Search - Duke Ellington :: ... and His Mother Called Him Bill

Excellent Tribute

Carver T. Green | 06/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a wonderful tribute to Billy Strayhorn, that forgotten, pushed-to-the-back GENIUS. I am so glad that Duke Ellington did what he could at the time, during the times, to develop a legacy for Billy which he justly deserves. This really is a MUST HAVE CD for those whose taske in jazz is seasoned."

Mostly Great Recording

J. Garcia | New Mexico, USA | 01/19/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This tribute to Billy Strayhorn lives up to his legacy of musically erudite yet soulful songwriting. Duke Ellington's notable omission of Billy's "Lush Life" is sad, but understandable in view of the duo's mutual respect.



Many of the selections are brilliant, both in writing and performance, especially in Johnny Hodges' "Blood Count" and Ellington's solo "Lotus Blossom." Unfortunately, the inclusion of a handful of unengaging tracks such as "Acht O' Clock Rock" and "All Day Long" muddles an otherwise masterful performance.



When Ellington's band isn't recapturing Strayhorn's tender touch in ballads, they exude his unique ebullience exemplified in up-beat charts such as "Rain Check" and "U.M.M.G." This is a mostly thorough reflection of Strayhorn's life performed by no less than his closest musical peers."