I am often asked by music lovers who think they just might have a soft spot for jazz in their musical hearts, ‘Where do I start?’ or ‘What do you recommend for a jazz beginner?’
I am a great one for never recommending that anyone start at the bottom. ‘Reach for the top’, I always say. The same is true for jazz music. Start with the best. Start with jazz royalty. Start with the mesmerizing, unforgettable Duke Ellington.
He was born Edward Kennedy Ellington in 1899. He led his orchestra from 1923 until his death in 1974. That is 50 years of music to choose from. So as not to overwhelm the beginner, I’ll point out a few highlights that are bound to give you a fever for the Duke.
It’s safe to assume that even the most novice jazz listener might have heard Take the A Train in some version or another by any number of artists. It is a classic and as an old teacher of mine once said ‘It’s always best to know the classics.’
Take the A Train (composed by Billy Strayhorn) was a monster hit in 1941 and became the theme song for Duke’s orchestra. There are vocals to the song but my favorite is an instrumental version recorded by Lionel Hampton (master of the vibes). The vibes are lovely to listen to and always make for easy listening for a new jazz fan. Hampton’s recording is just the ticket.
Back in the day, there was hardly a singer of any note who did not record with Duke Ellington. Some recorded with Duke on several occasions. Ella Fitzgerald is one of the lucky ones who made more than one album with Duke. In my opinion, the best one is the 1965 studio recording Ella at Duke’s Place. There is not one bad track on the entire record. It’s a joy to listen to and I defy anybody not to get up in the privacy of their home and start to dance to the delightful Imagine My Frustration. Clearly, Duke and Ella reveled in each other’s company. The up-tempo tunes and beautiful ballads are a feast for both the sophisticated listener and the novice . I cannot count the number of copies I have bought to give away as presents. I love this recording so that I want everyone to hear it.
If you like films and film scores as I do, have a look at the 1959 classic Anatomy of A Murder. Duke composed the score and it is every bit an important part of the film as James Stewart’s lead performance. Duke scored the 1961 film “Paris Blues” starring Paul Newman and Sidney Poitier as jazz musicians and received an Oscar nomination for his efforts. He also earned 12 Grammy awards.
No matter how you travel through the musical legend of Duke Ellington, always remember It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing). It was true when he composed it in 1931 and it’s true today.
Words: Tom ‘Buddy’ Cahill
