Duke Ellington: Ko-Ko - LP Vinyl

Duke Ellington’s “Ko-Ko,” which shouldn’t be confused with the later Charlie Parker composition, is a driving and slightly ominous sounding blues of a rather unusual construction. First recorded by the pianist for RCA Victor during early 1940, it initially was a feature for two trombonists, Juan Tizol and Tricky Sam Nanton, along with the leader and his talented young bassist Jimmy Blanton. Following Blanton’s departure in 1941 (and his death the following year), the piece was played only sporadically and eventually became more of a feature for Ellington’s bassists, including Junior Raglin, Wendell Marshall, and finally, Jimmy Woode. It was dropped from the Ellington band book after 1958. Among the handful of bands and artists who have arranged their own interpretations of this long overlooked treasure are the Modern Jazz Quartet, Tom Talbert, and pianist Brooks Kerr.

Tracklist:

Side A
1. Jack The Bear
2. Ko-Ko
3. Conga Brava
4. Cotton Tail
5. Concerto For Cootie
6. Never No Lament
7. Dusk

Side B
1. Harlem Air Shaft
2. Portrait Of Bert Williams
3. Bojangles
4. All Too Soon
5. In A Mellotone
6. Chloe (Song Of The Swamp)
7. Warm Valley