The Sun Ra Bandcamp site has just released an excellent new compilation focused on Duke Ellington covers. Those of you who follow my playlists will know that this kind of album is right up my alley, bringing together two of my top big-band composers/arrangers! And this set doesn't disappoint. Almost every selection is previously unreleased. I was familiar with less than half of them, and there are plenty of previously unknown gems here, including a top-notch sax solo from John Gilmore on "Drop Me Off in Harlem." The set starts off with a wonderful rendition of "Duke's Place," a duo from Ra and bassist Wilbur Ware from 1951. Yeah man! ("Duke's Place" is more properly known as "'C' Jam Blues"--it didn't get the name "Duke's Place" until it appeared in a version with vocals in 1958.) "Sophisticated Lady" is a feature for Ra's breezy organ work. "Mood Indigo" is given a more up-tempo swing setting than Duke typically gave it. Two home rehearsal recordings of unknown provenance are "Caravan" and "It Don't Mean a Thing"--these are especially interesting in that unlike most of the tunes here, they were rarely performed by the Arkestra. "East St. Louis Toodle-oo" boasts a great, slinky arrangement that captures the sinuosity of the 1920s originals. Notable for its absence is a version of "Take the 'A' Train"--here's hoping that means that there'll be a Volume 2.
Update: Review of Volume 2 here!
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