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Duke Ellington: Copenhagen 1958

By Ken Dryden
September 9, 2024
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Duke Ellington left a formidable discography at his death at the age of 75 in 1974, and it has expanded greatly with the number of concerts that have been uncovered and issued since then. This CD is drawn from two 1958 concerts at KB Hallen in Copenhagen, though they are not sourced from the original, long lost broadcast tapes, but dubs evidently made by a fan. What makes this a valuable find is that the band is in top form and the usually long "dread" medley of hits that Ellington often used to honor numerous requests is thankfully omitted. While "Take the A Train" and "Hi Fi Fo Fum," the latter a drum feature for

Sam Woodyard

drums
1925 - 1988

" data-original-title="" title="">Sam Woodyard, are both incomplete, the remaining tracks sparkle with the unique energy that only this orchestra could deliver.

There are a number of highlights.

Clark Terry

trumpet
1920 - 2015

" data-original-title="" title="">Clark Terry's easily identifiable sound on flugelhorn in a rousing rendition of "Perdido," is outstanding. Baritone saxophonist

Harry Carney

saxophone, baritone
1910 - 1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Harry Carney's trademark feature in "Sophisticated Lady" showcases his lyricism and circular breathing. Trombonist

Britt Woodman

trombone
b.1920

" data-original-title="" title="">Britt Woodman's exchanges with the leader in "Sonnet To Hank Cinq" reveal what an underrated artist Woodman was. Of course, no Ellington concert is complete without alto saxophone great

Johnny Hodges

saxophone, alto
1907 - 1970

" data-original-title="" title="">Johnny Hodges, who romps through

Mercer Ellington

trumpet
1919 - 1996

" data-original-title="" title="">Mercer Ellington's blues "Things Ain't What They Used To Be." High note specialist and trumpeter

Cat Anderson

trumpet
1916 - 1981

" data-original-title="" title="">Cat Anderson wails in his own composition "El Gato," fired up by the rest of the trumpet section each taking a potent chorus. Finally tenor saxophone star

Paul Gonsalves

saxophone, tenor
1920 - 1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Paul Gonsalves revives his amazing 1956 Newport feature in "Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue."

Throughout the concert, Ellington's magical touch and shouts of encouragement to the band keep things on a high level. The remaining selections are from 1950, including a rare opportunity to hear Duke Ellington unaccompanied in "I Can't Get Started," with expatriate tenor saxophonist

Don Byas

saxophone, tenor
1912 - 1972

" data-original-title="" title="">Don Byas and clarinetist

Jimmy Hamilton

percussion
1917 - 1994

" data-original-title="" title="">Jimmy Hamilton joining him for a lengthy exploration of "Body And Soul." The final two numbers were from a limited edition charitable private pressing, showcasing Ellington's elegant solo renditions of "Sophisticated Lady" and "Mood Indigo." Serious fans of Duke Ellington will also enjoy Bjarne Busk's detailed liner notes.

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Track Listing

Take the A Train (Theme); Newport Up; My Funny Valentine; Perdido; Sophisticated Lady; Sonnet to Hank Cinq; What Else Can You Do With a Drum; Rockin' in Rhythm; Prelude to a Kiss; Things Ain't What They Used to Be; El Gato; Hi Fi Fo Fum; Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue; I Can't Get Started; Body and Soul; A Little Blues; Sophisticated Lady; Mood Indigo.

Personnel

Duke Ellington

piano

Clark Terry

trumpet

Ray Nance

cornet

Johnny Hodges

saxophone, alto

Harry Carney

saxophone, baritone

Jimmy Woode

bass

Harold Baker

trumpet

Cat Anderson

trumpet

Britt Woodman

trombone

John Sanders

trombone

Quentin Jackson

trombone

Paul Gonsalves

saxophone, tenor

Ozzie Bailey

vocals

Sam Woodyard

drums

Russell Procope

clarinet

Jimmy Hamilton

percussion

Album information

Title: Copenhagen 1958 | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Storyville Records

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