« Strongly recommended » by Duke Ellington Music Society

One becomes a fanatic Ellington collector because it is such a thrill to listen to alternate takes. The lesser-known alternate slips into the groove which the very familiar original has made in one’s soul, and the differences make it sound « fresh ». I had the same experience when I listened to the first track of this CD, Harlem. It sounds as if we are listening to one of the many alternate recordings by the Ellington orchestra. The tempo changes are slightly different and very satisfying. The clarinet solo and the trombone parts are impeccable. This grand opening selection is followed by a fine arrangement of Ring Dem Bells ; a swinging and slightly arranged Things Ain’t What They Used To Be ; an Adelaïde Hall version of Creole Love Call ; a impressive piano solo by Claude Bolling, Caravan. These 8 tracks were all recorded in Paris on 24 May and 2 July 1999. Track 9, a swinging Harlem Air Shaft was recorded in May 1990 and track 10, Moon Mist, with Stephan Grappelli doing Ray Nance’s violin part, dates from 3 Dec 1991. Track 11 and 12 are Claude Bolling originals, recorded 12 Oct 1976. The first, titled Jungle Traps, shows the quality of Claude Bolling and Max Hediguer on bass. It is a real original and does not contain chiddish quotes from Duke’s work. The next track(13) is again a recent recording, 2 July 1999, of a Ellington classic : Lot O’Fingers. Some people say that Claude Billong plays the piano in Ellington’s style. I do not agree. He has very clearly his own personal style, not only influenced by stride pianists but also a little bit by Dixieland. What amazes me is the fact that he also like Duke plays the piano as Gunter Schuller tried to explain : « deep in the keys. » His piano sound is pure Ellingtonian. This fine CD ends with two concert performances, recorded 17oct 1991, Magenta Haze, with a very fine alto solo by Claude Tissendier and Diminuendo And Crescendo In Blue, with the obligatory Blow By Blow interval. I cannot criticise this 8 minutes performance, but since I do not very much like this piece, it was for me the least interesting selection. I have enjoyed immensely the other 66 minutes of this beautiful CD. Strongly recommended. Sjef HOEFSMIT – DUKE ELLINGTON MUSIC SOCIETY

Produits associés

A Tone Parallel To Harlem

CLAUDE BOLLING

Version Numérique

V.Numérique

9,95 €