| Details / Tracklist: |
1: Three Black Kings (16:40)
2: New World A-Coming (13:22)
3: The River (29:43) |
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| Description: | Following it's international debut at Yale University in 1977, Mercer Ellington and the Duke Ellington Orchestra along with the Polish National Philharmonic, presented Duke Ellington's final extended piece, "Les Trois Rois Noirs" (The Three Black Kings) at the Polish Jazz Festival "Jazz Jamboree". This recording was released as a collectors item only in 1981, but has never seen light of day since. Here in 2017, we finally are able to present this truly incredible work, orchestrated by Luther Henderson, under the direct instruction of The Maestro himself, on his hospital bed in 1974 in New York City, where unfortunately Ellington would soon pass away from Cancer. Thanks to Henderson and Ellington's son Mercer, we now have these "concerto grosso" arrangements for Jazz Big Band and Symphony Orchestra. The piece itself is incredibly powerful and spiritual, based on Elington's vision of HIS Three Black Kings: The Black King of the Magi, King Solomon, and a man he admired and met personally, Dr. Martin Luther King., Jr. Some strong members of the later Ellington band remained in the band here, such as Barrie Lee Hall, Rocky White, Harold Minerve, and other posthumous Ellingtonians such as James Bolden, J.J. Wiggins, and David Young. It should be mentioned that this recording also includes a truly definitive version of Ellington's only Piano Concerto, "New World A-Coming", featuring guest soloist Adam Makowicz, the Polish Jazz Star who does an expressive and thorough interpretation, definitely up to par with Ellington himself. Finally, we get to hear the full blown orchestration of the Alvin Ailey Ballet piece The River, composed by Ellington in it's entirely, again with the assistance of Luther Henderson, orchestration, based on Ellington's own Big Band "demo" versions he recorded himself for Ailey's choreographic use. This rare rendition is a super-charged soulfully exciting journey through a man's life, perhaps autobiographical for Duke, taking us from the genesis of birth to old age and back again. However it is the complete and purely Ellingtonian official version of Three Black Kings that will kick your heart and soul into high gear, as you finally will get to hear Ellington's final vision the way he indeed wanted it heard"Three Black Kings (with The Polish National Phil)" is a remarkable CD release by the legendary jazz composer and bandleader Duke Ellington, presented by SQRO. This recording features Ellington's final orchestral work, "Three Black Kings," performed in collaboration with the esteemed Polish National Philharmonic Orchestra. The piece pays tribute to three influential figures'Balthazar, Solomon, and Martin Luther King Jr.'blending classical symphonic elements with Ellington's signature jazz style for a unique musical experience. Duke Ellington stands as one of the most important figures in 20th-century music history, celebrated for classics like "Mood Indigo" and "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)." His innovative approach has earned him numerous Grammy Awards and global recognition. SQRO is known for its dedication to high-quality audio productions that bring timeless works to new audiences. |
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| Manufacturer No.: |
686647027206 |
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Product Safety
Responsible Person for the EU:
Ten Dance Media GmbH
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gpsr@tendance.de |
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Modern
32.341
- AcidJazz/DanceJazz 107- Avantgarde/Free 981- Bebop 109- Bossa Nova 338- Cool 75- Hard Bop 155- Jazz Rock/Fusion 748- Latin Jazz 1.002- Other Modern Jazz 27.366- PopJazz/SmoothJazz 795- World-&Ethno-Ja. 443
