The New York Choral Society performs Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts (Podcast #22-011)

Ellington Reflections

https://ellingtonreflections.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/sacred-concert-podcast-2022.mp3

“The concert was performed for the first time on September 16, 1965, and it was successful beyond my wildest dreams, both in San Francisco and at a subsequent performance in the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church of New York on December 26. Duke Ellington Talked to the Lord in Grace Cathedral Last Night, read headlines above a UPI report in hundreds of newpapers across the country. “These were musicians offering what they did best – better than any others in the world – to the glory of God,” said the Saturday Review in an artcle entitled “The Ecumenical Ellington.””

Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress

LIVE STREAM from the 19 November Concert!

Use THIS LINK to reach the page shown above!

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The Revival of an early “Crossover” Masterwork – Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts – an essay by conductor and composer Thomas Lloyd

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James Little, Unapologetic Abstractionist Painter, Catches the Limelight – The New York Times

This year, he prepares for two gallery shows and a collaboration with Duke Ellington’s music.

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The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

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In the Beginning God/David Danced Before the Lord with all his might (CD: “Duke Ellington, The Centennial Edition” RCA Victor ‎– 09026-63386-2)

Recorded 4 December 1933, Chicago

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Quentin Jackson – trombone; Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Hamilton, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; John Lamb – bass; Louie Bellson – drums; Brock Peters – vocal; Bunny Briggs – tap dancer;

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Praise God/It’s Freedom (LP: “Second Sacred Concert” Prestige P-24045)

Recorded 19/20 February 1968, New York City

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Herbie Jones, Mercer Ellington – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jeff Castleman – bass; Steve Little – drums.

Meditation

Recorded 19/20 February 1968, New York City

Duke Ellington – piano; Jeff Castleman – bass.

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