A piece of music history comes alive as Storyville Records releases a new recording capturing the legendary Duke Ellingon, live in Copenhagen, Denmark, 1958.
This recording, Copenhagen 1958 (Bonus: After Hours 1950), offers a rare glimpse into Ellington’s genius during a pivotal period in jazz history. In the late autumn of 1958, Ellington and his orchestra embarked on a whirlwind tour across Europe, leaving a trail of musical brilliance in their wake.
Among the highlights of this tour were two electrifying concerts held at Copenhagen’s iconic sports center, KB Hallen, on November 7. Although the original tapes have been lost to time, segments of these historic performances were broadcasted on separate occasions. Now, these broadcast recordings serve as the foundation for this release, transporting listeners back to a time, when Ellington’s music redefined the jazz landscape.
The album opens with Ellington’s signature tune, Take the A Train, over the vibrant energy of Newport Up to the soulful strains of My Funny Valentine, each track showcases the orchestra’s talent and Ellington’s innovative compositions. The orchestra was in great form in the late 50’s, with the mixture of veterans like Johnny Hodges and Harry Carney, and modernists like Jimmy
Hamilton, Clark Terry and Paul Gonsalves.
One of the highlights is the rendition of Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue featuring Paul Gonsalves’ legendary solo. In addition to the live recordings from the 1958 tour, this album also includes bonus tracks from after-hours settings in 1950; three tracks from a jam session at the dance restaurant Sct. Thomas in Copenhagen and two solo Ellington tunes recorded at a social
charity event in Aarhus.
Copenhagen 1958 stands as evidence of Ellington’s enduring musical legacy, demonstrating that his music remains as pertinent and influential today as it was during its inception!
November 7, 1958:
Duke Ellington (p), Cat Anderson & Harold Baker (tp), Clark Terry (tp, flgh), Ray Nance (tp, vi), Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson & John Sanders (tb), Paul Gonsalves (ts), Jimmy Hamilton (cl, ts), Johnny Hodges (as), Russell Procope (as, cl), Harry Carney (brs, cl, b-cl), Jimmy Woode (b), Sam Woodyard (dm) & Ozzie Bailey (vo)
May 31, 1950:
Duke Ellington (p), Don Byas (ts) & Jimmy Hamilton (cl)
June 6, 1950:
Duke Ellington (p)
1. Take the A Train (Theme)
2. Newport Up
3. My Funny Valentine
4. Perdido
5. Sophisticated Lady
6. Sonnet to Hank Cinq
7. What Else Can You Do With a Drum
8. Rockin’ in Rhythm
9. Prelude to a Kiss
10. Things Ain’t What They Used to Be
11. El Gato
12. Hi Fi Fo Fum
13. Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue
14. I Can’t Get Started
15. Body and Soul
16. A Little Blues
17. Sophisticated Lady
18. Mood Indigo
“A pleasure, ever renewed, in the quality of the arrangements, the brilliance of the soloists, and the cohesion of an incomparable big band.” – Aboucaya, Jazz Magazine
“…et band som sjefen leda med løs, men samtidig med bestemt hånd, bekrefter for meg at Duke Ellington anno 1958 var på sitt aller beste. Som det swang!” – ****** – Hammerø, Nettavisen
“The band was particularly strong in this part of its history… (…) …there are few legitimate live recordings from this band on the road at this period…” – Kenny, All About Jazz
“Optagelserne er rå, ikke teknisk optimale – slet ikke – men på mange måder gribende – især fordi de giver et tidsbillede, der er forrygende. (…) Ellingtons orkester var i enhver forstand stort.” – **** – Rod, ivanrod.dk
“Their incomparable style is on full display here on “El Gato,” teeming with dynamic energy, improvisational prowess, and theatrical flair…” – Track of the Week: El Gato – Wolfe, Rumor Control
“…there is nearly 80 minutes of Ellington at his best. Highly recommended album!” – Henriksen, rasmushenriksen
“… the band is SMOKING throughout, as the brass is bragging on “Newport Up” and other newer pieces like “Sonnet To Hank Cinq” and “Hi Fi Fo Fum” and Sam Woodyard shining on “What Else Can You Do With A Drum”. (…)”This is why you like jazz, and LOVE Ellington.” – **** – Harris, JazzWeekly
“Throughout the concert, Ellington’s magical touch and shouts of encouragement to the band keep things on a high level.” – **** – Dryden, All About Jazz
“The quality of the music, performance and recording are first rate. (…) This material is a must have for Ellington enthusiasts.” – Lang, Jersey Jazz Magazine
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