Duke Ellington – Live at Cabaret L’Alcazar

A rare and electrifying glimpse of Duke Ellington and his world-famous orchestra performing in an intimate Parisian nightclub, Live at Cabaret L’Alcazar captures the Maestro and his legendary musicians on November 20, 1969, during one of their celebrated European tours.

Unlike the grand concert halls and festival stages typically associated with the Ellington Orchestra, this remarkable recording places the band in the lively atmosphere of Paris’s Cabaret L’Alcazar, where the musicians deliver a spirited evening of swinging jazz, soulful grooves, and spontaneous musical excitement.

Adding a particularly distinctive dimension to the Ellington sound is pioneering Hammond organist and arranger Wild Bill Davis, whose funky, blues-infused playing brings fresh energy to the orchestra’s already extraordinary musical palette.
The ensemble features an astonishing collection of Ellington veterans, including alto saxophone legend Johnny Hodges, trumpeters Cootie Williams and Cat Anderson, trombonist Lawrence Brown, tenor saxophonist Paul Gonsalves, and baritone saxophonist Harry Carney. Hodges, who would pass away the following year, remains in exceptional musical form throughout the performance.

The evening’s celebratory atmosphere even attracted French entertainment legend Maurice Chevalier, who reportedly presented Ellington with one of his famous hats.
Featuring Ellington classics such as “Rockin’ in Rhythm,” “Take the A Train,” “Satin Doll,” “Sophisticated Lady,” “In a Sentimental Mood,” and “Diminuendo in Blue,” the recording also includes the adventurous “Black Power” and the organ-driven “Fife.”
Overflowing with personality, humor, blues feeling, and irresistible swing, Live at Cabaret L’Alcazar offers an unusually intimate portrait of one of jazz’s greatest orchestras during its remarkable late period.

An essential archival performance for Duke Ellington collectors, big band enthusiasts, and admirers of the timeless Ellington sound.

__________

1. Rockin in Rhythm
2. Take the A Train
3. Satin Doll
4. Things Ain’t What They Used to Be
5. Sophisticated Lady
6. Satin Doll (Earlobe Routine) / Happy Birthday
7. Fife
8. In a Sentimental Mood
9. Black Power
10. Diminuendo in Blue / Blow by Blow
11. Satin Doll (finale)

_________

 

Recorded at Cabaret L’Alcazar, Paris, France November 20, 1969

trumpets: Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Rolf Ericson, Mercer Ellington trombones: Lawrence Brown, Chuck Connors saxophones: Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Norris Turney, Harold Ashby, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney organ: Wild Bill Davis piano: Duke Ellington bass: Victor Gaskin drums: Rufus “Speedy” Jones

* This is a brand new, professionally manufactured & shrink-wrapped Ultra/Pro-CDR. It is officially licensed to Chambermusik Special Products for sale via special arrangement with the artists. We strive hard to make such exclusive products available in professional format at a reasonable price.