In a more egalitarian American musical world, A Tone Parallel to Harlem, sometimes inaccurately called “Harlem Suite,” would be right up there at the top of American compositions with Gershwin's “Rhapsody in Blue.” The Claude Bolling Big Band's version makes a strong case for the through-composed tone poem as an essential repertoire piece for jazz orchestras. In the last decade of the 20th Century, when all but two of the tracks on this CD were recorded, Bolling's French band was a much better interpreter of Duke's music than the official Ellington ghost bands. Except for a slightly muffed ending, Bolling's Harlem gives us a slightly more romantic, legato version of a major Ellington classic. And the rest of the album is equally good at conveying an Ellingtonian spirit, with modernizing Gallic touches on the older tunes like “Ring Dem Bells” and “Creole Love Call,” the latter with a captivating wordless vocal from the single-named Maud. Along with the 13 Ellington tracks are two commendable Bolling homages and worthy additions to Ellingtonia. And don't miss the three solo piano tracks by him, especially the very Ducal-fingered “Drop Me Off in Harlem” and “Caravan.”
By George Kanzler - ALL ABOUT JAZZ: NEW YORK
By George Kanzler - ALL ABOUT JAZZ: NEW YORK
