Ellington at Newport

Jazz

I no longer like trumpet solos

I will have to admit that I do not have an ear for jazz. I find most of it entirely pleasant and I feel like I can appreciate the skill in producing something that sounds so rich and musically complex but to make it look like it is as second nature as breathing. But I really don't feel like the jazz bug has bitten me and see this very much as background music rather than the main event. I really couldn't see myself ever feeling nearly as moved as the people at the Newport Jazz festival by this album. But again, I didn't hate it. And I was more than happy to listen all the way through. (2.750)

Jazz is for coffee shops and background music while doing your taxes. I guess this fits the bill.

I don’t know if this is my music or not.

Še dobr, da se držim tega, da poslušam originalne edicije albuma, ker tole je pa kr razlika v času - 43:53 (original release); 129:57 (1999 expanded and remastered edition). Na Tidal ma sicer 1956 verzija 10 komadov (napram 38 komadov na 1999 verziji), ampak wiki trdi, da je 5 komadov na originalni 1956 verziji? Bom teh 10, vključujejo teh 5 (prvi in zadnji štrije bojo ekstra). Ok, prvi "komad" je itak samo predstavitev banda. "Jeep's Blues" mi je ful všeč. Zelo chill, inštrumenti majo prou lep zvok. Otherwise, pač, it's good jazz. Which I don't care for very much.

J'ai passé un bon moment à l'écoute mais 2h c'est vraiment trop long... J'aime bien le jazz et on sent une bonne ambiance dans le groupe et de bonnes vibes mais je ne réécouterai pas cet album pour autant.

Joyful jazz, a live set packed with classics. You can clearly feel the band enjoying themselves. That said, even if I ignore the so-so recording quality, big band has never really been my thing. Some of the brass comes off a bit shrill and pulls me out of the moment. The little speeches between tracks are fun at first, then they start dragging. Strangely, the solos are what really keep me here, and they are sometimes genuinely stunning. Nice overall, but not something I’ll come back to much.

I like Duke Ellington more than live albums. He gets away with it, this time.

I've had some simply awful jazz that sounds incoherent and messy, but this is smooth, elegant and showcases musicians actually playing their instruments together, in time and in the same key and melody. However, it could put me to sleep in the middle of the day. Well, until he does that squeaky thing on the sax that sounds like a dying goose.

Old school jazz. Interesting although not what I usually listen to.

this was pretty cool but i will not be listening to the US anthem, sorry not sorry

These 42 mins made me contemplate becoming a swinger.

Probably the best Jazz album I've heard. Which isn't saying much.

top 3 - Black And Tan Fantasy, Part III - Newport Up, Jeep’s Blue. Listened to the complete version. It’s good, would give it another listen!

Duke Ellington is one of the greatest when it comes to jazz. I haven't heard much of his music in my life, but his name alone weighs a lot in the music scene. That said, I did not really care for this album. It's fine, but nothing to really write home about. 6 / 10

Solid background vibes.

A good but not great jazz album.

it wasn't bad

While the talent of the muscians, and the incredible composition cannot be overstated, this live album has strange pacing with tracks blending together. Coupled with the fact of it's strange pacing, i will find challenge coming back to relisten much, if at all. TL;DR : Incredible performances and songs throughtout, but difficult to further relisten. Favourites: Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue, Jeep's Blues

Jazz just isn't my thing. I can appreciate the great musicianship and that's about it really.

After experimenting with the Complete version, I decided the original LP was probably more my speed, as I’m not overly familiar with jazz. I enjoyed hearing the repeated motifs in Blues to Be There, and the tempo of Newport Up. Diminuendo and Crescendo In Blue is clearly the centerpiece of the album, but what parts of that crowd reaction are genuine? Maybe it doesn’t matter. I’m glad I heard this, but I’m probably missing too much context to understand why this is such an important album. But hey, you’ve got to start somewhere.

A very artsy album. It’s clear Duke’s m.o. is to push the limits of his instrument and man does he deliver. Every song’s is quintessential jazz with that full band sound. A good choice for this project.

Great musicians from a dead genre. Like visiting an exhibit at a museum - fine if you want to learn some history or see “how it used to be” but nothing much with a pulse left there now. Of course Big Band was influential, but so were showtunes and religious hymns, and I hope not to see those on this list anytime soon. Ellington was one of the most important figures in 20th century Western music, but this album does not figure into that distinction in any conceivable way. The only Duke we need in the 1001 albums list is the Thin White Duke.

