The U or A and Grant MacEwan University Jazz Bands bring Ellington back to life with a tribute program chronicling the development of the Ellington band from the Bubber Miley collaborations in the 1920s through the Cotton Club years (1928-31), to the start of the swing era in the 1930s and on into the full flowering of swing in the 1940s.
"We are featuring some of the Ellington band 'chestnuts' such as Take The A Train, Caravan, Cotton Tail, Don't Get Around Much Anymore and Sophisticated Lady," said Director Tom Dust. "As well as some lesser known but important musical works such as Creole Love Call and Raincheck. Our vocalists will be re-creating works that featured Adelaide Hall, Ivie Anderson, and Joya Sherrill."
"Ellington is arguably the greatest American composer;" continued Dust. "He wrote authentically in what some say is the only art music that was created in North America."
The evening will be hosted by Canadian radio icon and 630 CHED Sports Director Bryan Hall.
See the Salute to the Bands 2011: Duke Ellington - Apex of the Big Band Tradition Monday, March 7 at 8pm in Convocation Hall, Old Arts Building.