Hot Summer Dance

I've bought quite a few of Ellington's live recordings. Too many, perhaps. So what possessed me to buy this one? I don't know, and I'm glad I did. This set was recorded on 22nd July 1960 at Mather Air Force Base, California. The track listing is a clue that there might be something special in the offing. There are some unexpected choices: two elements from Ellington's reading of The Nutcracker Suite ('Overture' and 'Dance of the Floreadores'); 'Such Sweet Thunder' from the work of the same name; and a rare outing for 'Paris Blues'. The rest is an enjoyable mix of standards, Ellington oldies and the obligatory medley. Two things make this recording stand out from the pack. First, the attitude of Ellington and his orchestra. The focus is obviously on the fact that this is a dance date, and the feeling is laid back, but never sloppy. The playing is superb. Also, there is a sparseness about the arrangements, which is a welcome change for me. At times I feel that Ellington's live recordings can suffer from a sense of forced jollity: Cat Anderson's shrill high notes (I, for one, was pleased to see Anderson's name not on the band list); too much haste; too much noise and not enough finesse. Not here. The second plus is a big one: the quality of the recording. It seems that the credit for this goes to a man called Wally Heider. The liner notes explain that Heider "had recorded the Ellington band at Mather a couple of years before*, and knew how to set up his equipment to the best advantage." Only Ellington would have the cheek to confront a dance audience with 'Pretty And The Wolf', and maybe you don't need to hear Gonsalves going through his 'Diminuendo And Crescendo In Blue' routine again, but 'Hot Summer Dance' is tremendous fun and a welcome addition to my collection. *That recording of a couple of years before (5th March 1958) can be heard on: The Private Collection, Vol. 6: Dance Dates, California, 1958 . Heider also recorded a performance at the Travis Air Force Base on the previous evening. The Private Collection, Vol 2: Dance Concerts: California 1958 captures this event. If you collect live Ellington, these are essential items. Be aware, when buying 'The Private Collection', that there are two versions, one on Kaz Records, one on Atlantic. The numbers in each sequence are different. The numbers I quote are for the Atlantic version.

Do Yourself a BIG Favor, and check out Ellington's "Hot Summer Dance". This CD has OUTSTANDING Sound Quality, Music Selection, and Perfomance Enthusiasm!!! This record is without a doubt one of the best recordings I own (Bought 3 Gifted 1). Bob Thiele deserves a GRAMMY, and the undying appreciation of ALL Ellington Fans for the existance of this album!!! I have been listening to Duke since 1956. I have owned and played extensively, at least 10 Records and 25 CD's. I would GREATLY disagree with the statement by the reviewer who said a serious collector would NOT need this recording. This is the BEST Ellington recording I own. This summer I had the luxury of sitting dead center 20 yards from the music stands of the Rythem Society Orchestra. A Great, currently performing swing band. I heard a great deal of live Jazz & Big Band music during the 60's, 70's, and 80's, but have not had that opportunity in the last 20 years. The next day I made a point of playing this CD. I wanted to see if this CD was as good as I thought, compared to the Fresh and Live music, I had just enjoyed. I was amazed at the Fidelity of this recording. To be honest, I wondered if my opinion was Accurate & Appropriate, or just a result of my personal enthusiasm. I have 2 acquaintances who were for a period of time performing musicians. I had both of them, on seperate ocassions soon afterward, audition the track #6 medley, as an assesment of my sound system. The fellow with the most experience, and musical enthusiasm, said "WOW!!!, I haver NEVER heard anything this GOOD!" The other fellow said "PERFECT!!, NOT a single Note imperfect, in any respect." I gave a copy of this CD to the fellow I see most often, as a Christmas present. I own 2 copies myself. "Three Suites" is another Great Ellington recording, you may want to acquire. ENJOY MUSIC/IT WILL MAKE YOU SMILE!!!

This CD represents a excellent take of the Ellington Band's most notable pieces. A serious collector will find no need for this, 1960 live concert. But for the average and casual fan, this CD will provide a excellent introduction to the Ellington Band and its famous members.