Dedicated to one of the founding figures of orchestral jazz, this box set produced by Alain Pailler and Tony Baldwin explores the decisive years of Duke Ellington, a leading force of the Harlem Renaissance between 1927 and 1931. From the earliest iconic recordings (Black and Tan Fantasy, 1927) to sonic frescoes such as Jungle Nights in Harlem (1930), Ellington forged a “jungle” aesthetic blending blues, theatricality, and urban modernity. Driven by major soloists, this collection captures the emergence of an orchestral art in full transformation, rich in unprecedented timbres and powerful expressiveness. Carefully restored, this set brings out the full sonic richness of the Duke’s orchestras, with a presence and clarity that immerse the listener at the very heart of the era.
Patrick FRÉMEAUX

CD 1 : DUKE ELLINGTON & HIS ORCHESTRA : CREOLE LOVE CALL • THE BLUES I LOVE TO SING • BLACK & TAN FANTASIE • HARLEM RIVER QUIVER • EAST ST. LOUIS TOODLE-OO • BLUE BUBBLES • BLACK BEAUTY • JUBILEE STOMP • YELLOW DOG BLUES • TISHOMINGO BLUES • HOT AND BOTHERED. DUKE ELLINGTON & HIS COTTON CLUB ORCHESTRA : THE MOOCHE. DUKE ELLINGTON & HIS ORCHESTRA : THE BLUES WITH A FEELIN’. THE JUNGLE BAND : TIGER RAG. DUKE ELLINGTON & HIS COTTON CLUB ORCHESTRA : FLAMING YOUTH • SATURDAY NIGHT FUNCTION • THE DICTY GLIDE.

CD 2 : DUKE ELLINGTON & HIS COTTON CLUB ORCHESTRA : COTTON CLUB STOMP. SONNY GREER & HIS MEMPHIS MEN : BEGGAR’S BLUES. THE HARLEM FOOTWARMERS : JUNGLE JAMBOREE. THE JUNGLE BAND : JOLLY WOG. DUKE ELLINGTON & HIS COTTON CLUB ORCHESTRA : HAUNTED NIGHTS • JAZZ LIPS. THE HARLEM FOOTWARMERS : BLUES OF THE VAGABOND. THE JUNGLE BAND : WALL STREET WAIL. DUKE ELLINGTON & HIS COTTON CLUB ORCHESTRA : DOUBLE CHECK STOMP. THE JUNGLE BAND : DOUBLE CHECK STOMP • ACCORDION JOE. DUKE ELLINGTON & HIS COTTON CLUB ORCHESTRA : JUNGLE NIGHTS IN HARLEM • SWEET JAZZ O’MINE • SHOUT ’EM AUNT TILLIE. DUKE ELLINGTON & HIS ORCHESTRA : RING DEM BELLS • OLD MAN BLUES. THE HARLEM FOOTWARMERS : SWEET CHARIOT. DUKE ELLINGTON & HIS COTTON CLUB ORCHESTRA : ECHOES OF THE JUNGLE.

DIRECTION ARTISTIQUE : ALAIN PAILLER & TONY BALDWIN