Essence of Ellington


Essence of Ellington 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.

Reception

AllMusic awarded the album 4 stars. 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". 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".

Track listing

All compositions by William Parker except as indicated
Disc One:
  1. Introduction by William Parker – 3:12
  2. "Portrait of Louisiana" – 20:15
  3. "Essence of Sophisticated Lady / Sophisticated Lady" – 26:38
  4. "Take the Coltrane" – 21:09
Disc Two:
  1. "In a Sentimental Mood" – 7:28
  2. "Take the "A" Train / Ebony Interlude" – 16:35
  3. "Caravan" – 23:16
  4. "The Essence of Ellington" – 14:13

Personnel