Artist:Duke Ellington & His Orchestra
Song:Old Man Blues (Take 6)
Album:The Duke Ellington Centennial Edition: The Complete RCA Victor Recordings 1927-1973
This massive 24 CD box set has literally everything Duke Ellington recorded for RCA Records and was released on the 100th anniversary of his birth. He was born Apr. 28, 1899 in Washington, DC. There are several takes of Old Man Blues on the comp. It was recorded at a time in the late 20s when he was just getting established and before his music became more sophisticated. Ellington started working at The Cotton Club in New York in 1927. His music was still called "jungle music". He got the regular slot at The Cotton Club when King Oliver turned it down. It was at this time that Ellington also made a key business deal with manager/music publisher Irving Mills. Ellington agreed to give Mills a 45% interest in Ellington's future. So if you look at the songwriting credits for Old Man Blues, it is credited to Ellington & Mills. Of course Mills wasn't a songwriter but his standing in the music business was important as it got Ellington more exposure than he would have gotten for himself. Old Man Blues was recorded in Aug. 1930 with Freddie Jenkins, Arthur Whetsel & Cootie Williams on trumpet, Joe Nanton & Juan Tizol on trombone, Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges & Harry Carney on sax & clarinet, Fred Guy on banjo, Wellman Braud on bass and Sonny Greer on drums. Ellington split with Mills in 1937 but he was well established at this point with his long time gig at The Cotton Club and several film appearances. I don't recommend you buy a 24CD comp but Duke Ellington's early period is worth checking out. Here's Duke Ellington & His Orchestra performing Old Man Blues in the 1930 Amos & Andy film Check And Double Check. I believe that is Cootie Williams on trumpet and Harry Carney on baritone sax.
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