Duke Ellington – Solo Piano Concert 1964

Duke Ellington was of course known as a bandleader and one of the greatest of all American composers, but as a pianist, he was equally as great and influential, yet often overlooked. Here for the first time on CD and digital release, we present Ellington at his refined best, in the mid 1960s. This recording was made at Columbia University in New York City, and for the most part it’s pure solo piano by Duke, with some backing by his drummer Sam Woodyard and his bassist Ernie Shepard. He gives us several of his jewels, such as Fleurette Africaine (Little African Flower), Melancholia, as well as a previously unrecorded solo version Bird of Paradise, which dates back to 1935. Skillipoop from the “Timon of Athens” Suite, features the creativity of Woodyard. Of course as usual, there is the standard medley of Ellington “hits” where he is joined by Shepard, and Woodyard. This 1964 Solo Piano concert reaffirms what a wonderful experience it is to hear “The Piano Player” live, doing his thing.

 

1. Melancholia / Reflections in D (4:04)

2. Little African Flower (3:36)

3. Bird of Paradise (4:28)

4. Single Petal Of Rose (3:21)

5. New World A-Comin’ (9:00)

6. Take The A Train (3:44)

7. Satin Doll (4:06)

8. Skillipoop (7:11)

9. Ellington Hit Medley (10:29)

Solitude

Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

Mood Indigo

I Got It Bad

Sophisticated Lady

Just Squeeze Me10

Prelude To A Kiss

Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me

It Don’t Mean a Thing

Duke Ellington – Piano

Ernie Shepard – Bass

Sam Woodyard – Drums

Recorded live at Columbia University, New York City, February 5th, 1964