Big Band Jazz Jam on the National Mall; Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon

Memories and Echoes of Duke Ellington

It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) - Duke Ellington and His Famous Orchestra (1932)

Echoes of Ellington, Washington DC

I can almost hear the clink and tinkle

Of Duke’s jazz piano

Taking shape on Ninth and R

At Louis Thomas’ cabaret.

I reconstruct the place and spot,

The siren songs, the playful rags,

Sonny’s drums, the banjorine.

I can hear Duke and his sidemen swing

Invited to the White House now,

Performing for the President.

Not far on foot from that cabaret-site,

A long, long way from where he used to play

“What You Gonna Do When the Bed Breaks Down”.

A suitable song for the White House.

All hail Mrs Clinkscales!

Well done T Street 1212!

Duke’s childhood home, but

Where’s the plaque?

Well done 9^th and R!

20^th and R! (and those between);

Sherman Avenue 2728!

 I saw him in Bournemouth,

Where I went backstage.

("How do you find the English weather?"

-“Ah feel no pain”).

Again in Addis Ababa

Playing for Haile Selassie.

The Duke and the Emperor:

Two conquering lions

About to be tamed.

All hail His Imperial Majesty!

A Command Performance for Ras Tafari:

- We thank you, Duke.

I can almost hear their siren swan-song;

Now and then wilder growls from the jungle.


Jungle Jamboree

Echoes of the Jungle

Jungle Nights in Harlem

Jungle Blues

Camp Meeting Blues

Camp Meeting Blues (King Oliver)

Creole Love Call

Mood Indigo

Clarinet Lament