Kathleen Loves Music

So let’s get back to Jason’s jazz primer.

I know next to nothing about Duke Ellington other than the dozens of records I have of his that I love. This one is my favorite. (And as I route around for internet info, many agree.) Recorded in 1957, this is a low-key, stunning track with his full group, and a rare Duke piano solo. I’ve never had any interest in the ‘big bands’ of jazz, but Ellington actually used his as an orchestra, and when the stars are aligned there’s nothing more beautiful.

I can’t give any tips to steer you towards the ‘best’, but iTunes is a great place to audition. Pick a sound that suits you and buy. In the meanwhile, Ellington Indigos is a great place to start.

Based on my last couple of posts, I couldn’t figure out whether to go backwards or forwards in time, so I’ll continue through my personal musical journey that got me jazz engaged.

As an unrepentant pop rocker coming out of high school, I had no interest at all in jazz until Tony Williams left Miles Davis and started what was essentially a hard rock band with jazz players (more on that next time). For me it was a short leap to Ornette Coleman, who, while being a total, pure jazzer, was crazy enough but bluesy enough for any rocker. Or so it sounded to me. And just the title of this album made me think (correctly, as it turned out) that he was more interested in the future than the past, which as a card-carrying teenager, I had no interest in.

And what about his crazy, unique name? Google it and you’ll see there are no others. [Read more…]