Duke Ellington!
Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (1899-1974) /
Arr. Calvin Custer 

THE STORY

Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington is a name nearly synonymous with “jazz.” For over 50 years, Ellington produced musical works that consistently captured the heart of American musical culture, becoming what some have called the greatest American composer of the 20th century. One of the pioneers of big-band jazz, Ellington crafted arrangements based on the specific talents of the musicians in his band—and sometimes even borrowed their tunes!

Calvin Custer’s Duke Ellington! is an arrangement of four classic Ellington songs from the years 1932–1942: “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear from Me,” “Sophisticated Lady,” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).” Each famous tune is artfully presented, accompanied by Ellington’s punchy harmonies, lively rhythms, and typical big-band swagger.

LISTEN FOR

• The crafted elegance of each tune phrase, which is a key component of its catchiness and singable nature—it’s no wonder that lyrics were added to all four of these initially instrumental tunes

• The subtle, yet elaborate shifts in harmony present in each selection—a characteristic product of Ellington’s skill in composing at the piano

INSTRUMENTATION

Three flutes (one doubling piccolo), two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, four horns, three trumpets, three trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion, piano, strings