Essence of Ellington (subtitled Live in Milano) is a double live album by bassist and composer William Parker's Orchestra, which was recorded in Italy in 2012 and released on the Centering label. The album features new arrangements of songs written by or associated with Duke Ellington in addition to new songs by Parker.[1][2]

Essence of Ellington
Live album by
William Parker Orchestra
ReleasedSeptember 11, 2012
RecordedFebruary 5, 2012, at the Teatro Manzoni in Milano, Italy
GenreJazz
Length132:39
LabelCentering
CENT1008/9
ProducerWilliam Parker
William Parker chronology
The Gowanus Session
(2012)
Essence of Ellington
(2012)
Wood Flute Songs
(2012)

Reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic     [3]

AllMusic awarded the album 4 stars.[3] The All About Jazz review noted "Parker has delivered a unique take on the Ellington repertoire which pulls off the trick of being both stridently modern and affectionately reverent".[4] JazzTimes noted "You know that an orchestra organized by William Parker to pay tribute to Duke Ellington is going to result in something sprawling and stupendous, and Essence of Ellington doesn’t disappoint".[5]

Track listing

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All compositions by William Parker except as indicated

Disc One:

  1. Introduction by William Parker – 3:12
  2. "Portrait of Louisiana" – 20:15
  3. "Essence of Sophisticated Lady / Sophisticated Lady" (Parker / Duke Ellington) – 26:38
  4. "Take the Coltrane" (Ellington) – 21:09

Disc Two:

  1. "In a Sentimental Mood" (Ellington) – 7:28
  2. "Take the "A" Train / Ebony Interlude" (Billy Strayhorn / Parker) – 16:35
  3. "Caravan" (Juan Tizol) – 23:16
  4. "The Essence of Ellington" – 14:13

Personnel

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References

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  1. ^ Lopez, R., William Parker discography, accessed June 6, 2014
  2. ^ AUM Fidelity catalog, accessed June 6, 2014
  3. ^ a b Allmusic listing, accessed June 6, 2014
  4. ^ Sharpe, J., All About Jazz Review, October 22, 2012
  5. ^ Robson, B., JazzTimes Review, December 2012