At the Hollywood Empire: Original 1949 Transcript

Personnel: Duke Ellington (piano); Ray Nance (vocals, trumpet, violin); Al Hibbler (vocals); Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope (alto saxophone); Jimmy Hamilton (tenor saxophone, clarinet); Ben Webster (tenor saxophone);
Harry Carney (baritone saxophone); Shelton Hemphill, Al Killian, Francis Williams, Harold Baker (trumpet); Lawrence Brown, Quentin Jackson, Tyree Glenn (trombone); Billy Strayhorn (piano); Wendell Marshall (bass); Sonny Greer (drums).
Recorded live at the Hollywood Empire, Hollywood, California in February 1949.
Personnel: Duke Ellington (piano); Ray Nance (vocals, violin, trumpet); Al Hibbler (vocals); Jimmy Hamilton (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope (alto saxophone); Ben Webster (tenor saxophone); Harry Carney (baritone saxophone); Harold Baker, Al Killian, Shelton Hemphill, Francis Williams (trumpet); Lawrence D. Brown, Quentin Jackson, Tyree Glenn (trombone); Sonny Greer (drums).
Audio Remasterer: Björn Almstedt.
Liner Note Author: Andrew Homzy.
Recording information: Hollywood Empire, Los Angeles, CA (02/1949).
Duke Ellington recorded a series of radio transcriptions during an extended engagement at the Hollywood Empire for Jubilee and Just Jazz, the source of the material for this compilation. As well-recorded as these performances are, an egomaniac announcer spoils several tracks by insisting on introducing every soloist in the midst of the actual performances. In spite of this irritating occurrence, the Ellington band is well recorded and in top form, in spite of the decline of most other big bands during this period, as the numerous strikes initiated by union despot James Petrillo helped kill the popularity of instrumental jazz. A good deal of the material consists of lesser known Ellington originals that were dropped from the band book not long after this time frame, though there are plenty of hits as well. Ray Nance steals the show with his vamping vocal in "Tulip or Turnip" (no wonder he was nicknamed "Floorshow") and his signature trumpet solo in "Take the A Train." Johnny Hodges shines in several features, particularly "Passion Flower." Ellington even has a little fun by closing one show with Count Basie's theme song, "One O'Clock Jump." This collection is not for the casual jazz fan, but Ellington collectors will definitely want to acquire this disc of rare performances. ~ Ken Dryden