On this unusual project, vibraphonist
Stefon Harris performs three excerpts apiece from
Duke Ellington's "New Orleans Suite" and his lesser-known "The Gardner Meditations" plus two pieces from
the Duke's "The Queen's Suite." The sensitive "Single Petal of a Rose" is the best known of these selections. Rather than use a big band,
Harris is joined by viola, cello, flute, clarinet, trombonist
Steve Turre (who is wonderful on "Portrait of Wellman Braud"), and a piano-bass-drums rhythm section. The arrangements are colorful and inventive, with
Harris (who doubles on marimba) usually being heard as the lead voice.
African Tarantella serves as further proof that
Duke Ellington's music, in addition to being enormous in quantity, can be interpreted in an infinite number of colorful ways. Well worth several listens. ~ Scott Yanow