Daniel Barenboim - Tribute to Ellington (1999)

Issued in time to tack on to the end of the celebration of the Ellington centenary, Daniel Barenboim's Tribute to Ellington is neither the best of the albums to be issued in honor of Ellington's 100th birthday, nor is it an expensive disaster. Employing some of the most talented genre-straddling musicians available, including clarinetist Don Byron and vocalist Dianne Reeves, the album applies chamber music arrangements to Ellington's big band works. The musicianship here is excellent and the arrangements are without fault, but the album comes out sounding more precise than passionate. Though Ellington could certainly be called a perfectionist, the best of his original recordings also came with a certain energy, which seems to be missing here. - by Stacia Proefrock, AMG

Tracks:
1. Do Nothing Till You Hear Form Me (Duke Ellington) 4:10
2. Satin Doll (Duke Ellington) 2:39
3. Sophisticated Lady (Duke Ellington) 4:15
4. Caravan (Duke Ellington/Juan Tizol) 3:02
5. Don't Get Around Much Anymore (Duke Ellington) 3:56
6. Azure (Duke Ellington) 2:53
7. Squatty Roo (Duke Ellington) 3:16
8. Prelude to a Kiss (Duke Ellington) 4:52
9. Mood Indigo/Purple Gazelle (Duke Ellington) 5:49
10. Chelsea Bridge (Duke Ellington) 3:27
11. Star-Crossed Lovers (Duke Ellington) 4:20
12. Zweet Zurzday (Duke Ellington) 4:10
13. Take the 'A' Train (Billy Strayhorn) 3:19
14. In a Sentimental Mood (Duke Ellington) 4:26
15. Fast & Furious (Duke Ellington) 2:46

Personnel:
Daniel Barenboim (Piano)
Larry Combs (Alto and Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet) - 1-14
Burl Lane (Tenor and Soprano Saxophone) - 1-14
John Hagstrom (Trumpet) - 1-14
Amir El Saffar (Trumpet) - 1-14
Dale Clevenger (Horn) - 1-14
Michael Mulcahy (Trombone) - 1-14
Charles Vernon (Trombone) - 1-14
Brad Opland (Double Bass) - 1-14
Joel Spencer (Drums and Percussion) - 1-4,6-14
Dianne Reeves (Vocals) - 3,6,10
Charlie Harrison (Electric Guitar) - 3,4,14
Don Byron (Clarinet) - 4,12
Kyle Woodring (Drums and Percussion) - 5

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