Blues To Be There, A Salute To Duke Ellington
Eastlawn, 2023
8/10
Listen to Blues To Be There, A Salute To Duke Ellington
The work of Duke Ellington has been interpreted by many artists, but it’s never sounded quite like this, as Planet D Nonet bring their arsenal of brass and some very special guests to the 16 tracks.
“Spacemen” starts the listen with Charlie Miller’s lively trumpet and Alex Harding’s swift baritone sax making for a radiant and flowing jazz climate, and “Pie Eye’s Blues” follows with a calmer pace that benefits from James O’Donnell’s well timed trumpet and Michael Zaporski’s firm piano playing that welcomes much rhythm.
Further on, “Swingers Gets The Blues Too” has Christopher Tabaczynski’s intimate sax front and center, as well as Tbone Paxton’s trombone, while “Way Early Subtone” showcases Alex Colista’s meticulous alto sax prowess and Harding’s baritone sax working together dynamically.
Moving towards the end, “Bonga” allows RJ Spangler’s congas much room to explore in the cultured delivery, and “VIPs Boogie/Jam With Sam” exits with a swingin’, festive appeal that is populated by Goode Wyche II’s sax, Colista’s soprano sax and Ryan Bills’ tenor sax.
The outfit are spearheaded by Spangler and O’Donnell, and they’ve had great success reimaging classic blues and jazz music, and this project that focuses on Ellington’s later work continues that trend and should be required listening for fans.
Travels well with: 3D Jazz Trio- 9 To 5; Christopher McBride- Ramon