Digital Duke is a collection of digitally mixed and mastered compositions written by and usually associated with
Duke Ellington.
Mercer Ellington, the younger half of the father-and-son team, conducts
the Duke Ellington Orchestra complete with former members of
Duke's orchestra
Louis Bellson,
Chuck Connors,
Clark Terry,
Norris Turney, and
Britt Woodman. Special guest performances by
Branford Marsalis,
Eddie Daniels,
Roland Hanna, and Gerry Wiggins add to the excitement of the newly mastered collaborations. Produced by
Michael Abene and
Mercer Ellington, the three days spent at Clinton Recording Studio in New York City sets out to improve the relationship between the generations and their long-term appreciation of the swing era. Executive producers
Dave Grusin and
Larry Rosen decided to concentrate on
Ellington pieces that became standards in the jazz repertory. Digitally updating the
Duke's music, which was always defined by common musical threads, distinctive harmonies, unique piano playing, and unusual combinations of instruments, would require only the best musicians. The result is a timeless tribute to one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. The essence of traditional and contemporary concepts come together on "Cottontail." It showcases an extraordinary
Branford Marsalis saxophone solo honed in the
Ellington style. He satisfies listeners again, at just the right tempo, with his impeccable tenor saxophone on "Take the 'A' Train." The easy pace is exactly right, as Gerry Wiggins' piano intros the time-honored ode that soon became
Duke's trademark.
Eddie Daniels adds a new, velvet-like, clarinet solo to the timeless, three-horn favorite "Mood Indigo."
Louis Bellson, who was
Duke's drummer in the early '50s and again on many reunions, is in great form on "Perdido" and "In a Mellotone."
Digital Duke is a very special project, thoughtfully executed by
Mercer Ellington and company. ~ Paula Edelstein