Duke Ellington was one of the most respected (and most sought after) jazz musician in the world. He and his orchestra have performed with people such as
Frank Sinatra,
Ella Fitzgerald and
Louie Armstrong, to name a few.
Three Suites is a remarkable collection showcasing Ellington's genius of interpretation and composition. This particular album is Duke Ellington's attempt at reinvention ... of bringing classical music to our attention by "jazzifying" it. The album is divided into three suites, hence the name.
- Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker Suite - most people today will recognize these tunes from Disney's Fantasia which starred our beloved Mickey Mouse as the sorcerer's apprentice. The Nutcracker Suite was Ellington's first foray into arrangements of another composer, and Tchaikovsky was the natural choice, since the suite is a favorite of Ellington's. The band delivers its strong personality in this triumphant rendition while remaining very true to the composer.
- Grieg: Peer Gynt Suites Nos 1 and 2 - His interpretation of the Peer Gynt Suites is a mixture of respect and admiration. Ellington's 15-piece musician band is dazzling on these beautiful pieces, with remarkable harmony and swing.
- Ellington-Strayhorn: Suite Thursday - his own suite is a work of genius, filled with the inspired variety of solos and section sounds of the band.
You know what my favorite piece is? Sugar Rum Cherry ... not just for the tune, but also because I like the title. It is fun to say.
