Duke Ellington

Duke Ellington

With the composition “Mood Indigo”, the bandleader set a jazz standard as early as 1930 that is still regarded as a reference today. Ellington’s orchestral work influenced not only swing, but also later developments in big band and modern jazz. Numerous fellow musicians such as Count Basie and Benny Goodman adopted stylistic elements of his arrangements.

Duke Ellington – Style & Genre Classification

Ellington’s music is known for complex arrangements that combine jazz, blues and elements of classical music. Unlike contemporaries such as Fletcher Henderson or Glenn Miller, he relied on individual soloists and experimented early on with tone colours and forms. His music is characterised by dense brass sections, pronounced rhythms and the alternation between orchestral and intimate passages. The collaboration with musicians such as Johnny Hodges and Cootie Williams shaped the sound of his orchestra over decades.

Duke Ellington on vinyl – key releases & influence

Early recordings such as Jubilee stomp (Schellack) document Ellington’s contribution to the development of the big band sound. Releases such as Blue light UK 10" Vinyl LP (12'' Vinyl Maxi) and and his famous orchestra Volume 2 UK 10" Vinyl LP (12'' Vinyl Maxi) make available typical arrangements and solos from different creative periods, which are relevant for jazz collectors and those interested in the genre alike.

Collectors and lovers of classic big band arrangements will find in these releases characteristic examples of Ellington’s working methods and influence on jazz history.

• Genre: Jazz, Swing, Big Band
• Origin: USA
• Active: 1920s to 1970s
• Notable: Collaboration with numerous soloists and composers such as Billy Strayhorn