Duke Ellington
1923-1974
Swing Era Pinnacle
1940-1942
The acknowledged peak of Ellington's big band with bassist Jimmy Blanton and tenor saxophonist Ben Webster — revolutionary arrangements that elevated jazz orchestration to a compositional art form rivaling European concert music.
Concert Works & Revival
1956-1958
Ellington's triumphant return to prominence with the explosive Newport Festival performance that reignited public interest, followed by ambitious extended compositions exploring African-American history and identity.
The concert that reignited a legend — Ellington's triumphant Newport performance, driven by a 27-chorus saxophone solo, became the most explosive live big band recording ever made.
Jazz as American epic — Ellington's sweeping musical history of African-American experience, with Mahalia Jackson's gospel voice, declares jazz a compositional art form of the highest ambition.
Late Masterpieces
1962-1967
Ellington's restless creative spirit in his sixties — from the combustible piano trio session with Mingus and Roach to the impressionistic suite inspired by a State Department tour of the Middle and Far East.
Three generations of jazz genius in combustible collision — Ellington, Mingus, and Roach push each other to the edge in a piano trio session charged with competitive fire and mutual respect.
Jazz as global impressionism — Ellington and Strayhorn distill their State Department tour into a shimmering suite that absorbs Middle Eastern and Asian musical colors into the big band palette.