Take The “A” Train EP – Duke Ellington (1960)

Description

Additional information about this, Duke Ellington vinyl art.

Duke Ellington – The Artist

Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington (1899 – 1974) was an American composer, pianist, and leader of a jazz orchestra, which he led from 1923 until his death over a career spanning more than six decades. Some of the jazz musicians who were members of Ellington’s orchestra, such as saxophonist Johnny Hodges, are considered to be among the best players in the idiom. Ellington melded them into the best-known orchestral unit in the history of jazz. Some members stayed with the orchestra for several decades. A master at writing miniatures for the three-minute 78 rpm recording format, Ellington wrote more than one thousand compositions; his extensive body of work is the largest recorded personal jazz legacy, with many of his pieces having become standards. Ellington recorded for most American record companies of his era, performed in several films, scored several, and composed a handful of stage musicals. Ellington was noted for his inventive use of the orchestra, or big band, and for his eloquence and charisma. His reputation continued to rise after he died, and he was awarded a posthumous Pulitzer Prize Special Award for music in 1999.

Take The “A” Train – The Song

“Take The ‘A’ Train” is a jazz standard by Billy Strayhorn. It became the signature tune of the Duke Ellington orchestra. Composed in 1939 it was originally released on  78rpm format. The E.P. from which this song was taken is undated.

William Thomas Strayhorn (1915 – 1967) was an American jazz composer, pianist, lyricist, and arranger, best remembered for his long-time collaboration with bandleader and composer Duke Ellington that lasted nearly three decades. His compositions include “Take the ‘A’ Train”, “Chelsea Bridge”, “A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing”, and “Lush Life”.

Duke Ellington – The Shape

This extended play record is been modelled into a silhouette of the Duke waving his hand while conducting his famous orchestra. 

Need Help?  Contact Us