Monday, January 7, 2008

Duke Ellington: “The Afro-Eurasian Eclipse: A Suite in Eight Parts”


[The Afro-Eurasian Eclipse: A Suite in Eight Parts; (38:00); Duke Ellington; Original Jazz Classics (1991)]

Earlier today, AfriClassical published a post on the Jan. 15 broadcast by WHPK-FM host Sergio Mims of Duke Ellington's The Afro-Eurasian Eclipse: A Suite in Eight Parts; (38:00); Original Jazz Classics (1991). We decided to find a review which would shed some light on this unusual composition:

Review by Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
“This CD reissue brings back one of Duke Ellington's most intriguing works from his later years. 'Acht O'Clock Rock' actually shows the influence of rock while some of the other selections hint at both African folk music and more advanced areas of jazz. However the familiar Ellington sound was still very much intact in 1971. The main soloists include Harold Ashby and Paul Gonsalves on tenors, baritonist Harry Carney (featured on 'Didjeridoo') and altoist Norris Turney; the versatility of drummer Rufus Jones really helps the colorful music.”

The tracks are: Chinoiserie, Didjeridoo, Afrique, Acht O'Clock Rock, Gong, Tang, True, Hard Way. The distinctive cover art is sold as a poster at http://www.AllPosters.com

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