had recorded much more piano solo. Winning a wonderful bandleader, we lost a great solo pianist. Edited June 1, 2005 by EKE BBB Quote
bluesbro Posted June 2, 2005 Report Posted June 2, 2005 I tried searching for this in amazon uk and couldnt find it. Is it only available now in selected countries? I cant wait Quote
ghost of miles Posted June 2, 2005 Report Posted June 2, 2005 I'll buy it too. Is "River Ballad Suite" the same as "Suite from the River" that the DSO recorded several years ago? Assuming it is... Quote
RDK Posted June 2, 2005 Report Posted June 2, 2005 Thanks for the heads-up. This is a must-have. Quote
Chuck Nessa Posted June 6, 2005 Report Posted June 6, 2005 I'll buy it too. Is "River Ballad Suite" the same as "Suite from the River" that the DSO recorded several years ago? Assuming it is... ← The River was a ballet written circa 1970. There is a 40+ minute band recording on one of the "Private Collection" discs. In the notes Stanley Dance writes "First, he recorded the main themes as piano solos for the guidance of choreographer Alvin Ailey". Quote
mikeweil Posted June 6, 2005 Report Posted June 6, 2005 Thanks for the heads-up. This is a must-have. ← Same here! Quote
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