On this day in 1969 {April 6th} Duke Ellington and his Orchestra performed "Rockin' In Rhythm" on the CBS-TV program 'The Ed Sullivan Show'... A little over thirty-eight years earlier in January 1931 Duke Ellington first recorded the song at the Cotton Club in Harlem... The 'Duke', born Edward Kennedy Ellington, passed away on May 24th, 1974 at the age of 75... May he R.I.P.
This video appeared in my suggested videos today, and it really made my day. Duke Ellington is my favorite band leader from the golden age of big bands/jazz orchestras, and this is a wonderful example of his genius.
How good is that. All these people sitting down like they are listening to opera when they should have been on their feet. The Duke was heaven on earth.
inspired a Richard Thompson version on his Strict Tempo instrumental album...mandolin, mandocello, two acoustic guitars & drums ....paying homage to Ellington's swing ability.
@pootershnitzel That's Sam Woodyard who followed Louis Bellson with a similar double bass drum setup. Notice his solid back beat really helps the band groove!
Ellington '55 is great too. Lots of Clark Terry on that album. Flyin' Home is another memorable cut that comes to mind. This rendition stacks up, tho. Just fabulous!
@pootershnitzel That's Sam Woodyard who followed Louis Bellson into the Duke Ellington Orchestra using the same double bass drum set up. Notice how solid he is with the back beat. He is also featured on some wonderful solos in the 50's.
Ellington hits an obvious clam during his piano intro @1:19, and then glances at his right hand fingernails as if they were at fault. Reportedly this tune was written by Duke for the fan-dancer Sally Rand, who achieved wide acclaim for her highly suggestive performances at the Chicago's World Fair in 1933. In other words, it is very high-tempo strip music.
It didn't seem like him cause he didn't do the uber high part at the end were he like tongues it lol, that parts amazing and I really liked the trombone solo it was funny, it sounded like the trombone said ya ya ya ya ya ya lol
Lol I'm guessing he didn't like his performance. I heard Leo could play a little higher and had better endurance, lol his nickname was leo "the wistler" shepard
I don't know if he was better because I've heard a few of leo's recordings and cat has a way better tone when he plays above double C and leo doesn't have that good of tone when playing that high