Duke Ellington Digital Duke (CD)

The musical legacy of Duke Ellington meets the powerful sound of a modern big band onDigital Duke. Released in 1987, the album features theDuke Ellington Orchestra conducted by Mercer Ellington, Duke Ellington's son and one of the key figures in preserving and developing his father's musical legacy.

The twelve-track set brings together classics including“Satin Doll,” “Cottontail,” “Prelude To A Kiss,” “Perdido”and“Mood Indigo.”The program continues with“22 Cent Stomp,” “Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me,” “Jeep's Blues,” “In My Solitude,” “In A Mellotone,” “Sophisticated Lady”and the evergreen“Take The 'A' Train.”

Mercer Ellington assembled an impressive cast of jazz musicians for the project, including trumpetersClark TerryandLew Soloff, trombonistAl Grey, saxophonistsEddie Daniels,Norris TurneyandBranford Marsalis, pianistRoland Hanna, and legendary drummerLouie Bellson.

Released onGRP RecordsasGRD-9548,Digital Dukecombines the timeless compositions of Duke Ellington with the precision, power and contemporary studio sound of a major 1980s jazz ensemble. The album was subsequently honored with the1988 Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance.

Tracklisting:Satin Doll – Cottontail – Prelude To A Kiss – Perdido – Mood Indigo – 22 Cent Stomp – Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me – Jeep's Blues – In My Solitude – In A Mellotone – Sophisticated Lady – Take The 'A' Train.

A superb choice for listeners and collectors who appreciateDuke Ellington, classic big-band jazz and sophisticated ensemble performances, bringing some of Ellington's finest compositions together with an exceptional cast of musicians.