This soundie was recorded right after Duke Ellington committed the "Great James Robbery" in 1952. Willie Smith, Louis Bellson and Juan Tizol left Harry James and joined Duke Ellington. Willie shows how much different the Duke's sax section sounded with Willie instead of Johnny Hodges in the lead chair. However, Ellington's band, as great as the musicians were, was very undisciplined musically. Willie soon missed the comfort and musical discipline of the Harrry James band and within 18 months was back with Harry.
5 сен 2024