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Blues in Orbit
From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work
Duke Ellington recorded Blues in Orbit in 1959 for Columbia. The album was released in 1960. Teo Macero's liner notes describe it above all as a blues record, as most of the titles already suggest. The orchestra includes Johnny Hodges on alto saxophone, Paul Gonsalves on tenor saxophone, Harry Carney on baritone saxophone and Ray Nance on trumpet and violin, among others. Billy Strayhorn plays piano on two tracks. In 2004 the album was reissued on CD, with bonus tracks and alternate takes.
The record lacks the intellectual weight of the suites and concept pieces that attracted so much attention at the time, wrote AllMusic reviewer Bruce Eder. Even so, it is well worth hearing, because here the orchestra shows its lighter side. According to him, it sounds like a late-night session that was half jam, half formal studio recording. Familiar titles such as C Jam Blues and In a Mellow Tone appear alongside new pieces.
Listening
Track list
- 1Three J's Blues2:52Apple Music ↗
- 2Smada2:36Apple Music ↗
- 3Pie Eye's Blues3:25Apple Music ↗
- 4Sweet & Pungent4:02Apple Music ↗
- 5C Jam Blues4:50Apple Music ↗
- 6In a Mellow Tone2:41Apple Music ↗
- 7Blues In Blueprint3:41Apple Music ↗
- 8The Swingers Get the Blues, Too3:08Apple Music ↗
- 9The Swinger's Jump3:51Apple Music ↗
- 10Blues In Orbit2:27Apple Music ↗
- 11Villes Ville Is the Place, Man2:31Apple Music ↗
- 12Track 3602:01Apple Music ↗
- 13Sentimental Lady4:00Apple Music ↗
- 14Brown Penny3:00Apple Music ↗
- 15Pie Eye's Blues3:31Apple Music ↗
- 16Sweet & Pungent3:51Apple Music ↗
- 17The Swinger's Jump3:50Apple Music ↗
- 18Blues In Orbit2:38Apple Music ↗
- 19Track 3602:01Apple Music ↗
30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