Duke Ellington - Copenhagen 1964

The legendary Duke Ellington Orchestra takes center stage once more with a remarkable archival release, Copenhagen 1964, capturing the second concert from March 13, 1964, at Copenhagen’s Tivoli Concert Hall. This newly restored and remastered recording spans 14 tracks and 69 minutes of Ellington’s unrivaled artistry, featuring a program that blends iconic classics with inspired new compositions from his recent Far East tour.

This performance finds the Orchestra at the height of its powers: DukeEllington (p), Cat Anderson, Cootie Williams, Herbie Jones, Roffe Ericson (tp), Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors (tb), Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Hamilton, Harry Carney (sax), Ernie Shephard (b), and Sam Woodyard (dr). Together, they deliver the vibrancy, humor, and virtuosity that defined Ellington’s live presence in the 1960s.

The concert opens with the iconic Take the ‘A’ Train before a medley of Black and Tan Fantasy, The Mooche, and Creole Love Call. Highlights include the expansive Harlem Suite, the playful exchanges in Happy Reunion, and a suite of compositions from The Impressions of the Far East Suite: Amad, Agra, Blue Bird of Delhi, Depk, and Isfahan. The release continues with selections from Timon of Athens, including Banquet Scene and Skillipoop, and rounds off with Kinda Dukish & Rockin’ in Rhythm, and Jones.

Copenhagen 1964 unveils every nuance of Ellington’s orchestration, from the rich tonal palette of Ellington, Woodyard’s subtle drive, Hodges’ lyrical phrasing, and the brass and reed sections in full expressive bloom.

Henrik Wolsgaard-Iversen, who attended the concert in 1964, recalls:

"This is a gem, musically and Duke-wise, and probably the best restored and remastered live concert by the band in the sixties. (…) … the enthusiasm, the bands virility –listen to the musicians happy comments after some numbers"

Ole Matthiessen, long-time jazz producer and researcher, adds:

"It has been fantastic to study the multifaceted color palette of Ellington and Strayhorn, preparing the music from this inspired concert."

Copenhagen 1964 is a living testament to Ellington’s genius, his connection with European audiences, and the timeless vitality of his orchestra. Every note, every phrase, every swing resonates with the spirit of a master at work, reminding listeners why Duke Ellington remains one of the greatest musical voices of the twentieth century.