Overall, good background music for a snow day. Few tracks that caught my attention more then the others, but nothing particularly interesting about big band music in general.

I would honestly love this for a restaurant, it sounds really cozy and elegant at the same time

The musicianship was out of this world, but it got too long and I just can't with the insane high note blowing.

Good with wine and cooking probably

This is really good. Ellington is clearly one of the greats for a reason, and as a burgeoning jazz fan, I found this incredibly listenable and engaging. Its production quality is absolutely abysmal. Obviously, its a live recording from 1956, its not going to be good, so why not also record it in a studio? I don't think we benefit from the crowd noise and we lose so much in the poor audio quality. Really good, but falters in its production. 3.5/5

Enjoyed it, but not for me

Poor form from me here, but I’m just skipping this one. I’ve had a lot of jazz lately, and I’m already kinda meh about most of it. I like Duke Ellington alright, but the reviews seem largely annoyed by the live recording, and I can’t imagine that I’m going to love that, so I’ll spare myself. An admittedly ignorant 3/5.

Off the bat, I don't have enough listening history in Jazz or big band music to truly put out a reliable review. However, I did enjoy it, I'm a sucker for live music and the band keeps it tight and top tier (I imagine these were some of the better musicians in the genre playing). A live album in a genre I'm not versed in gives the right queues of when the band does something amazing such as the sax solo in Diminuendo. I did not listen to the version with all the dialogue and introductions, that may have lessened the experience but I imagine this is some of the best of the genre, makes good background music.

6 - AVERAGE

Nice to listen to while working

Enjoyable - great skill on display and has an energy and vibe but not my cup of tea .

I mean it was some decent jazz. I'm just not really a fan of jazz, or live albums...

Somehow I skipped alot of Duke. Was moreso into Charlie Parker, minus, etc.. but this album is a nice afternoon with a coffee reading a book album

I've heard many jazz songs or jazz-inspired songs, but not listened to an album like this, especially during that era. Really interesting to listen to, especially after reading the wiki about Duke. Need to listen to again when I'm feeling it more

Im not sure this should really be called an Ellington album. This is a nand album, and duke Ellington occasionally also plays. Not bad music but i really hate 2 hour albums. More big band than jazz to me

Disclaimer: I am a complete jazz idiot ******************************************************************************* --Black and Tan Fantasy...sly and sexy --Take the 'A' Train...yes, this is jazz --Festival Junction...starts with the ol' licorice stick, then trumpet, then saxophone solo? --Blues to Be There...things slow down. it's nice --Newport Up...so many notes --Sophisticated Lady...sophisticated sax --Day In, Day Out...fun vocal performance --Diminuendo in Blue...long but fun. still jazzy. sounds like quite a commotion at the end --I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)...my kind of sleazy --Jeep's Blues...we return to some sweet sax --Tulip or Turnip...I like the singers (Nance & Tune). nice swing. the crowd seems upset? wants the show to continue, I guess --Skin Deep...we got drums! I still don't really get drum solos --Mood Indigo..."You are very beautiful, very sweet, and we do love you madly." ***Now we have studio recordings of the same music? Not sure if this is supposed to be included as part of the 1001 but I'll listen anyway***

Would have been better without all the interruptions.

Kind of an odd album, especially with the announcements being included throughout. The mention of a "young Quincy Jones" was pretty funny to hear. Overall the sound of this live album is pretty clean. I didn't find this to be mind-blowing. But it's a very famous album. and increased the popularity of jazz festivals. The story of how the original album and CD release were "faked" but that they were fixed in a later release is also interesting. Overall I get why it's on the list, but can't rate it higher than 3 stars.

jazzzzz, langweilig aber voll der vibe wenn man mit 30 ganz alleine durch ein schneegestöber fährt

TS is so long gooooood

Couldn't find the original version on Amazon so I listened to the extended reissue. Eye opening, only lagged a little bit. Really thinking that jazz is something I enjoy but not individual pieces. 3/5

Great, but old. Picture cigars & scotch with a curvaceous tomato on your arm!

Not bad. Although I really enjoyed the more energetic songs, some of it I found fairly boring. High 3/5

Not a huge fan of the Big Band era jazz stuff, but this is probably the best version of that genre, so I get why it’s on the list.

