The Chris Big Band’s Tribute to Duke Ellington
Trumpeter and band leader Chris leads his octet full of inspired be-bopper shining in every position. From UK horn stars Andy Panayi (reeds) Gabriel Garrick (trumpet) and Mike Pilley (trombone) to the hard-swinging rhythm section of Peter Cater (drums) Terry Seabrook (piano) and Rhys Lovell on bass, the swashbuckling style let’s fly with aplomb. The cherry on the cake is Lucy Pickering on vocals.
The “Tribute to the Duke” project has been several years in the making; Chris has faithfully transcribed original 20’s, 30s and 40s Ellington gems into a distilled selection of tunes arranged for this four-horn front line, to create a fitting musical eulogy to the great man.
Expect a chronological, informed and sophisticated journey from Duke’s beginnings at the Cotton Club through to the popular wartime hits and collaborations with Billy Strayhorn. The band manages to revel in Ellington’s distinctive harmonic and melodic personality whilst giving freedom of expression to the band’s many notable UK jazz stars.
MFL489
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