Duke Ellington And His Famous Orchestra ‎– The Ellington Era, 1927-1940: Volume Two

Duke Ellington And His Famous Orchestra – The Ellington Era, 1927–1940: Volume Two

A monumental archival collection from Duke Ellington, this volume captures one of the most creatively explosive periods in jazz history. Spanning the late 1920s through to 1940, it documents the evolution of Ellington’s orchestra from hot dance band beginnings into one of the most sophisticated compositional forces in American music.

The set features a wide constellation of early Ellington projects and collaborations, including performances by associated groups and vocalists such as Ivie Anderson and key early orchestra formations. Across the collection, you hear the development of Ellington’s signature harmonic language, tonal colour, and orchestral imagination—hallmarks that would define modern jazz composition.

Essential works such as Creole Love Call, In A Sentimental Mood, Azure, and Something To Live For sit alongside lesser-known gems, early swing experiments, and multi-part suites like Reminiscin’ In Tempo, which demonstrate Ellington’s ambition to expand jazz into extended, classical-scale forms.

This is not just a compilation—it’s a historical document tracing the birth of modern orchestral jazz. The sound world moves from hot Harlem-era swing to lush, introspective balladry, capturing the breadth of Ellington’s genius and the evolution of American popular music.

Tracklist:

A1–F8 Early Ellington recordings (1927–1940), including key works:
• Creole Love Call
• In A Sentimental Mood
• Azure
• Something To Live For
• Take It Easy
• Reminiscin’ In Tempo (Parts I–IV)
• Showboat Shuffle
• Exposition Swing
• Pyramid