Duke Ellington Legacy
Renma, 2012, CD
Instrument: Instrumental
Issue: 18.4
Jazz Ruler Type: Ballads, Blues
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: The Duke Ellington Legacy is a 9-piece band led by guitarist-composer Edward Kennedy Ellington II, the grandson of the legend. Saxophonist Virginia Mayhew is the leader and musical director of the band that also includes pianist Norman Simmons. The music is 90+% Ellington/Strayhorn tunes ushered into the new millennium by Simmons’ fresh arrangements. Their treatment of “Johnny Come Lately” is a fine example. Guest artist Houston Person (ts) solos on several selections notably “Home Grown”. Vocalist Nancy Reed also adds soul on 4 songs including “In My Solitude” and “In a Mellow Tone”. The cool swing, swagger and unselfishness of each member keep the spirit of Duke alive and well!
Publicist: Braithwaite & Katz
