Product Details

• Actors: Duke Ellington, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Image Entertainment
• DVD Release Date: June 17, 2003
• Run Time: 57 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000093NS4
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #69,235 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

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  #15 in	Movies & TV > Music Video & Concerts > Artists > Ellington, Duke
  #93 in	Movies & TV > Musicals & Performing Arts > Classical > Piano & Keyboard

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Any Ellington is good Ellington, but The Intimate Duke Ellington is on a higher level entirely: over an hour of the Duke playing solo and with a trio in one program, and with an octet in the second. The first of the two sets (both black and white, both recorded in Copenhagen in 1967) finds him exploring lesser known material like the tranquil "Meditation" and the minor blues "On the Fringe of the Jungle" (with an astonishing Rufus Jones drum solo); set two brings on the brilliant saxophonists Harry Carney and Johnny Hodges, trumpeter Cat Anderson, and other Ellington stalwarts for "Sophisticated Lady" and more. It is all sublime (just try not to be moved by Hodges's playing on "Passion Flower"). Indeed, in troubled times or any times, Duke Ellington's music is a tribute to humankind's better angels. This DVD is a must have for Ellington fans, and for lovers of music. --Sam Graham

Product Description

Duke Ellington's fifty year career was full of accomplishments as a highly original pianist, arranger, prolific composer and leader of a timeless orchestra. On occasion he recorded with a small group from his orchestra or as a piano soloist, but Duke was rarely filmed in that capacity... with a few exceptions. On January 23, 1967, Ellington filmed two programs for Danish television. The first has him jamming with an octet taken from his orchestra, including such greats as altoist Johnny Hodges, tenor-saxophonist Paul Gonsalves, baritonist Harry Carney and trumpeter Cat Anderson. Highlights include "The Jeep Is Jumpin'," "Sophisitcated Lady" and "Jam with Sam." The second program puts the focus on Ellington's piano, in solo and trio performances that include "Lotus Blossom," "Mood Indigo," and a definitive version of "Take the 'A' Train." Always a modern and distinctive soloist, Ellington is seen creating brilliant improvisations full of strong melodies, subtle surprises and sly wit.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Watching Duke Ellington is a sublime experience, June 4, 2004

By	Manuel Pila "miamimano" (Miami, florida United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

From the first note, you know you are in the hands of a master musician. What a treat to watch Ellington's ever-changing facial expressions as he plays some of the greatest jazz compositions ever written and leads a small version of his orchestra through a mix of rare gems and popular favorites! Though this remarkable 1967 performance on Danish television is more than 30 years old, Duke's music comes across as fresh, hip, inspired and thoroughly modern. There are plenty of moments of deep emotion and exultation that make the Intimate Ellington a joy to watch; just catch Ellington's huge, infectious grin after performing Take the A Train. You can see him pushing the boundaries of these songs, searching for new interpretations, and his restless imagination is in full effect throughout both performances. I found myself laughing out loud one moment and nearly reduced to tears the next. This DVD is a major thrill for jazz fans and an important historical record of the great Ellington during the late 60s, an era that is acknowledged as one of his most creative and risk-taking periods. I cannot overstate the musical and historical value of this dvd. To paraphrase Duke, I loved it madly.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How Amazing is Duke!, July 31, 2004

By	K. Pruiett (Shawnee, OK) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This DVD is an amazing display of what Duke and a few of his best known sidemen can do. Absolutely fabulous video that features the specialties of some of the best jazz musicians in history! Buy it now, and be happy later!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exemplary Duke, October 5, 2008

By	Steven Bergdall "xnophloglas" (Bloomington, IN USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Speaking from the perspective of a musician, this might be the best jazz DVD I've ever seen. The camera work is certainly more than satisfactory, and Duke's performances (especially in the solo/duo/trio session) are outstanding. I would go so far as to say that these performances deserve to be better known.

Duke was probably my first influence as a jazz pianist, and I still learn a lot of lessons whenever I hear or see him play. The music on this DVD is entertaining to watch, but it also bears repeated careful listening.