Ellington Video

Here's another jazz diatribe.

Today in History of Jazz, our instructor was gone so we watched a video entitled "On the Road with Duke Ellington." Basically, it was like a 1967 version of Behind the Music. Here are some fun facts.

1- Duke Ellington always started his day with a large breakfast and a glass of hot water

2- There are hundreds, possibly thousands of Ellington compositions that were never written down or recorded, but were played once or twice

3- Duke got his nickname when he was 8, because he had such impeccable style and a well bred air

4- Ellington has an honorary doctorate from Yale

Here at Luther, our jazz director (coincidentally, also my history of jazz prof.) is literally in love with Ellington. He has dreams where he eats lunch with Duke and Mozart. Consequentially, every jazz concert we put on has at least 2 or 3 Ellington tunes. Only recently have I discovered the true genius of America's greatest 20th century composer, possibly our greatest composer ever. I guess thinking about it, watching the movie, and more importantly, listening to the music; well, I've been a little bowled over. Listen to "Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue" from the 1957 Newport recording, and you'll get a taste of it.

Anyways, at the end of the movie, the camera focused in close on Ellington as he played the opening piano improvisation to "Take the 'A' Train." And I was just mesmerized. I sort of felt like I was catching a glimpse into a portal leading to a whole other dimension of creative existence. Very hard to verbalize. I was left sitting in the classroom in a state of shock and awe, it was just so powerful to see him create these tremendous sounds, and to see the intense passion that brought them forth. It really made my day. So, this one's to you Duke. Now everyone go buy some music.

And check out this video. Search "Duke Ellington" on Youtube for more cool stuff.