“Liberian Suite” Album Review
Duke Ellington’s “Liberian Suite” was commissioned to celebrate the country’s centennial. It was released as an album in 1948.
The Top 10 Music Artists of the 1930s
The Top 10 Music Artists of the 1930s, including Bing Crosby and Robert Johnson, helped pull the world out of the Great Depression.
Festival Session – Duke Ellington
Album review of “Festival Session” by Duke Ellington, originally released in 1959.
Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges
Album reviews of “Back to Back” and “Side by Side,” two collaborative LPs by Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges.
Live at the Blue Note – Duke Ellington
One of Duke Ellington’s most famous concerts proves why modern music wouldn’t exist without his trailblazing innovations.
Anatomy of a Murder – Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington’s soundtrack to Otto Preminger’s 1959 film.
Grade: A-
Duke Ellington – Jazz Party
Did Duke Ellington ever make a bad album?
Grade: A-
Black, Browns and Beige
Duke Ellington’s 1958 update of his 1943 concert suite is a complete reimagining.
Grade: A-
Such Sweet Thunder
An instrumental ode to William Shakespeare.
Grade: A-
Ellington at Newport
One of the most famous live albums in jazz history, featuring one of the greatest solos of all time.
Grade: A
Thelonious Monk continued his hot streak into 1955
Reviews of two Thelonious Monk LPs from 1955.
The Duke Plays Ellington – Duke Ellington
My all-time favorite Duke Ellington LP.
Grade: A