Plays Duke Ellington cover

Plays Duke Ellington

Released

The title about says it all, doesn’t it? This 1986 release found the group celebrating a decade of existence by embracing the lush arrangements and brilliant melodies of one of the greatest of all jazz composers. Other than a version of “Take the ‘A’ Train” that opens and closes the disc, they focus more on Ellington’s softer material, performing “Lush Life,” “Prelude to a Kiss,” “I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart,” “Sophisticated Lady,” “In a Sentimental Mood” and “Come Sunday.” The four players — Julius Hemphill, Oliver Lake, David Murray, and Hamiet Bluiett — seem to sway together as they play, harmonizing as tightly as a street-corner doo-wop group and executing Ellington’s melodies with effortless precision and a love for the material that comes through in every note. There’s no attempt at rebellion or subversion here; this is some of the most heartfelt, reverential jazz ever recorded, and it’s all the more beautiful for it.

Phil Freeman

Recommended by

Suggestions
RoundAgain cover

RoundAgain

Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, Joshua Redman, Brian Blade
Treasure Island cover

Treasure Island

Keith Jarrett
Tenor Madness cover

Tenor Madness

Sonny Rollins
The Intangible Between cover

The Intangible Between

Captain Black Big Band, Orrin Evans
Inner Urge cover

Inner Urge

Joe Henderson
Trio Grande cover

Trio Grande

Will Vinson, Antonio Sánchez, Gilad Hekselman