Monday, April 30, 2007

Yahoo LAUNCHCAST song of the day


Artist:Duke Ellington & His Orchestra

Song:Wings And Things

Album:Cote d'Azur Concerts On Verve





Sometimes record companies do strange things. This 8CD box set is a complete version of Ella Fitzgerald/Duke Ellington concerts in Cote d'Azur, France on July 26-29, 1966. The box set finally reflects the reality of the concerts though Verve hasn't completely figured that out as Ella isn't really on this very much. The problem was that Ella's sister was dying and she had to return to the US to deal with that. The other thing is she doesn't actually perform with Duke though she had in the past. Verve has always sold this album as Ella Fitzgerald & Duke Ellington and they even do that on this box set. But it's really a Duke Ellington box set and is recommended to his fans. His band is in top form and this extended jam of Wings And Things features sax player Johnny Hodges. It even features a full CD of rehearsal recordings. I guess it was easier to sell the album giving Ella top billing. But it isn't accurate. Here's video from Cote d'Azur with Ella Fitzgerald singing Satin Doll. She's backed by her own trio and the Ellington band but Ellington isn't on this.

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