Double Duke

Albumbeschreibung

Baritonist Joe Temperley, who occupied Harry Carney's chair in the Duke Ellington Orchestra for a time after the former's death in 1974, has often emulated Carney's sound with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra since joining in 1990. However, Temperley -- who also plays soprano sax and bass clarinet on this superior set -- is much more than merely a Carney clone, and he has an appealing sound of his own. He is teamed up here with four other musicians from the world of Wynton Marsalis: trombonist Wycliff Gordon (who is a major asset on Duke Ellington material since he is an expert with the plunger mute), pianist Eric Reed, bassist Rodney Whitaker and drummer Herlin Riley. From the title of the CD, one might think that this was exclusively a Duke Ellington tribute set but actually only four of the nine selections are Duke-associated material (including Billy Strayhorn's "Rain Check," "Black and Tan Fantasy" and a combination of "Rubber Bottom" with "Cottontail"). The quintet also performs Oscar Pettiford's classic "Tricotism," "Elsa," "Fascinatin' Rhythm" and a couple of potentially morbid ballads: "Try a Little Tenderness" and "Danny Boy." Gordon really digs into the latter and each selection has its subtle surprises. The two horns, due to Temperley's tripling, create a surprising amount of variety and all nine of their performances are well worth hearing. Superior straightahead jazz.
© Scott Yanow /TiVo