DUKE ELLINGTON(1899-1974) In Jazz, he stands as one of the few that stand above the rest as a catalyst for the development of the art form. He struck a model of balance between the individual and group expression within his band. He showed that the Compositional intent of Western European music & the improvisation tradition of African music could be balanced within Jazz music. This balancing act became the trademark of his compositional style

DUKE ELLINGTON(1899-1974) A Pianist from Washington D.C. He was influenced by Ragtime Pianist in and around Washington Fats Waller, Willie Smith, & JP Johnson are listed among his earliest favorites

DUKE ELLINGTON(1899-1974) Many say that the orchestra was his true instrument By the age of 17 he has his first five piece combo He tried unsuccessfully to move to New York in 1922 (failed because of financial problems) In 1926 final makes the move the New York’s Harlem Truly begins his career as pianist/leader/composer

Ellington developed four different styles during this time DUKE ELLINGTON(1899-1974) THE COTTON CLUB The Ellington Band took up residence at Harlem’s Cotton Club from 1927-1932 The clubs floor shows were built around the band & the featured soloist Ellington developed four different styles during this time Jungle Style = included growling & raucous playing Mood Style = identified with his beautiful ballads Concerto Style = longer pieces, more orchestral Standard Style = much in the style of other bands

This was a signal of things to come. DUKE ELLINGTON(1899-1974) THE COTTON CLUB By the end of Ellington’s tenure at The Cotton Club he turned from aspiring New York band leader to a leading figure in Jazz music around the world. He now had a National following and beginnings of an international one. At the end of this period Ellington recorded one of his first larger pieces “Creole Rhapsody” This piece was nearly 6 & ½ minutes…far more than the allowed 3 minutes of a 78rpm record. This was a signal of things to come.

Beginning around 1931 touring becomes a major part of the bands life. DUKE ELLINGTON(1899-1974) TOURING Beginning around 1931 touring becomes a major part of the bands life. Extensive touring does not effect the stability of the bands line up. In 1933, the depression sends Ellington to tour Europe. He is surprised by how well known he and other Jazz musicians are abroad. In 1935, Ellington’s mother dies. Her death triggers Ellington to continue his interest in compositional experimentation.

DUKE ELLINGTON(1899-1974) THE SWING PERIOD The rise of swing “dance” bands gave Ellington new competition in the world of commercial music Fletcher Henderson established the new sections of a “Big Band” & Ellington’s band was already close to this but… His band and composition style was seen as too colorful and not as well suited for those who just wanted to “dance”.

He wrote for differing variations of the band DUKE ELLINGTON(1899-1974) THE SWING PERIOD His popularity declined some in this period but it gave him the chance to explore his music. He wrote for differing variations of the band sextets, quintets, quartets, trios, etc… He embarked on a tour in 1939 to Europe that proved to re-energize his career. The European audience appreciated his refined concert approach to Jazz LISTENING JOURNAL IN A MELLOTONE –Duke Ellington & his Famous Orchestra *Our Language DVD 1:07:10 – 1:22:10

BILLY STRAYHORN (pianist) Duke’s composing & arranging collaborator DUKE ELLINGTON(1899-1974) BILLY STRAYHORN (pianist) Duke’s composing & arranging collaborator Often times called Ellington’s “alter ego” Meet just before Ellington went to tour Europe in 1939. Hired into the band originally as lyrist, but soon began writing and co-writing. Had more classical training than Duke. Co-wrote some of the bands more significant selections such as “Passion Flower” and Ellington’s chosen theme Song “Take the A Train”

***Youtube = Take the A Train **Youtube = Lotus Blossom DUKE ELLINGTON(1899-1974) BILLY STRAYHORN “Take the A Train” = lyrics were based on directions Duke gave Strayhorn to his apartment in NYC When Strayhorn died in 1967 Duke would often do some kind of tribute to him at each show. Often it was playing “Lotus Blossom” alone at the end of the concert. ***Youtube = Take the A Train **Youtube = Lotus Blossom

Other Important Members Jimmy Blanton on Bass DUKE ELLINGTON(1899-1974) Other Important Members Jimmy Blanton on Bass Helped redefine the bass as a solo and melodic instrument Ben Webster on Tenor Saxophone Helped duke expand his sax section and added more soloing virtuosity for Duke to use. One if not the most important featured member was alto and soprano saxophonist …JOHNNY HODGES

Hodges was one of the main contributors in this way. DUKE ELLINGTON(1899-1974) Other Important Members JOHNNY HODGES A signature voice in the band and influence on Duke’s composition style. Duke often accepted input from the band during the composition process. Hodges was one of the main contributors in this way. His Solo lines and style could lead Duke in and out of composition and improvisation sections seamlessly.

Born in 1906 in Massachusetts DUKE ELLINGTON(1899-1974) Other Important Members JOHNNY HODGES Born in 1906 in Massachusetts Worked and studied with Sidney Bechet in the 1920’s Played with Duke 1928-1951 Left to start own group rejoined Duke in 1955 Died 1970 in NYC LISTENING JOURNAL “PASSION FLOWER”

LISTENING JOURNAL KO-KO DUKE ELLINGTON(1899-1974) TRANSITION PERIOD (1943-1951) Great turnover in the bands personnel due to WWII The decline of big bands, ballrooms and night clubs Duke’s reputation of being the great experimenter in Jazz being challenged by a new music “BeBop”. However Duke stayed true to following his own path and not chasing others. He is often sighted as having walked a fine line between art and commercialization. LISTENING JOURNAL KO-KO

These pieces reasserted his place as the premier composer in Jazz. DUKE ELLINGTON(1899-1974) Later in life he re-emerged from the success of an appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1956 with a series of lengthy pieces written for the festival. These pieces reasserted his place as the premier composer in Jazz. This new success marked a new period of composition style (1956-1965) that combined his influences from his swing roots to new jazz music and to world music from all parts of the globe. ** Youtube – Newport Jazz Festival Suite “Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue”

His innovations in music consist of.. DUKE ELLINGTON(1899-1974) His last years (1966-1974) were filled with touring and receiving honors from around the world. On May 24, 1974 he died and more than 12,000 mourners attempted to attend his funeral His innovations in music consist of.. 1) Developing the use of the whole ensemble sound 2) Larger Song forms that broke the 3 min barrier of 78 records 3) Skillful orchestration including the use of voices as instruments 4) Many innovative tunes that remain in many bands repertoire’s today