Bandleader, composer and pianist Duke Ellington (1899–1974). Episode 311 takes us back to a dance date at the Crystal Ballroom in Fargo, North Dakota, on 7 November 1940, with unique recordings made exactly 86 years ago today! We will be exploring more of this material in the coming episodes.
There was a change of personnel just a day earlier: on 6 November, trumpeter Cootie Williams signed a one-year contract with Benny Goodman. His place was taken by trumpeter Ray Nance, who was immediately given ample opportunity to demonstrate his talents – on trumpet, violin and as a vocalist.
Playlist
- It’s A Glory
- The Mooche
- The Sheik of Araby
- Sepia Panorama
- Koko
- There Shall Be No Night
- Pussy Willow
- Chatterbox
- Mood Indigo
- Harlem Airshaft
- Ferryboat Serenade
- Warm Valley
- Stompy Jones
- Chloë
- Bojangles
- On The Air
- Rumpus In Richmond
Source
- The Duke At Fargo 1940 Special 60th Anniversary Edition (Storyville STCD 8316)
