Let's kick off Black History Month with music from one of the greatest American composers, pianists and band leaders, Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington. Although considered "the most significant composer" of jazz music, Ellington thought of his compositions as "beyond category." We're featuring one of his compositions with his frequent collaborator Billy Strayhorn, a song he often closed his concerts with -- 1953's "Satin Doll." Hope you enjoy.
The legendary Duke Ellington was one of the top bands in the golden age of jazz and swing. His signature song, "Take the A Train," composed by frequent collaborator Billy Strayhorn, was first recorded on February 15, 1941, on Victor Records. Ellington opened his appearances with the song, which refers to the New York City subway line (also called the 8th Avenue Express) running the length of Manhattan and beyond. The story goes that Strayhorn was invited to Ellington's home in the Sugar Hill area of Harlem, and was told to "take the A train" to get there. A true classic.
Duke Ellington and John Coltrane's 1963 self- titled album was a collaboration of two 20th Century musical geniuses. One of the cuts from that album, is a reprise selection for us: Ellington's jazz standard "In A Sentimental Mood," which features Ellington on piano and Coltrane on tenor sax. Obviously, we don't have recordings of Mozart or Bach playing their own compositions. So, it's doubly a pleasure that we can listen to these two modern giants playing theirs for us. Hope you enjoy.
