I decided to tackle some of ELLINGTON'S most popular compositions with my trio by taking them through an eclectic array of styles, always respecting the original music.
   "Things Ain't What They Use To Be" is as bluesy as it gets! "Sophisticated Lady" goes sensually Latin. "In A Sentimental Mood" is a combination jazz ballad and a '17th century chorale. "Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me" is played in the style of the great Count Basic Band. "In My Solitude" visits Brahms and Brazil. "It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing" strides out. "Mood Indigo" features master bassist, Neal Starkey. "Caravan" demonstrates the Latin virtuosity of drummer, Jerry Fields. And many more musical surprises follow.
   My trio has been performing this music live for many years. One day I received a call from Lisa Toups, director of the Ruth Mitchell Dance Theatre in Atlanta. Lisa wanted to have my ELLINGTON show choreographed for her dance troupe. Six months later it became a reality. "An Evening With Duke Ellington", a jazz ballet, was performed many times to sold out houses.
   This CD was recorded very quickly and for the sole purpose of providing the choreographers the music to choreograph. But after a few one takes, I realized we were also making a 'record'. I almost called it, "Accidental Ellington".

This is my humble tribute to "THE DUKE". Happy listening! - Ted Howe