Hop Head
by
Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington says:
This is so far and above anything that was written in 1927, no wonder most white folks dismissed this art form as the work of the devil! But it wasn't the devil, it was just The Duke, Johnny Hodges, Louis Metcalf, Bubber Miley and 15 other guys playing in The Washingtonians. ...
Flaming Youth
jazz, big band, standards
Now if you want to know how much fun we had in the Roaring 20's, just listen to this song. It bounces all around you like a room full of dancing lovers. Flaming Youth will set the world on fire. I recorded this song with my Cotton Club Orchestra in the late 1920's.
Tiger Rag
jazz, standards, swing/big band, ragtime
Calling all you musicians out there! I'd like to see you keep up with this one! We were faster than a rocket. You might get some of the Django influence here. Another tune recorded with my Cotton Club Orchestra, circa 1929.
I Must Have That Man
jazz, swing/big band
Another Cotton Club gem, circa 1928. I love this arrangement, especially the horns. We did this one when that "wah wah" sound was becoming popular. And man those drums are so steady they sound like a sowing machine!
Bandana Babies
jazz, swing/big band
This song was originally spelled "Bandanna Babies" when it was recorded in 1928. Sung by Adelaide Hall for our show at The Cotton Club, this rare tune often brought the house down. Listen to Bubber blow that horn!
