Out of print. Factory sealed and brand new. Only one in stock!
The Washingtonians made some forgettable acoustic horn recordings in the mid 1920s. With the advent of electrical sound in 1925, some personnel changes and larger numbers, Edward Ellington's orchestra really came into their own. The set EARLY ELLINGTON is evidence of that musical flowering. The 67 tracks here were (with one exception) all taken from 78 source material. Fifteen are transcriptions of metal parts, the rest being test and commercial pressings.
Track #1, "East St. Louis Toodle-o," was the band's theme song until 1940. Two versions are presented (the earlier has more surface noise). As to the issue of record condition, there is hiss present, but no persistent clicks from scratches, and little lathe. This is to be expected when mastering from pre-used 78s of such venerable age. To have dampened the sound with a mask of filtering would have destroyed the dynamics of the performances, in this reviewer's estimation.
Other Ellington standards, like "The Mooche," "Black & Tan Fantasy" and "Mood Indigo" saw their first exposure to the record buying public with the BRUNSWICK sides on this set. The opening theme of "Six Or Seven Times" would one day become the coda to "Take The 'A' Train." Another interesting couple of tracks are on disc two. "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Doin' The New Lowdown" feature Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and these two comprise the first ever record to include tap-dancing. The 78 was also a big seller in 1929. "Sweet Mama," another song waxed at that session but rejected by BRUNSWICK'S Jack Kapp, is finally given it's due here. Also included are tunes that were part of musical revues at the Cotton Club. Galas like "Cotton Club Showboat" and "Hot Chocolates" were orchestrated by Ellington during his band's two year tenure at that famous Harlem nightclub.
A nicely detailed 56-page book chronicles Duke's early history, and provides lots of other data. The compact case that houses the book and three CDs is a plus. Altogether, this superb collection is one that's vital to all Ellington fans, lovers of hot dance music and early jazz bands. Highest recommendation.
