Customer Reviews

Duke Ellington's Sound of Love

5 star:		(2)
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This is a virtuoso band of virtuoso players, and it cooks like hell on fire. I've been playing it almost non-stop since I bought it about three weeks ago. The arrangements are not Ellington's, not really anything like Ellington's, except that they capture the master's suaveness and subtlety...and up the octane significantly; they are mostly Matthias Rüegg's -- leader and principal arranger. Whether Ellington purists should buy this CD or not, I cannot say -- probably not. But if you don't mind your Ellington with a big dose of impishly applied Tabasco Sauce, and some humorously unintentional Europeanisms (such as singer Ann Lauvergnac's obviously un-idiomatic English pronounciations and cadances), then this one should have you toe tapping, finger snapping, and smiling all over -- from early morning to late at night, or vice-versa. Worth the price just for the arrangements of Red Garter, Very Special, Circle in Fourth, Rockin in Rhythm and Take the A-Train (unexpectedly presented as an extended bass improvisation on the theme of TTAT). The most exciting recording I've heard in ages, full of brilliant, challenging solos, precise yet lively ensemble work, superb rhythm work, and overflowing joyfulness (you don't just hear it, you feel it). BUY THIS CD NOW!

The Vienna Art Orchestra compose and perform music like no other. This CD is of Ellington's music and they do it justice in every way. But they have their own slant and approach and this music is not for everyone. If you enjoy unusual then try this and then the Eric Satie Cd which is even better.