Ellington, whose first composition "Soda Fountain Rag" was written during this era, worked on building up his technique by slowing down James P. Johnson piano rolls and analyzing the fingering. A brief visit to New York in playing with Wilbur Sweatman was unsuccessful but Ellington returned the following year and was determined to stick it out. He and such hometown friends as Sonny Greer, Otto Hardwicke and Arthur Whetsol worked for a period under banjoist Elmer Snowden's leadership and then, after an argument over missing money, Ellington became the leader.
His early group was called the Washingtonians. For a brief time Sidney Bechet starred on soprano but more important to Duke's development was the playing of trumpeter Bubber Miley, a brilliant plunger specialist who largely founded the "jungle sound" that made Ellington's group sound different than anyone else.
Duke recorded two titles with his group in November "Choo Choo" and "Rainy Nights" that found his band already sounding recognizable despite only having three horns with altoist Otto Hardwicke and trombonist Charles Irvis.
Oddly enough the eight other selections that he recorded during are quite primitive and disappointing; Miley is absent and the band sounds as if it were struggling. However with the debut of Ellington's early theme song "East St.
Louis Toodleoo" along with "Birmingham Breakdown" on the session of November 29, , the Duke Ellington Orchestra was essentially born. The band was up to 11 pieces including the wonderful wa-wa trombonist Tricky Sam Nanton, who made for a perfect team with Miley.
In addition to recording more versions of "East St. Baritonist Harry Carney who would remain with Duke nonstop through ! And Ellington's band through the help of manager Irving Mills gained a permanent spot at the Cotton Club.
In , as the orchestral jazz genre became gradually eclipsed by the more recent be bop artists and the groundbreaking arrival of rock'n'roll, Duke Ellington topped the charts with the now-legendary recording of his concert in July at the Newport Jazz Festival. Ignoring the boundaries between the jazz and classical repertoires, Ellington composed various concertos and orchestral suites.
He thus became the first jazzman to write "long" works, going beyond the standard 3 minutes imposed by the radio and record industries. In , he recorded Three Suites , in which can be found a merry re-working of the Nutcracker. This was undoubtedly Duke's greatest strength: no matter the challenges or fashions, the Duke always stayed true to himself and defended his music.
When it seemed impossible to record a track of more than 3 minutes on a 78rpm disc, he recorded Reminiscing in Tempo over 4 sides! In he moved to New York and early in he became the leader of his band.
Soon he was recording, and in Ellington's band was hired to play regularly at the Cotton Club, where he stayed for five years. Cotton Club performances were broadcast almost nightly, and by Ellington and his band were famous. And even as early as this, Ellington was beginning to be recognized as an important serious composer.
In , he was invited to visit the White House, and in his band made its first European tour, a huge triumph. Chick Corea is one of the most influential figures in jazz and one of the greatest living jazz pianists. Here are five essential albums from his discography. Check out video and behind-the-scenes content from their performance.
New to jazz and don't know where to start? With many artists and extensive catalogues of music, a new jazz listener can feel intimidated. We're here to help! Check out our list of 10 albums to get you started on your jazz journey and introduce yourself to some of jazz's great artists. Our education programs have gone online! Find out how you can join for free and learn more about jazz from our experts and members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.
Ornette Coleman led a life as fascinating as his music.
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