Ellington Played by Ellington - plus Concert Review

The name of this record is straightforward: The Music of Duke Ellington Played by Duke Ellington. Last night we saw a concert by the Chicago Jazz Ensemble in a show dedicated to the works of Louis Armstrong (first set) and Duke Ellington (2nd set). Directed by bandleader Jon Faddis, the CJE is world class. They played songs that are on this record, such as Do Nothing Till You Hear from Me. Faddis noted the song was once called Cootie's Concerto, after trumpeter Cootie Williams, who played with Duke from 1929 to 1940. In a show-stopping performance at the end, Faddis tapped tenor saxophonist Pat Mallinger to step out front in the daunting role of Paul Gonsalves for a life-altering (mine), 25-minute send up of Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue. Intro-ing the song, Faddis correctly pointed out how at Newport in 1956 (album photo at right) Gonsalves played a groundbreaking and, according to the record's liner notes, riotous solo that covered 27 consecutive choruses. But if the CJE plays this exact show again, they must end with this house rocker, since nothing following it can work, which they tried with Satchmo's What a Wonderful World, which was a come-down.  Click on this post's title to hear and see Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue on youtube.

Carl Carlton - He's a Bad Mama Jama

Carl Carlton.  I found this record at my secret record store for fifty cents.  What a find!  In college, in the (very) early eighties, I went on a (rare) date to see Rick James in concert at Horton Field House.  Actually is was a just-friends date.  But it was awesome.  The opening act of course was Carl Carlton.  Leon Haywood helped Carl get a recording deal and Haywood wrote the super hot hit single on this record, called "She's a Bad Mama Jama."  On the album jacket, the song title is technically, "She's a Bad Mama Jama (She's Built, She's Stacked)."  He got a Grammy nomination for Best R and B Vocal for the song.  This self-titled album went gold in 1981.  At gatherings in my basement, this is one of my "go-to" songs when we need to get things moving.  George Duke plays keyboards on this record and strings arrangement by Tom Tom 84.  Matt - who/what is Tom Tom 84?

Mama Cass - Dream a Little Dream

A huge box of records was given to me at New Year's eve party.  Thank you, Greg! This is one of the records from that box:  Mama Cass's solo album from 1968 that came out right after the break-up of the Mamas and the Papas. Ubiquitis photographer Henry Diltz took the album photos. The back cover even had this credit: "Norton 750cc "Commando" Norton-Villiers Corp." Cass chose The Band's producer John Simon to help make this record. Steve Stills and James Burton play on it, as does Jim Gordon, whom Eric Clapton referred to in his autobiography as the finest drummer with whom he's ever played.  I love the colors on this album cover.  Title link to a great clip of hers.

Patsy Cline - Showcase, with the Jordanaires

I met a freind and former employee yesterday, to pick up a box of 100 or so records she wanted to give me.  I was so excited!  I piled the box (unopened) into my SUV and raced home to the basement.  This was the first record I played.  The liner notes on the back state, "Here's Patsy Cline, with that irresistible voice, style and charm that goes right to your heart, and stays there."  I could not agree more.  Thanks Heather!  This is on Decca and in stereo.  A few years ago, I saw the musical, "Always…Patsy Cline.”  As segway from the recent Elvis posts, the Jordanaires are a huge part of what became the Nashville sound.