DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1952 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1320 (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Here's a treat. Vol. 42 of the chronologically reissued recordings of Duke Ellington opens with some 56 minutes of music recorded live at the Civic Auditorium in Seattle, WA, on March 25, 1952. This document fully conveys the excitement of hearing Duke's orchestra in person, on tour in the great Northwest. Ellington enthusiasts have cherished these recordings for years, and this concert is particularly satisfying. "Skin Deep" is an extroverted exercise for drum kit by Louie Bellson. After this percussive fireworks display the leader provides eloquent spoken introductions, acknowledging the musician chosen as soloist on each selection. Conservatory-trained trombonist Britt Woodman -- a favorite of Charles Mingus -- expresses himself beautifully throughout "Sultry Serenade." "Sophisticated Lady" spotlights "internationally celebrated alto saxophonist" Willie Smith. Clark Terry is the star soloist on a smoky ride through Juan Tizol's "Perdido," after which that valve trombonist elucidates another of his marvelous compositions, "Caravan." Ellington composed his majestic "Harlem Suite" for the NBC Symphony Orchestra. He briefly explains the concept of the piece and reminds his audience that Harlem has "more churches than cabarets." This was in keeping with Duke's lifelong dedication to improving the public's understanding and appreciation of Afro-American culture. Louie Bellson's zippy offering, "The Hawk Talks," has a rowdy piano introduction, whereupon the band generates quite a head of steam. There is a very showy crowd-pleasing medley of Ellington hits and lastly the famous "Jam With Sam," during which Ellington briefly introduces each soloist. This may serve as a listening lexicon of more than half of the wind players in the band at that time, enabling the listener to become better acquainted with the specific sounds of Willie Cook, Russell Procope, and Quentin "Butter" Jackson, as well as the familiar tones of Paul Gonsalves and Cat Anderson. On the cusp of June and July 1952, the Ellington orchestra concentrated its energies on the art of making extended LP recordings. Betty Roche added her scat singing to eight glorious minutes of "Take the 'A' Train" and did up "I Love My Lovin' Lover" in what at times seems a fairly close imitation of Dinah Washington. Jimmy Grissom goes out of his way to sound like Al Hibbler during "Come On Home." This full helping of Ellington jazz closes with an exquisitely expanded rendition of Duke's hit of 1928, "The Mooche," with breathtaking solos by Jimmy Hamilton, Quentin Jackson, Willie Smith, Ray Nance, and the mighty Harry Carney. arwulf arwulf    Tracklist + Credits :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1952-1953 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1350 (2004) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

You've got to hand it to the folks at Classics. This is Vol. 43 in their meticulous chronological survey of the recorded works of Duke Ellington. Opening with eight and a half glorious minutes of Juan Tizol's "Perdido," this disc provides a glimpse of Duke's orchestra at a time when the music industry was allowing a lot of big bands to dry up and blow away. How sweet -- and hot -- it is to hear this particular ensemble, bristling with a brass menagerie including Clark Terry, Cat Anderson, Butter Jackson, and Britt Woodman. Drummer Louie Bellson is prominently featured on his nearly seven-minute percussion showcase, "Skin Deep." These two extended LP tracks are followed by a series of lesser-known three-minute recordings. "Ballin' the Blues," with shout vocal by Jimmy Grissom, sounds almost like Wynonie Harris. A second version from 1953 provides a rare example of Ellington the boogie-woogie pianist. "Body and Soul," eloquently sung by Betty Roche, comes across majestically cool. "Primpin' for the Prom" turns on the magical Ellington light show, evoking a breathtaking sunset over any large city's skyline. Grissom grinds out a rather neurotic-sounding "Vulture Song," most memorable for Jimmy Hamilton's clarinet runs. "Satin Doll" is charming in this early incarnation. Grissom keeps returning with fairly gruesome existential offerings that make one wish for the stylistic exaggerations of Al Hibbler. But the instrumentals are exquisitely rendered. "Cocktails for Two" unfolds beautifully, and Paul Gonsalves shares "My Old Flame" with Hamilton's clarinet. Duke lays down a few delightfully eccentric chords at the piano during the opening of a marvelous rendition of "I Can't Give You Anything But Love." "Three Little Words" is particularly handsome. "Orson," apparently a portrait of a certain Hollywood director, has an appropriately film noir flavor. "Boo-Dah" features Billy Strayhorn at the piano. "Blossom," an Ellington/Strayhorn collaboration, breathes with beatific calm. The disc ends with an updated "Warm Valley," featuring the milky tenor saxophone of Paul Gonsalves. arwulf arwulf    Tracklist + Credits :

EARL HINES AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1942-1945 | The Classics Chronological Series – 876 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

For Earl Hines fans looking beyond the bandleader's glory days of the '30s, this Classics chronological disc -- one of several Hines titles in the series -- is worth picking up. It's not as solid as Classics' 1941 survey, due in part to that disc's tighter, vintage-issue charts, but many of these 21 tracks still stand out, thanks to some fine Eckstine vocals and stealth backing by the likes of Wardell Gray, Johnny Hodges, Charlie Shavers, Budd Johnson, Red Norvo, and Oscar Pettiford -- not to mention a few Betty Roche vocal turns. A fine, if unessential, Hines collection. Stephen Cook
Tracklist :

