This album also contains recordings by Duke Ellington and members of his orchestra under the names of Cootie Williams & His Rug Cutters and Johnny Hodges & His Orchestra.
Recorded from January to April 1938. Includes liner notes by Anatol Schenker.
1938 was a very busy year for Duke Ellington in the recording studios, whether making classics with his big band or being the pianist and organizer of sessions allegedly led by his sidemen. This disc has plenty of big-band sides and combo dates led by clarinetist Barney Bigard, trumpeter Cootie Williams, and altoist Johnny Hodges. Most notable among the selections are "Stepping Into Swing Society," "Echoes of Harlem," "The Gal From Joe's," "I Let a Song Go out of My Heart," and "Jeep's Blues," but there are no throwaways among these three-minute gems. ~ Scott Yanow
Personnel: Duke Ellington (piano, tom-toms); Cootie Williams (vocals, trumpet); Ivie Anderson, Mary McHugh, Jerry Kruger (vocals); Johnny Hodges (soprano & alto saxophones, clarinet); Harry Carney (alto & baritone saxophones, clarinet); Barney Bigard (tenor saxophone, clarinet); Otto Hardwick (alto & bass saxophones); Wallace Jones, Harold Baker (trumpet); Rex Stewart (cornet); Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton, Lawrence Brown (trombone); Juan Tizol (valve trombone); Fred Guy (guitar); Hayes Alvis, Billy Taylor (bass); Sonny Greer (drums).
Personnel: Duke Ellington (piano); Ivie Anderson, Mary McHugh, Jerry Kruger (vocals); Fred Guy (guitar); Johnny Hodges (clarinet, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Harry Carney (clarinet, alto saxophone); Barney Bigard (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Otto Hardwick (alto saxophone, baritone saxophone); Hayes Alvis (baritone saxophone); Cootie Williams, Harold Baker, Wallace Jones (trumpet); Rex Stewart (cornet); Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton, Lawrence Brown (trombone); Juan Tizol (valve trombone); Sonny Greer (drums).
Liner Note Author: Anatol Schenker.
Recording information: New York, NY (01/13/1938-04/04/1938). ... Full Description
Director: Duke Ellington.
Arranger: Duke Ellington.