Jazz / Big Band, Swing, Early Jazz Here's instant relief for those who need a quick shot of classic Duke Ellington in the form of 25 recordings made between December 1927 and May 1940 that map the development of this superb big band from the close of the Bubber Miley period to the dawn of what has since come to be called the Blanton-Webster band (so named for the combined presence and influence of string bassist Jimmy Blanton and tenor saxophonist Ben Webster). Duke Ellington's orchestra was the definitive, breathing embodiment of big-band jazz for about 50 years; a perusal of his collective personnel listing can provide newcomers with plenty of clues for further exploration (begin by feeding your search engine the following names: Johnny Hodges, Cootie Williams, Juan Tizol, Barney Bigard, and Wellman Braud). Vocalists heard on this collection are Ozie Ware, Dick Robertson, and the divine Ivie Anderson. ~ arwulf arwulf, All Music Guide Credits Name Credits Arthur Whetsol Trumpet Barney Bigard Clarinet, Clarinet (Tenor) Ben Webster Sax (Tenor) Bubber Miley Trumpet Cootie Williams Trumpet Dick Robertson Vocals Duke Ellington Piano Fred Guy Guitar, Banjo Freddie Jenkins Trumpet Harold Baker Trumpet Harry Carney Sax (Alto), Clarinet, Baritone Clarinet Hayes Alvis Bass Ivie Anderson Vocals Jimmy Blanton Bass Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton Trombone Joe Garland Sax (Tenor) Johnny Hodges Sax (Alto), Clarinet, Sax (Soprano) Juan Tizol Trombone, Vocals Jungle Band Performer Louis Metcalf Trumpet Maurice Chevalier Photography Otto Hardwick Sax (Baritone), Sax (Alto), Sax (Soprano) Ozie Ware Vocals Rex Stewart Cornet Rudy Jackson Sax (Tenor), Clarinet Sonny Greer Drums Wallace Jones Trumpet Wellman Braud Bass |