BETTY ROCHÉ - Take the "A" Train (1956-1994) Bethlehem Classic Jazz Series / RM / APE (image+.cue), lossless

This CD (put out by Evidence) brings back singer Betty Roché's definitive session. Although she had sung briefly with Duke Ellington on two occasions in 1943 and the early '50s, fame had eluded Roché. After this album she would record two more records (available in the Original Jazz Classics series) over the next few years and then disappear back into obscurity. Assisted by vibraphonist Eddie Costa, trumpeter Conte Candoli, pianist Donn Trenner, bassist Whitey Mitchell, and drummer Davey Williams, Roché is heard at her best on this set of standards. Highlights include a remake of "Take the 'A' Train" (she had previously recorded a classic version with Ellington), "Something to Live For," "Route 66," and "September in the Rain." Two additional versions of "Go Away Blues" round out the excellent release. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. Take the "A" Train 3:13
Billy Strayhorn
2. Something to Live For 4:04
Duke Ellington / Billy Strayhorn
3. In a Mellow Tone 2:29
Duke Ellington / Milt Gabler
4. Time After Time 3:05
Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne
5. Go Away Blues 3:18
Duke Ellington
6. Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man 3:42
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
7. Route 66 4:34
Bobby Troup
8. All My Life 3:48
Harry Akst / Benny Davis
9. I Just Got the Message, Baby 2:39
Carr
10. All Too Soon 4:07
Duke Ellington / Carl Sigman
11. You Don't Love Me No More 3:17
Duke Ellington
12. September in the Rain 3:50
Al Dubin / Harry Warren
13. Go Away Blues 3:51
Duke Ellington
14. Go Away Blues 3:00
Duke Ellington
Credits :
Bass – Whitey Mitchell
Piano – Donn Trenner
Trumpet – Conte Candoli
Vibraphone – Eddie Costa
Vocals – Betty Roché

BETTY ROCHÉ - Singin' & Swingin' (1960-1992) Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series / RM / APE (image+.cue), lossless

Betty Roché should have been much more famous. She had two barely documented periods with Duke Ellington's orchestra and recorded three excellent albums as a leader from 1956-1961 (all of which are available on CD), but then faded away into complete obscurity. This reissue (which is mistakenly given the incorrect date of January 24, 1961, which was actually Roché's following release) matches the singer with tenor saxophonist Jimmy Forrest, organist Jack McDuff (near the beginning of his career), guitarist Bill Jennings, bassist Wendell Marshall, and drummer Roy Haynes. Roché performs nine famous standards, coming up with fresh variations in her phrasing to such numbers as "Come Rain or Come Shine," "When I Fall in Love," "Blue Moon," and "Billie's Bounce." Recommended, as are all of the other recordings in her slim discography.  by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1   Come Rain Or Come Shine  3:48
Written-By – Arlen-Mercer
2   A Foggy Day  3:37
Written-By – Gershwin-Gershwin
3   Day By Day  3:55
Written-By – Stordahl, Weston, Cahn
4   When I Fall In Love  3:18
Written-By – Heyman, Young
5   Blue Moon  3:01
Written-By – Rodgers-Hart
6   Where Or When
Written-By – Rodgers-Hart
7   September Song   2:08
Written-By – Weill, Anderson
8   (It Will Have To Do) Until The Real Thing Comes Along  4:10
Written-By – Nichols, Freeman, Holiner, Cahn, Chaplin
9   Billie's Bounce   3:12
Written-By – Charlie Parker
Credits :
Bass – Wendell Marshall
Drums – Roy Haynes
Guitar – Bill Jennings
Organ – Jack McDuff
Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Forrest
Vocals – Betty Roché

BETTY ROCHÉ - Lightly and Politely (1961-1992) Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series / RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

It is ironic that what is arguably singer Betty Roché's finest all-around recording was also her last. For this session, which has been reissued in the OJC series on CD, Roché (backed by pianist Jimmy Neeley, guitarist Wally Richardson, bassist Michel Mulia, and drummer Rudy Lawless) improvises constantly and uplifts a variety of superior standards, including "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Polka Dots and Moonbeams," "I Had the Craziest Dream," and three songs by her former boss, Duke Ellington. It's recommended, particularly to jazz fans not aware of Betty Roché's musical talents. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1  Someone To Watch Over Me 4:43
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
2  Why Shouldn't I 3:25
Cole Porter
3  Jim  4:30
Caesar Petrillo / Edward Ross / Nelson Shawn
4  Polka Dots And Moonbeams  3:50
Johnny Burke / James Van Heusen
5  For All We Know  2:36
J. Fred Coots / Sam M. Lewis
6  Rocks In My Bed  4:05
Duke Ellington
7  Just Squeeze Me  2:40
Duke Ellington / Lee Gaines / Fats Waller / Clarence Williams
8  I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good) 3:40
Duke Ellington / Paul Francis Webster
9  Maybe You'll Be There  3:35
Rube Bloom / Sammy Gallop
10 I Had The Craziest Dream  2:10
Mack Gordon / Harry Warren
Credits :
Bass – Michel Mulia
Drums – Rudy Lawless
Guitar – Wally Richardson
Piano – Jimmy Neeley
Vocals – Betty Roché