This is one of those occasions where you know you are listening to great music, regardless of whether or not you personally like it. The technical musicianship, the tone achieved through the instruments, the effortless interplay with the band... On top of that, this record is a time capsule from a bygone age. Lots to like here and, for the first hour, I did. I listened to the 1999 "complete" edition and two hours is a long schlep for someone who isn't a jazz fan, regardless of how interested I might be in the history. I definitely see this as more of an interesting recording than an "album" in the usual sense. Really tough one to rate because this is undoubtedly a great record but personal taste knocks it down a couple of pegs and I can't imagine numerous relistens.

I enjoyed this but personally, I feel like the appeal of listening to Jazz is the atmosphere you get to experience when listening to it live and I can't get that same satisfaction from a recording. That's not to say that this wasn't a great album, I think it just can't be appreciated to its full extent.

Not a fan

more jazz, which I truly hadn’t listened to much before this week, guess I’m a fan?! this one felt a little more funky, pretty upbeat, again great instrumentals… it’s a longer album tho with 2 discs and some side chatter since it’s live at Newport which makes it feel like someone is telling you an old story

Listening to this after John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme album. I like that there are some introductions happening and stage talking. Was really vibing with Pt 1 Festival Junction and then something terrifying happened at the end, maybe that was a kazoo? Listened to the rest with a squad over for brunch, jazz was a lovely addition to the gathering

tea for two = leukste nummer door de oude live opname soms a-relaxed blaasinstrumentgeluid overall wel een gezellig upbeat album!

Bebop niet verkeerd. Ook niet zo rakend

This is the first jazz album that i haven't hated. Lively and fun, not annoying jazz.

Simple but relaxing jazz. For a moment I thought the police was at my door, though, with the inclusion of a siren in the album.

-3 for the screaming screeching trumpet sound that made this hard to listen to +1 for the audio of them dispelling a riot at the end of the show. That rocks

The sound quality is pretty good for a live 1956 recording, no doubt due to some digital enhancement. It's not really my kind of jazz, but Pt III Newport Up is quite good (the version on disc 1). All the lengthy spoken introductions are a bit annoying, but I do like the fact that there's a track called Riot Prevention, which consists of a just over a minute of noise from an unhappy crowd who've been told the show is over. This is then followed by a 9 min drum solo. Rock 'n' Roll! Or not.

Funny to hear old timey banter but… it’s Jazz!

Great musicians on Horns and sax and that screeching clarinet ... Listened before? N Saved to library? N Favorite track(s): N/A ⭐⭐⭐: liked it well enough for jazz of the era

It certainly is jazz…

Jeeps blues is good

I find it hard to connect with this album, but it must have been such an incredible experience to be in the room. You can hear the crowd going wild. The musicianship is incredible.

è ok, non lo riascolterö

This was great

The link takes you to a bloated "complete" edition of this album, which has so much filler on it becomes virtually unlistenable. I found a version on Spotify called the original album which is much more listenable. Still, the music didn't really do much for me. It happened and then it finished.

Just a solid jazz album

duke ellington introduces his friends for two hours. yes i like jazz now. Skin Deep is mondo cool

I like an hour of jazz as much as the next guy and big ups to my boy duke but this was just an ok little unstructured jamfest 5/10

Yo it's Newport here, quite the live performance. 6/10 lizard wizards

It's not for me and I'm ok with that. Honestly I put it on and it was fine background music for work. I don't know what I'm listening for or if it was amazing or even if it's really the right album (There's two of them out there). I didn't hate it, but I was ready for it to end about 2/3rd of the way through.

Nothing stood out but a nice toe tapper.

Slosjazz witha priest. Ace.

Was good for about an hour. Could do without the commentary between songs though I'm sure some love that. At times it was a little screachy. Ehhh.

After some reading I see why this album is significant. At least for Duke Ellington it was. Does that make it worthy of this list? I don’t know. The playing on it is top notch, but isn’t that to be expected? I’ve yet to hear what makes it musically or artistically special. That’s not to say it isn’t a great album, I love jazz and this is right up my alley…but it also doesn’t really stand out for any reason to me.

i've listened to this disjointed all day but it's at least a 3/5. jazz is so fun. but the live aspect you know everything is happening. actually i'm liking the live now. idk i just like this album. the concept of being there. beautiful instruments. clapping yipee. prob gonna give it a 3/5. nothing is STaNDING out as they say.

Would've given this a 4 if it wasn't so long.

This took forever to get through. It was too long. Live albums of this length should not be on the list. That being said the music was quite good

Don't love live albums but this one was solid (3.5)

I just can't actively listen to this kind of big band jazz or whatever it is. It just all sounds the same to me and just endless. They could be the best jazz musicians of all time and I don't feel anything at all. It could be a personal shortcoming and that's fine I'll own it.

