Product Description

Duke Ellington's fifty year career was full of accomplishments as a highly original pianist, arranger, prolific composer and leader of a timeless orchestra. On occasion he recorded with a small group from his orchestra or as a piano soloist, but Duke was rarely filmed in that capacity... with a few exceptions. On January 23, 1967, Ellington filmed two programs for Danish television. The first has him jamming with an octet taken from his orchestra, including such greats as altoist Johnny Hodges, tenor-saxophonist Paul Gonsalves, baritonist Harry Carney and trumpeter Cat Anderson. Highlights include "The Jeep Is Jumpin'," "Sophisitcated Lady" and "Jam with Sam." The second program puts the focus on Ellington's piano, in solo and trio performances that include "Lotus Blossom," "Mood Indigo," and a definitive version of "Take the 'A' Train." Always a modern and distinctive soloist, Ellington is seen creating brilliant improvisations full of strong melodies, subtle surprises and sly wit.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #51000 in DVD
• Brand: Image Entertainment
• Released on: 2003-06-17
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 57 minutes

Amazon.com
Any Ellington is good Ellington, but The Intimate Duke Ellington is on a higher level entirely: over an hour of the Duke playing solo and with a trio in one program, and with an octet in the second. The first of the two sets (both black and white, both recorded in Copenhagen in 1967) finds him exploring lesser known material like the tranquil "Meditation" and the minor blues "On the Fringe of the Jungle" (with an astonishing Rufus Jones drum solo); set two brings on the brilliant saxophonists Harry Carney and Johnny Hodges, trumpeter Cat Anderson, and other Ellington stalwarts for "Sophisticated Lady" and more. It is all sublime (just try not to be moved by Hodges's playing on "Passion Flower"). Indeed, in troubled times or any times, Duke Ellington's music is a tribute to humankind's better angels. This DVD is a must have for Ellington fans, and for lovers of music. --Sam Graham

Customer Reviews

Watching Duke Ellington is a sublime experience
From the first note, you know you are in the hands of a master musician. What a treat to watch Ellington's ever-changing facial expressions as he plays some of the greatest jazz compositions ever written and leads a small version of his orchestra through a mix of rare gems and popular favorites! Though this remarkable 1967 performance on Danish television is more than 30 years old, Duke's music comes across as fresh, hip, inspired and thoroughly modern. There are plenty of moments of deep emotion and exultation that make the Intimate Ellington a joy to watch; just catch Ellington's huge, infectious grin after performing Take the A Train. You can see him pushing the boundaries of these songs, searching for new interpretations, and his restless imagination is in full effect throughout both performances. I found myself laughing out loud one moment and nearly reduced to tears the next. This DVD is a major thrill for jazz fans and an important historical record of the great Ellington during the late 60s, an era that is acknowledged as one of his most creative and risk-taking periods. I cannot overstate the musical and historical value of this dvd. To paraphrase Duke, I loved it madly.

Ellington-Hodges-Strayhorn-Brown-Anderson-Gonsalves-ect
I have three Ellington dvd's and this is the only one in which I think that is a must have. The sound quality here is good, and to see Ellington's octet is quite an expierence. They perform ballads (mostly), and Johnny Hodges playing Billy Strayhorn's "Passion Flower" is memorable. Of other intrest is Paul Gonsalves playing "Happy Reiunon" , and Harry Carney playing "Sophisticated Lady". There is also a trio concert, where the sound is not as good, but Duke performs many rare songs, including "On The Fringe of a Jungle" (with a amazing drum solo by Rufus Jones) and a definitive piano trio version of Strayhorn's "Take the 'A' Train". a must

How Amazing is Duke!
This DVD is an amazing display of what Duke and a few of his best known sidemen can do. Absolutely fabulous video that features the specialties of some of the best jazz musicians in history! Buy it now, and be happy later!