Ellington, Duke/Expert Profile

Expertise

Questions about recordings;(often) who plays what instrument; historical facts; how to start a beginner's Ellington collection; how to advance collecting when curious to explore 'unheard' Ellington. In 2005 I produced a 48 hour radio program covering Ellington's entire career for a South African radio station.

Experience in the area

I know quite a bit about Duke Ellington & his music, since I got hooked to his music when I first heard his 'Blue Reverie' on a recording of the 1938 Carnegie Hall Concert. I have several reference books, most of his recordings (still new finds come out) and member, since 10 years, of an online Ellington community. There is a website that contains lots of information: http://ellingtonweb.ca, set up and maintained by David Palmquist. On www.depanorama.net Peter McHare and Sjef Hoefsmit publish the ultimate source of Ellington facts, the DEMS Bulletin. They and a few others are working on an online discography. In print there are several discographies, notably the 2-volume New Desor, by Mascagli & Volonté. 'Duke Ellington: Day by Day, Film by Film' is what is claims. Since his death in 1974, many books and academic publications have been devoted to the works of Duke Ellington. A recent book tells all about an Ellington concert that took place in July 1956 in Newport, RI: 'Backstory in Blue'. His collaborator for many years, Billy Strayhorn, was the subject of a comprehensive volume by Walter van de Leur, 'Something to Live For'.

Organizations

Duke LYM - online Ellington & Strayhorn discussion group.

Education/Credentials

I am a Professor in Communications at business faculties in both The Netherlands and Vietnam, and Director of Training at a Vietnamese educational company in Saigon.

What do you like about this subject?

Since my 'discovery' of Duke Ellington in 1967 he has never ceased to amaze and move me. Knowing more increases my appreciation. 'Ellingtonia' has become a subject on its own in the history of classic jazz. His compositions and arrangements are being played and performed consistently. New generations of both musicians and listeners make similar discoveries.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I hope this helps to increase the appreciation for Ellington's music.