If I could give this negative stars I would

Sir Duke is a legend, but big band was never my thing. This was good as far as big band goes, but it didn't really get me at any point.

This was a long one ... but I think it was more fun to hear the banter between songs. I still wish there weren't so many live albums on the list, but at least they are selecting ones that capture moments in time.

There are two things that would have made this album a slam dunk for me a) it's a jazz album and b) it's big band. But listening to it and having to listen to the announcer took me out of it.

Like Stevie Wonder says "The King Of All, Sir Duke". He used to play, in fact, the finest jazz that everyone ever heard. Talking about the album itself, I'm not much of a fan of instrumental music, due my belief that vocals are a vital part of the conection that music does with people, and most of the songs are instrumentals in here. Besides, I really don't understand the charm behind of all those announcements that Duke does between the songs. I mean, I wasn't there, I don't care, just play the goddanm music man! Hahaha, anyway, those are the flaws I'm pointing, and despite that, it's high quality music.

Jazz just isn't my thing. I loved the album for its musical proficiency, which was unreal, but I just couldnt sink into the music. I did like it more than I expected. Great album, just not to my taste.

Duke Ellington from the hit show Big Head. 6/10

Ну, середнє. Люблю джаз але тут щось таке, на 3/5. minor swing прикольна

Трошки дратує піздьож періодичний та "лайв" составляюча, але загалом дуже приємний джеееез

I like big band, but I ended up listen to only the songs that were on the original LP (I didn't have 2 hours to spare today). As a music teacher and jazz musician myself I've listened to plenty of Duke Ellington, so I didn't feel like I needed to listen to the complete recording at this time. It was good. It's a little weird about the originally LP being ony like 40% live, but the songs whether live in the studio were well performed. I enjoyed all 5 tracks and as a tenor saxophonist feel like you can't go wrong with a great tenor solo like in Diminuendo In Blue. With it's cultural significance I do think this album should be included on this list. I don't think I'd listen to this specific album again, but I like Duke and his band.

This is good, but I kept thinking of the Now You Has Jazz song from High Society every time Duke introduced a number.

Its not my thing but I appreciate it for what it is

Wasn't particularly gripping, trumpet was too high in the mix, understandably

A late-ish career achievement from Ellington that I enjoy, and appreciate, but that I personally only get so much out of. He’s really flying the big band jazz flag high here. And it’s a real accomplishment of the form. The band’s mechanical tightness matches a willingness to improvise that exemplifies the best of what this style of jazz can give. And there are some really incredible woodwind passages too. I just don’t have a ton to say, it’s another wildly important, fantastically made jazz album that I just haven’t developed a full appreciation of, and that’s it.

First time listening to a live jazz album, not completely my cup of tea, but def didn’t dislike it. Fave: Skin Deep

It is a good, I like a bit of jazz. However, I struggled towards the end. 2 hours of jazz is too much jazz.

I think I suffered a case of Jazz fatigue here

Very energetic and melodic jazz performance. Solo instruments are driving it and keeping things interesting for the whole duration. Sounds of the crowd exemplifies it even more. Great listen for jazz fans, still pretty good for other folks.

Kolejny instrumentalny jazz. Ten ma sporo kopa, wyobrażam sobie, jak ludzie musieli kiedyś do tego tańczyć. Ale jazz nie jest, nie był i nie będzie dla mnie, szczególnie kiedy nie jest okraszony wokalem. 6/10.

Though I don’t consider myself a fan of Jazz, I enjoyed this live recording well enough.

generator keeps giving me jazz this week for some reason. i do not care for jazz that much but this was good. i really enjoyed a few of these songs, much more than I thought I would. that being said, as impressive as this was, most of it just wasn't for me unfortunately. 3.5

About what I'd expect. Would certainly work as some party background music.

It's a jazz party with the Duke!

It's aight man

Enjoyed the album, can imagine this playing on a record player as I read a book on a wet afternoon. Definitely something I would be happy to play again.

I recognize the talent, but this is not my preferred flavor of jazz. Also, way too much talking on this, even for a live album.

Jazz.

There are some wildly expressive horn sections that wowed me and at the same time this is just way too long of a listen, no matter how fun it can be at times. Since it's a live album, I wont highlight a best song, but there are moments when the trumpet is being played with such effort and expertise that it sounds like the vibrato of a human voice. Super impressive. 3/5 listen when you have something else you need to get done!

