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MUSICIANS |
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Edward Ellington II: guitar; Norman Simmons: piano, arranger; Virginia Mayhew: tenor saxophone, band leader, arranger; Nancy Reed: vocals; Houston Person: tenor saxophone; Jami Dauber: trumpet; Noah Bless: trombone; Tom DiCarlo: bass; Paul Wells: drums and Sheila Earley: percussion.
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REVIEWS |
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"It is music with feeling, with hunger. It explores the silhouettes of the charts as much as it revels in the music on them, bringing Ellington’s indubitable spirit to a new era with a fresh batch of clever players and a mind for the heritage." –Blinded By Sound
"With Single Petal of a Rose, the talent-laden Duke Ellington Legacy offers an insightful tour through a program of masterpieces by Ellington and his inimitable creative partner, Billy Strayhorn. A nine-piece multi-generational ensemble founded by guitarist Edward Kennedy Ellington II, Duke's grandson, the Legacy explores sublime ballads, hard-charging flag wavers, lustrous tone poems and sultry vocals, channeling an essentially Ellingtonian spirit from a contemporary perspective. With savvy music direction by saxophonist Virginia Mayhew and brilliant arrangements by pianist Norman Simmons, the band fully adheres to Duke's prime directive, swinging as if their lives depended on it." –Bob Stewart, Jazz 88.3 Rhythms
"Single Petal of a Rose from the Duke Ellington Legacy is a masterful expression of one of the greatest jazz musicians in history. Ellington would be proud to know that his grandson is keeping his legacy alive and bringing it to a new generation of jazz enthusiasts." –Sari N. Kent, TheCelebrityCafe.com
"Containing the energy of Single Petal of a Rose is a futile pursuit. This is music to dance to, music that bounds from the speakers with delight. The ballads are warm and the heavyweights really swing for the KO. The Duke Ellington Legacy has accomplished its goal by painting one hell of a musical picture, showing devotion to one of the true greats and revealing their own stripes along the road. This is great stuff." –Blinded By Sound
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MUSICIANS |
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Edward Ellington II: guitar; Norman Simmons: piano, arranger; Virginia Mayhew: tenor saxophone, band leader, arranger; Nancy Reed: vocals; Joe Temperley: bass clarinet, baritone sax; Wycliffe Gordon: trombone; Mark McGowan: trumpet; Tom DiCarlo: bass; Paul Wells: drums and Sheila Earley: percussion.
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DUKE ELLINGTON LEGACY |
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Ten impressive musicians grace the album: Pianist Norman Simmons, vocalist Nancy Reed, special guests trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, and baritone saxophonist-bass clarinetist Joe Temperley, Edward K. Ellington II and Mayhew, along with bassist Tom DiCarlo, drummer Paul Wells, trumpeter Mark McGowan, and percussionist Sheila Earley.
Simmons and Mayhew have conscientiously prepared vital, warm-hearted arrangements that encourage the players to find fresh jazz expression in standards and lesser-known Ellingtonia. Simmons is responsible for eight ("Pretty Woman", "Caravan", "Mainstem", "Day Dream", "Isfahan", "Cottontail", "Moon Mist", "Come Sunday") and Mayhew arranged three ("Perdido", "In a Sentimental Mood", and her song "Toe Tickler").
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION |
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"Thank You, Uncle Edward" was chosen "new and noteworthy" by Bob Weinberg of Jazziz Magazine.
Virginia Mayhew's original, "Toe Tickler", from "Thank You, Uncle Edward" was chosen as one of the Top 10 New Songs of 2008 by AllAboutJazz.com. Read more on the Reviews page.
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LISTEN TO TRACKS/BUY MP3s |
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