| Essence of Ellington | |
| Type: | Live album |
| Artist: | William Parker Orchestra |
| Cover: | Essence of Ellington.jpg |
| Released: | September 11, 2012 |
| Recorded: | February 5, 2012, at the Teatro Manzoni in Milano, Italy |
| Genre: | Jazz |
| Length: | 132:39 |
| Label: | Centering CENT1008/9 |
| Producer: | William Parker |
| Chronology: | William Parker |
| Prev Title: | The Gowanus Session |
| Prev Year: | 2012 |
| Next Title: | Wood Flute Songs |
| Next Year: | 2012 |
Essence of Ellington (subtitled Live in Milano) is a double live album by bassist and composer William Parker's Orchestra, which was recorded in Italy in 2012 and released on the Centering label. The album features new arrangements of songs written by or associated with Duke Ellington in addition to new songs by Parker.[1] [2]
AllMusic awarded the album 4 stars.[3] The All About Jazz review noted "Parker has delivered a unique take on the Ellington repertoire which pulls off the trick of being both stridently modern and affectionately reverent".[4] JazzTimes noted "You know that an orchestra organized by William Parker to pay tribute to Duke Ellington is going to result in something sprawling and stupendous, and Essence of Ellington doesn’t disappoint".[5]
All compositions by William Parker except as indicated
Disc One:
Disc Two: