Duke Ellington: Washington Wobble

Track

Washington Wobble

Group

Duke Ellington & His Orchestra

CD

Duke Ellington & His Orchestra 1927-1928 (Classics 542)

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Musicians:

Duke Ellington (piano), Louis Metcalf (trumpet), Bubber Miley (trumpet), Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton (trombone), Otto Hardwick (reeds), Rudy Jackson (reeds), Harry Carney (reeds), Fred Guy (banjo), Wellman Braud (bass), Sonny Greer (drums).

Composed by Duke Ellington

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Recorded: Camden, NJ, October 26, 1927

Albumcoverdellington27_28

Rating: 62/100 (learn more)

As a tribute, this track serves double duty. "Washington Wobble" can refer to the Evergreen State, with its Cascadia subduction-zone earthquake potential. Alternatively, discographer Tom Lord reports that the title may have originally been "Washington Wabble," which suggests Elmer Fudd describing our elected or appointed officials and their well-heeled lobbyists in Ellington's birthplace DC. Either way, this is far from the Maestro's best. Audio is poor, with Braud's bass thumpings particularly problematical. Tempo is erratic, especially during Duke's rushed stride-piano turn. The second clarinet solo (probably by Jackson) is awful. And ensembles are out of sync. Elmer's verdict? "Washington Wubble."

Reviewer: Alan Kurtz

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