The legendary Duke Ellington Orchestra takes center stage once more with a remarkable archival release, Copenhagen 1964, capturing the second concert from March 13, 1964, at Copenhagen’s Tivoli Concert Hall. This newly restored and remastered recording spans 14 tracks and 69 minutes of Ellington’s unrivaled artistry, featuring a program that blends iconic classics with inspired new compositions from his recent Far East tour.
This performance finds the Orchestra at the height of its powers: Duke Ellington (p), Cat Anderson, Cootie Williams, Herbie Jones, Roffe Ericson (tp), Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors (tb), Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Hamilton, Harry Carney (sax), Ernie Shephard (b), and Sam Woodyard (dr). Together, they deliver the vibrancy, humor, and virtuosity that defined Ellington’s live presence in the 1960s.
The concert opens with the iconic Take the ‘A’ Train before a medley of Black and Tan Fantasy, The Mooche, and Creole Love Call. Highlights include the expansive Harlem Suite, the playful exchanges in Happy Reunion, and a suite of compositions from The Impressions of the Far East Suite: Amad, Agra, Blue Bird of Delhi, Depk, and Isfahan. The release continues with selections from Timon of Athens, including Banquet Scene and Skillipoop, and rounds off with Kinda Dukish & Rockin’ in Rhythm, and Jones.
Copenhagen 1964 unveils every nuance of Ellington’s orchestration, from the rich tonal palette of Ellington, Woodyard’s subtle drive, Hodges’ lyrical phrasing, and the brass and reed sections in full expressive bloom.
Henrik Wolsgaard-Iversen, who attended the concert in 1964, recalls:
“This is a gem, musically and Duke-wise, and probably the best restored and remastered live concert by the band in the sixties. (…) … the enthusiasm, the bands virility –listen to the musicians happy comments after some numbers”
Ole Matthiessen, long-time jazz producer and researcher, adds:
“It has been fantastic to study the multifaceted color palette of Ellington and Strayhorn, preparing the music from this inspired concert.”
Copenhagen 1964 is a living testament to Ellington’s genius, his connection with European audiences, and the timeless vitality of his orchestra. Every note, every phrase, every swing resonates with the spirit of a master at work, reminding listeners why Duke Ellington remains one of the greatest musical voices of the twentieth century.
Duke Ellington – piano
Cat Anderson, Cootie Williams, Herbie Jones, Roffe Ericsson – trumpet
Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone
Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Hamilton, Harry Carney – sax
Ernie Shephard – bass
Sam Woodyard – drums
1. Take the ‘A’ Train
2. Medley: Black and Tan Fantasy, The Mooche & Creole Love Call
3. Harlem
4. Happy Reunion
5. Amad
6. Agra
7. Bluebird of Delhi
8. Depk
9. Isfahan
10. Things Ain’t What They Used to Be
11. Banquet Scene (from Timon of Athens)
12. Skillipoop
13. Kinda Dukish and Rockin’ in Rhythm
14. Jones
“…an excellent live recording. The Orchestra is at the height of its powers…” – **** – Hamilton, Downbeat
“This is the Ellington orchestra, on the road, at its best. The recording captures the vitality, beauty, and complexity of the ensemble—the rich orchestrations, the imagination, and the fierce joy that made every Ellington concert an event.” – Kenny, AllAboutJazz
“…the treasures and delights to be enjoyed on this well-recorded “live” concert, with the entire orchestra (powered by Sam Woodyard’s subtle drumming) at its superlative best. Not only the audience but the musicians themselves can be heard expressing their delight in the remarkable sounds that filled the Tivoli Concert Hall…” – White, JazzJournal
“Optagelserne er (blevet) overraskende gode og viser med al ønskelig tydelighed, hvor vitalt og vidtfavnende et band, Ellingtons var.” – **** – Rod, ivanrod.dk
“En storbandplate fra en av storbandhistoriens beste komponister og orkesterledere… (…) Her er det de ypperste av de ypperste som var å oppdrive på den tiden.” – Granlie, *salt peanuts
“Uansett så swinger det noe vederstyggelig fra start til mål. Dette har blitt et fantastisk gjenhør med Duke Ellingtons univers…” – ****** – Hammerø, Nettavisen
“A moment in time worth capturing.” – Harris, JazzWeekly
“Duke Ellington: Copenhagen 1964 is more than just a collector’s item for archival enthusiasts, it’s a living document that shows how big orchestral jazz evolved in the mid-1960s.” – Gürevin, DarkBlueNotes
“Har jeg brugt ordet ”mageløst”? Hvis nej, så er det her. Hvis ja, så gør jeg det gerne igen: M-a-g-e-l-ø-s-t.” – ***** – Sjøgren, All That
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