(Edward Ellington II, guitar; Norman Simmons, piano and chief arranger; Virginia Mayhew, tenor saxophone, band leader; Joe Temperly, bass clarinet and baritone sax; Wycliffe Gordon, trombone; Mark McGowan, trumpet; Tom DiCarlo, bass; Paul Wells, drums; Nancy Reed, vocals)
We reviewed Virginia Mayhew’s A Simple Thank You last month and the versatile and
creative Ms. Mayhew (well recovered from serious health issues) is back again this month with the issue of the Ellington Legacy issue, Thank you Uncle Edward. Its cover features Duke with his grandson, guitarist Edward Ellington II, the son of Mercer Ellington. Mayhew helped form the Ellington Legacy band at the request of Edward and she serves as the bandleader and co-arranger with pianist Norman Simmons. This issue’s value is easy to recommend with mostly Duke faithful adaptations using the services of Ellington alumni, Joe Temperly, dynamite trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, and great vocals by Carmen McRae-influenced singer, Nancy Reed. The song list is mostly classic Ellington: Perdido, Caravan, Mainstem, Isfahan, Cottontail, and In a Sentimental Mood – but Mayhew contributes Toe Tickler, with a great ensemble horn line.
Temperly is featured on Sentimental Mood and pianist Simmons does the master proud on Isfahan. Mayhew and Company have produced a classy Ellington tribute done with respect. It would be a special treat for them to take this tribute band on the road to bring Duke’s legacy to jazz fans in an octet plus vocal format.
TrackList: Perdido, Pretty Woman, Caravan, Mainstem, Day Dream, Toe Tickler, Isfahan, Cottontail, Moon Mist, In a Sentimental Mood, Come Sunday
– Jeff Krow
