MADISON JAZZ FESTIVAL: Uncommonly Dukish-Rarely Heard Gems of Ellingtonia presented by Howard Landsman

Duke Ellington is considered by many to be America’s greatest composer of the 20th century. During his 50-year career, from the 1920s until his death in 1974, Duke wrote more than 3,000 compositions. While it’s hard to find a music fan who’s not familiar with popular tunes like “Satin Doll,” “Sophisticated Lady,” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing),” many don’t know that Duke’s body of work also includes stage shows, original symphonic music and jazz arrangements of other composers’ works (like “The Nutcracker”), an opera, film scores, a ballet for Alvin Ailey, three concerts of sacred music, and two dozen suites including Duke’s towering 1943 masterpiece, “Black, Brown and Beige: A Tone Parallel to the History of the American Negro.”

Join long-time Ellington fan and Greater Madison Jazz Consortium founding chairman Howard Landsman for a program featuring recordings of 17 lesser-known but no less awesome works from the world of Ellingtonia, performed by Duke’s orchestra, Duke on solo piano, and other prominent jazz musicians who were inspired and influenced by Duke. You can also come early (doors open at 1:30pm) and stay after the program to hear iconic Madison-based pianist Dave Stoler playing works by Duke and his long-time musical soulmate Billy Strayhorn.

This program is part of our community’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of the five-day Ellington residency on the UW-Madison campus in July 1972. The celebration will also include a major concert of Duke’s music at UW’s Hamel Music Center on Friday, June 17th.