A classic Ellingtonian sound from the mighty ‘pocket band’ playing great charts by ’The Duke’ and jazz artists he’d influenced.
Born out of the love of Ellington that pianist/arranger Alex Webb shares with the others in the band, The Pocket Ellington manages what ought to be impossible – creating a classic Ellingtonian sound with just four horns and a rhythm section. But with Alan Barnes, Robert Fowler, Simon Finch and David Lalljee on hand, anything is possible. Veteran bassist Dave Green and powerhouse drummer Alfonso Vitale provide the swing.
Great charts from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s – Main Stem, Rain Check, Cotton Tail, Chelsea Bridge, Such Sweet Thunder and others – are presented in clever new arrangements which evoke the period but also offer solo space to these top-flight musicians.
The repertoire also includes pieces from artists and arrangers who were influenced by the Duke – Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk and Gil Evans. It’s a big sound from a pocket band.
Miles Davis is supposed to have said, ‘at least one day out of the year all musicians should just put their instruments down, and give thanks to Duke Ellington.’ The Pocket Ellington does just that.
Line-up: Alan Barnes baritone & alto sax and clarinet, Robert Fowler tenor sax, Simon Finch trumpet, David Lalljjee trombone, Alex Webb piano/MD, Dave Green bass and Alfonso Vitale drums.
The Bonington
