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Planet D Nonet: Echoes of Harlem: A Salute to Duke Ellington Vol 2

By Jack Bowers
September 30, 2024
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Planet D Nonet: Echoes of Harlem: A Salute to Duke Ellington Vol 2

Operating on the time-honored principle that one successful tribute deserves another, the Detroit-based Planet D Nonet has recorded Echoes of Harlem, Vol. 2, an homage to the great

Duke Ellington

piano
1899 - 1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Duke Ellington and follow-up to the ensemble's well-received album from 2023, Blues to Be There: A Salute to Duke Ellington.

Each of the studio session's fifteen selections was written by Ellington and/or

Billy Strayhorn

piano
1915 - 1967

" data-original-title="" title="">Billy Strayhorn, and the ensemble does its best Ellington impression interpreting them, even replicating the distinctive rhythmic, melodic and harmonic patterns of the Ellington era, which began in the early 1920s and endured for almost half a century. At times, it sounds as if Ellington and his legendary orchestra had been reborn, thanks to decisive arrangements by Jeff Curry and others teamed with an earnest consideration from the nonet. The songs themselves are for the most part rarely heard gems, the exceptions being Strayhorn's "Blood Count" and Ellington's "I'm Gonna Go Fishin'" (from the film Anatomy of a Murder) and the well-known finale, "Sophisticated Lady." Ellington is given composer's credit for "Caravan," even though many scholars attribute its authorship to trombonist

Juan Tizol

trombone
1900 - 1984

" data-original-title="" title="">Juan Tizol, perhaps with input from the Duke.

In keeping with the Ellington motif, most soloists adapt their voices to suit the era, adding more modern licks when needed to help redesign the venerable framework. Among those who stand out are trumpeter

James O'Donnell

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">James O'Donnell (who adds a gravelly

Louis Armstrong

trumpet and vocals
1901 - 1971

" data-original-title="" title="">Louis Armstrong-style vocal on "Azalea"), alto saxophonist

Alex Colista

saxophone, alto

" data-original-title="" title="">Alex Colista, tenor

Christopher Tabaczynski

saxophone, tenor

" data-original-title="" title="">Christopher Tabaczynski (warm and mellow a la

Ben Webster

saxophone, tenor
1909 - 1973

" data-original-title="" title="">Ben Webster on "Happy Reunion"), baritone

Goode Wyche III

saxophone, baritone

" data-original-title="" title="">Goode Wyche III and pianist

Michael Zaporski

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Michael Zaporski who lends special elegance to "Sophisticated Lady," which he plays a cappella. Besides O'Donnell, there are respectable vocals by guest artist

Camille Price

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Camille Price on "Rocks in My Bed" and trombonist

John "Tbone" Paxton

trombone

" data-original-title="" title="">John "Tbone" Paxton on "Caravan."

Unlike some tribute albums that veer off course, Planet D Nonet is staunchly devoted to Ellington's spirit and music, and Echoes of Harlem, Vol. 2 does its best to introduce a new generation of listeners to the Duke's remarkable originality, talent and resourcefulness.

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Track Listing

Happy Anatomy; Flirtibird; Rocks In My Bed (Feat. Camille Price); Echoes of Harlem (Cootie's Concerto); Addi; Blood Count; Juniflip; Azalea; La Belle Plus Africaine; Caravan; Frustration; I'm Gonna Go Fishin'; Happy Reunion; The Shepard (Who Watches Over The Night Flock); Sophisticated Lady.

Personnel

Planet D Nonet

band / ensemble / orchestra

Charlie Miller

trumpet

Alex Colista

saxophone, alto

Christopher Tabaczynski

saxophone, tenor

Goode Wyche III

saxophone, baritone

Michael Zaporski

piano

Trevor Lamb

bass

Sean Perlmutter

drums

RJ Spangler

drums

Album information

Title: Echoes of Harlem: A Salute to Duke Ellington Vol 2 | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Self Produced

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