The Duke: Historically Speaking

by Duke Ellington

The Duke: Historically Speaking cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: 1956
  • Label: Bethlehem
  • Country: United States
  • Length: 39:16
  • Community rating: 3.61/5 from 3 ratings

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Undertaking a highly deliberate, reflective retrospective of his own foundational legacy, the maestro leads his 1956 orchestra through modernized, high-fidelity reinterpretations of his classic 1920s and 30s repertoire. The exceptionally tight, brass-heavy recordings beautifully highlight the enduring brilliance of his original compositions while featuring the dynamic, highly aggressive swing of his mid-century soloists. It stands as a vital, deeply nostalgic celebration of America's greatest jazz composer.

Genres

Descriptors: improvisation, instrumental, technical

Tracklist

  1. East St. Louis Toodle-O (12) (3:29)
  2. Creole Love Call (12) (3:46)
  3. Stompy Jones (12) (3:52)
  4. The Jeep Is Jumpin' (12) (2:25)
  5. Jack the Bear (12) (3:19)
  6. In a Mellow Tone (12) (2:53)
  7. Ko-Ko (12) (2:17)
  8. Midriff (12) (3:51)
  9. Stomp Look and Listen (12) (2:40)
  10. Unbooted Character (12) (4:16)
  11. Lonesome Lullaby (12) (3:16)
  12. Upper Manhattan Medical Group (12) (3:06)

Credits

More from Duke Ellington: full discography