The Echoes of Ellington Orchestra
Directed by Peter Long
Born in 1899, a young man called Edward Ellington wrote a simple piano piece entitled 'Soda Fountain Rag' at the age of 15. Over the next sixty years, he would compose a canon of work which would have him recognised as the foremost American composer of any genre, and perhaps one of the most influential musicians of all time.
“At least one day out of the year all musicians should just put
their instruments down, and give thanks to Duke Ellington.”
Miles Davis
their instruments down, and give thanks to Duke Ellington.”
Miles Davis
Nicknamed Duke by his schoolfriends (because of his regal bearing), Ellington's music contains a unique blend of contrasts and contradictions. At once visceral and elegant, intimate and shouting, traditional and progressive, the music is unique, exciting, earthy and refined.
The Echoes Of Ellington was first formed in 1994 to celebrate the Duke’s music, and to bring it by live performance to a modern audience. Jazz enthusiasts the length and breadth of the nation, and later on in Europe and the United States, were stunned by the group's ability to get inside the scores and their ability really bring out it's true essence.
Today, the orchestra is in its finest incarnation yet - with a group of hand-picked, highly specialised, virtuoso players on all the instruments, who understand intimately the nuances put on the page by the Duke.
This concert will focus on the great hits - expect to hear Take The A Train, Satin Doll, Mood Indigo, Caravan, Don’t Get Around Much Anymore, Sophisticated Lady ... and all your other Ellington favourites!
The Echoes Of Ellington was first formed in 1994 to celebrate the Duke’s music, and to bring it by live performance to a modern audience. Jazz enthusiasts the length and breadth of the nation, and later on in Europe and the United States, were stunned by the group's ability to get inside the scores and their ability really bring out it's true essence.
Today, the orchestra is in its finest incarnation yet - with a group of hand-picked, highly specialised, virtuoso players on all the instruments, who understand intimately the nuances put on the page by the Duke.
This concert will focus on the great hits - expect to hear Take The A Train, Satin Doll, Mood Indigo, Caravan, Don’t Get Around Much Anymore, Sophisticated Lady ... and all your other Ellington favourites!
