Duke Ellington Legacy: Toe Tickler

Track

Toe Tickler

Group

Duke Ellington Legacy

CD

Thank You Uncle Edward (Renma 6400CD)

Buy Track

Musicians:

Edward Ellington II (guitar),

Nancy Reed (vocals), Mark McGowan (trumpet), Wycliffe Gordon (trombone), Virginia Mayhew (tenor sax), Joe Temperley (bass clarinet, baritone sax), Norman Simmons (piano), Tom DiCarlo (bass), Paul Wells (drums)

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Composed by Virginia Mayhew

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Recorded: New York

Albumcoverdukeellingtonlegacy-thankyouuncleedward

Rating: 86/100 (learn more)

Edward Kennedy Ellington II, grandson of The Duke himself, founded the Duke Ellington Legacy with the intent of keeping the flame lit under the wide-ranging music created by his grandfather. Rather than sticking to Duke's "greatest hits," Edward chose to rearrange the old favorites, toss in a few obscurities ("Moon Mist," "Pretty Woman"), and even feature a tune written by saxophonist/arranger Virginia Mayhew. "Toe Tickler" is a barnburner from start to finish, with Mayhew, the rhythm section, and the complement of horns trading fours in an almost illegal fashion. I haven't been this excited since I first heard Sonny Stitt's "The Eternal Triangle." The Duke would be proud.

Reviewer: Mark Saleski

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