James Spaulding Plays the Legacy of Duke Ellington explained

James Spaulding Plays the Legacy of Duke Ellington
Type:	Album
Artist:	James Spaulding
Cover:	James Spaulding Plays the Legacy of Duke Ellington.jpg
Released:	1977
Recorded:	December 1 & 2, 1976
Studio:	Blank Studios, New York City
Genre:	Jazz
Length:	41:45
Label:	Storyville
Producer:	Marty Cann
Chronology:	James Spaulding
Prev Year:	1988
Next Title:	Gotstabe a Better Way!
Next Year:	1988

James Spaulding Plays the Legacy of Duke Ellington is an album by saxophonist James Spaulding featuring compositions by Duke Ellington which was recorded in 1976 and released on the Danish Storyville label.^{[1] [2]}

Reception

The AllMusic review by Scott Yanow stated "Despite being a top altoist and flutist since at least the mid-'60s, when he played with Freddie Hubbard's band, James Spaulding did not get his recording debut as a leader until this 1976 LP. Spaulding, on various flutes, piccolo, soprano and alto, performs eight songs associated with Duke Ellington ... The most unusual aspect of this set is that Avery Brooks (who has a deep baritone that Ellington might have liked) sings four of the eight songs. A sincere tribute".

Track listing

All compositions by Duke Ellington except where noted

1. "Take the "A" Train" (Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn) – 4:34
2. "In a Sentimental Mood" – 5:56
3. "Come Sunday" – 5:31
4. "Caravan" (Ellington, Juan Tizol) – 5:30
5. "I Love You Madly" – 2:13
6. "Lucky So and So" (Ellington, Mack David) – 4:36
7. "Sophisticated Lady" – 6:22
8. "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" – 7:03

Personnel

• James Spaulding – alto saxophone, flute, piccolo, soprano saxophone, bass flute
• Cedar Walton – piano
• Steve Nelson – vibraphone
  • Sam Jones – bass Billy Higgins – drums
• Mtume – percussion
• Avery Brooks – vocals (tracks 3, 4, 5 & 7)

Notes and References

1. https://www.storyvillerecords.com/products/james-spaulding-plays-the-legacy-of-duke-ellington-1018423 Storyvile Records: album listing
2. http://www.jazzlists.com/SJ_James_Spaulding.htm Jazzlists: James Spaulding discography