Unlimited Streaming
Listen to this album in high quality now on our apps
Start my trial period and start listening to this albumEnjoy this album on Qobuz apps with your subscription
SubscribeEnjoy this album on Qobuz apps with your subscription
Digital Download
Purchase and download this album in a wide variety of formats depending on your needs.
Never No Lament: The Blanton-Webster Band, covering the years 1939-1942 in the great composer and bandleader's career, is essentially the third time that RCA has issued this material on CD. The first was a botched job, appalling even, with its flattened-out, compressed sound, along with a chopped version of "Take the A-Train" and other sonic and editorial errors. The second version was completely remastered and corrected the editorial problems, but featured no alternate takes from the band's performances. Beyond the original 66 tracks, nine additional cuts are featured here, including four brand-new master-take issues of "Another Pitter Patter," "Body and Soul," "Sophisticated Lady," and "Mr. J.B. Blues," as well as alternate takes of "Ko-Ko," "Bojangles," "Sepia Panorama," "Jumpin' Punkins," and "Jump for Joy." All of this material is available on RCA's Complete Duke Ellington and in bits and pieces on imports, but these tracks make this set feel much more complete as a document of Ellington's greatest band. The interplay between Jimmy Blanton's bass, which stood completely out front with its fat, rounded tone -- a revolutionary thing in a big band in those days -- and Ben Webster's shimmering, soulful tenor on the alternate take of "Sepia Panorama," as well as the title track and Webster's signature tune, "Chelsea Bridge," are more remarkable with each listen. The sheer force of Blanton's playing moves the band to a whole different level of intensity, and the contrast between the tones of altoist Johnny Hodges and Webster is one of the most unique and complimentary in the history of jazz. If you are new to this set, it's a fine introduction, with performances of classics such as "Ko-Ko," "Harlem Air Shaft," "All Too Soon," "In a Mellotone," "Warm Valley," "Harlem Airshaft," "Take the 'A' Train," "I Got It Bad," "Five O'Clock Drag," "Perdido," "Bojangles," "The C Jam Blues," "Concerto for Cootie," "Cottontail," "Johnny Come Lately," "Sentimental Lady," and many others. The Blanton-Webster Band featured a great many soloists, including Cootie Williams, Ray Nance, Rex Stewart, and vocalist Herb Jeffries. In fact, the only shortcomings on this set are some of the vocals by other performers, but let's face it, there were few truly great jazz singers at the time, and this minor annoyance is easily overlooked. While it is easy to be cynical about the way classic recordings are repackaged and remastered as a way of getting enthusiasts to buy them again and again, this one is truly worth either an initial investment or reinvestment. It may have taken RCA three tries, but they finally got it right. The package is lovely, the notes updated, and the sound stellar. Along with the extra tracks, what more could you want?
© Thom Jurek /TiVo
You are currently listening to samples.
Listen to over 100 million songs with an unlimited streaming plan.
Listen to this playlist and more than 100 million songs with our unlimited streaming plans.
From CA$ 10.83/month
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Herb Jeffries, Vocal - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Billy Strayhorn, Arranger - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - M.K. Jerome, Composer - M.K. Jerome, Lyricist - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Duke Ellington, Arranger - Jack Scholl, Composer - Jack Scholl, Lyricist - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Billy Strayhorn, Arranger - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Duke Ellington, Composer - Duke Ellington, Arranger - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Duke Ellington, Composer - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Duke Ellington, Composer - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Ivie Anderson, Vocal - Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Jack Lawrence, Composer - Jack Lawrence, Lyricist - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Billy Strayhorn, Arranger - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - James Mundy, Composer - James Mundy, Lyricist - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Edward White, Composer - Edward White, Lyricist - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Duke Ellington, Composer - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Composer - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Edward Kennedy Ellington, Composer - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All rights reserved by BMG Music
Ivie Anderson, Vocal - Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Duke Ellington, Composer - Duke Ellington, Lyricist - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Ben Webster, Arranger - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Composer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Duke Ellington, Arranger - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All rights reserved by BMG Music
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Billy Strayhorn, Arranger - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Composer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All rights reserved by BMG Music
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Composer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All rights reserved by BMG Music
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Composer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Composer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Soprano Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Composer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Duke Ellington, Composer - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Trumpet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All rights reserved by BMG Music
Ivie Anderson, Vocal - Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Joseph A. Burke, Composer - Joseph A. Burke, Lyricist - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Edgar Leslie, Composer - Edgar Leslie, Lyricist - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Carl Sigman, Composer - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Composer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All rights reserved by BMG Music
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Composer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Jack Fulton, Composer - Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - John O'Brien, Composer - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Billy Strayhorn, Arranger - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Duke Ellington, Composer - Duke Ellington, Arranger - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Herb Jeffries, Vocal - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Billy Strayhorn, Arranger - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Gladys Shelley, Composer - Gladys Shelley, Lyricist - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Abner Silver, Composer - Abner Silver, Lyricist - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Duke Ellington, Composer - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All rights reserved by BMG Music
Ivie Anderson, Vocal - Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Gene Irwin, Composer - Gene Irwin, Lyricist - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Joseph Myrow, Composer - Joseph Myrow, Lyricist - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Kim Gannon, Composer - Kim Gannon, Lyricist - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Duke Ellington, Composer - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Duke Ellington, Composer - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
DISC 2
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Composer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All rights reserved by BMG Music
Neil Moret, Composer - Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Gus Kahn, Composer - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Herb Jeffries, Vocal - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Al Dubin, Composer - Al Dubin, Lyricist - Duke Ellington, Piano - Duke Ellington, Composer - Duke Ellington, Lyricist - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - James W. Blake, Composer - Charles B. Lawlor, Composer - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Ray Nance, Trumpet - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Ted Grouya, Composer - Ted Grouya, Lyricist - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Herb Jeffries, Vocal - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Billy Strayhorn, Piano - Billy Strayhorn, Arranger - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Ray Nance, Trumpet - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar - Edmund Anderson, Composer - Edmund Anderson, Lyricist
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Mercer Ellington, Lyricist - Mercer Ellington, Composer - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Herb Jeffries, Vocal - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Ray Nance, Trumpet - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Billy Strayhorn, Composer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Ray Nance, Trumpet - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally released 1941. All rights reserved by Sony Music Entertainment
Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Mercer Ellington, Composer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Ray Nance, Trumpet - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1941. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Mercer Ellington, Composer - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Ray Nance, Trumpet - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1941. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Mercer Ellington, Composer - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Ray Nance, Trumpet - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1941. All rights reserved by BMG Music
Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Billy Strayhorn, Composer - Billy Strayhorn, Piano - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Ray Nance, Trumpet - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1941. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Ray Nance, Violin - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Composer - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1941. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Ray Nance, Trumpet - Duke Ellington, Piano - Duke Ellington, Composer - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1941. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Lee Gaines, Composer - Billy Strayhorn, Composer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Ray Nance, Trumpet - Duke Ellington, Composer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1941. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Ray Nance, Trumpet - Duke Ellington, Composer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1941. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Duke Ellington, Composer
Originally Recorded 1940. All rights reserved by BMG Music
Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Edward Heyman, Composer - John Green, Composer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Frank Eyton, Composer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Robert S. Sour, Composer - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer
Originally Recorded 1940. All rights reserved by BMG Music
Mitchell Parish, Composer - Irving Mills, Composer - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Duke Ellington, Composer
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Jimmy Blanton, Composer - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Duke Ellington, Composer
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Duke Ellington, Composer - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
(P) Originally released 1940. All rights reserved by RCA Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Composer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Cootie Williams, Trumpet - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Billy Strayhorn, Arranger - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Duke Ellington, Composer - Duke Ellington, Arranger - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1940. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Mercer Ellington, Composer - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Ray Nance, Trumpet - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1941. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Ivie Anderson, Vocal - Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Paul Francis Webster, Composer - Paul Francis Webster, Lyricist - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Ray Nance, Trumpet - Duke Ellington, Composer - Duke Ellington, Lyricist - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Sid Kuller, Composer - Sid Kuller, Lyricist - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1941. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
DISC 3
Harry Carney, Clarinet - Harry Carney, Alto Saxophone - Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone - Steven Lasker, Re-Issue Producer - Steven Lasker, Engineer - Steven Lasker, Misc. Prod. - Ben Webster, Tenor Saxophone - Wallace Jones, Trumpet - Orrin Keepnews, Re-Issue Producer - Jimmie Blanton, Bass - Sonny Greer, Drums - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Performer - Johnny Hodges, Clarinet - Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone - Paul Francis Webster, Composer - Otto Hardwick, Alto Saxophone - Barney Bigard, Clarinet - Barney Bigard, Tenor Saxophone - Lawrence Brown, Trombone - Dennis Ferrante, Re-Mastering Engineer - Ray Nance, Trumpet - Duke Ellington, Composer - Duke Ellington, Piano - Joe Nanton, Trombone - Juan Tizol, Trombone - Rex Stewart, Cornet - Fred Guy, Guitar
Originally Recorded 1941. All Rights Reserved by BMG Music
Album review
Never No Lament: The Blanton-Webster Band, covering the years 1939-1942 in the great composer and bandleader's career, is essentially the third time that RCA has issued this material on CD. The first was a botched job, appalling even, with its flattened-out, compressed sound, along with a chopped version of "Take the A-Train" and other sonic and editorial errors. The second version was completely remastered and corrected the editorial problems, but featured no alternate takes from the band's performances. Beyond the original 66 tracks, nine additional cuts are featured here, including four brand-new master-take issues of "Another Pitter Patter," "Body and Soul," "Sophisticated Lady," and "Mr. J.B. Blues," as well as alternate takes of "Ko-Ko," "Bojangles," "Sepia Panorama," "Jumpin' Punkins," and "Jump for Joy." All of this material is available on RCA's Complete Duke Ellington and in bits and pieces on imports, but these tracks make this set feel much more complete as a document of Ellington's greatest band. The interplay between Jimmy Blanton's bass, which stood completely out front with its fat, rounded tone -- a revolutionary thing in a big band in those days -- and Ben Webster's shimmering, soulful tenor on the alternate take of "Sepia Panorama," as well as the title track and Webster's signature tune, "Chelsea Bridge," are more remarkable with each listen. The sheer force of Blanton's playing moves the band to a whole different level of intensity, and the contrast between the tones of altoist Johnny Hodges and Webster is one of the most unique and complimentary in the history of jazz. If you are new to this set, it's a fine introduction, with performances of classics such as "Ko-Ko," "Harlem Air Shaft," "All Too Soon," "In a Mellotone," "Warm Valley," "Harlem Airshaft," "Take the 'A' Train," "I Got It Bad," "Five O'Clock Drag," "Perdido," "Bojangles," "The C Jam Blues," "Concerto for Cootie," "Cottontail," "Johnny Come Lately," "Sentimental Lady," and many others. The Blanton-Webster Band featured a great many soloists, including Cootie Williams, Ray Nance, Rex Stewart, and vocalist Herb Jeffries. In fact, the only shortcomings on this set are some of the vocals by other performers, but let's face it, there were few truly great jazz singers at the time, and this minor annoyance is easily overlooked. While it is easy to be cynical about the way classic recordings are repackaged and remastered as a way of getting enthusiasts to buy them again and again, this one is truly worth either an initial investment or reinvestment. It may have taken RCA three tries, but they finally got it right. The package is lovely, the notes updated, and the sound stellar. Along with the extra tracks, what more could you want?
© Thom Jurek /TiVo
About the album
- 3 disc(s) - 75 track(s)
- Total length: 03:52:56
- Main artists: Duke Ellington
- Composer: Various Composers
- Label: RCA Bluebird
- Genre: Jazz
(P) 2003 BMG
Distinctions:
Why buy on Qobuz...
-
Stream or download your music
Buy an album or an individual track. Or listen to our entire catalogue with our high-quality unlimited streaming subscriptions.
-
Zero DRM
The downloaded files belong to you, without any usage limit. You can download them as many times as you like.
-
Choose the format best suited for you
Download your purchases in a wide variety of formats (FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF...) depending on your needs.
-
Listen to your purchases on our apps
Download the Qobuz apps for smartphones, tablets and computers, and listen to your purchases wherever you go.