No. 327/1001 Festival Junction 2/5 Blues to Be There 3/5 Newport Up 3/5 Jeep's Blues 3/5 Diminuendo In Blue 3/5 Average: 2,8 It's a good jazz album. Nice instrumental performances, just not something I would listen to in my free time.

I understand and appreciate what the Newport Jazz Fest did for music, but I just can't listen to 2 hours of live jazz. Even if its the Duke. 3 stars by default.

Long, will have to come back. Beautiful sound though 3/5

57/100. The jazz itself is great, no doubt about it. That said, the talking, presenting and announcements between tracks really broke the flow for me. I get that it's there to preserve the authenticity of the live setting, but it ends up feeling like filler that drags the experience down.

bello ma l’ascolto è stato un po’ pesante, forse non era il momento giusto

Non ce l’ho fatta. Non sono degno, peró in generale mi piace ellington

It’s fun just not my favorite type of jazz

Gonsalves solo is the highlight. Complete (pictured) is vastly expanded over the 1956 vinyl release. Rating is for the original release.

This is exactly what I expected from Duke Ellington, smooth, swinging jazz. What I didn't expect was banter & intros. Like 20% banter. There is just a whole lot of jazz. I don't pretend to know it, I've heard enough & I respect it. I respect this & all the great musicans. It may not be my cup of tea, all the time but it can be good. Transports you places. 3

Kun sanat loppuvat, jazz alkaa puhua. Harmi kun en ymmärrä kieltä.

Kivaa jatsii.

big 3

Obviously a masterful live performance and recording of one of the best to ever do it. Great composer, great band leader, why is this 2 hours long why do I need to hear the same song again 4 times.

I don't usually love a live album, but live jazz usually hits a bit different, so I went into this with an open mind. And while I don't really feel like anything was added by this being a live album (the crowd noises didn't really enhance the experience), the sheer talent of the musicians is undeniable. That said, jazz music was designed by performed live, so maybe regardless of anything else, that really is just the best way to experience this kind of album. Even though jazz isn't really my thing, big band jazz is probably my preferred expression of the genre. And to think this performance and album came about at the tail end of the big band era. Surely this act and this album helped solidify the timelessness of this type of music.

these cats are cooking!

The Dukes speaking voice? Total Tom Hanks vibes. The band? Swinging hard enough to wrinkle their tuxedos. Is this album the jazz worlds Live Bullet - maybe…less beer, more brass. Proof that live albums always have their own magic.

Really great document - just too long.

I have to be in the mood for big band jazz. I have huge respect for Duke Ellington’s music and his influence, but never really ventured much into his music for that reason. I enjoyed this though. Very much of its time, but upbeat, uplifting and expertly played.

You know, the clarinet tis real nice. The piano is real nice. The horns are real nice. The saxophone is real nice. The drums are understated but nice. But I can't help but feel like something is missing. Perhaps frequencies below around 300 Hz. Maybe I was listening to a bootleg recorded through a tin can pressed to the wall of an adjacent bathroom.

Good stuff. Not the type of music I like, but can't argue with the quality.

Jazz isn't really my thing but I thought this was quite good. I just don't have an appreciation of the subtleties that no doubt make this a classic

Best Song: Jeep's Blues This is pretty much the exact review as Miles Davis. This could be someone's jam, but it isn't mine. I don't hate it, but I won't listen to it again. 3/5.

I like the ambling inbetween

Really fun to listen to, but I don't need a full 2 hours of improv and standards. The chatter was largely tedious. Overwhelming saxophone.

I enjoy it enough for the listen Will I listen to again: 27%

Niet echt mijn ding maar wel leuk ik krijg er positieve vibes van

Can all Jazz be like this, pretty please?

It’s good but too long for me to want to listen to

Some good casual big band music.

Great background music. Highlights: Blue be there, Jeeps Blues

oh its a long album. i wasn't expecting that. i also really am not a fan of live albums so i fear this will not go well but i'm hoping to be wrong. it makes me think of fallout so far. not a fan of all the speaking, but i like big band and jazz enough to keep listening.

Duke Ellington is amazing but live albums are horrible to listen to

Partí super entusiasmada, pero pasada un rato, entre los aplausos, las conversas entremedio, me fui desinflando y al final estaba como cabra chica preguntando "cuantooo faltaaaa?"

My name is Big J and this is my favorite album on the citadel

Old school jazz

Good jazz!

This was fine. Big band jazz makes me feel like I'm 8-years old visiting my grandparents in Yonkers with my grandfather talking about his pre-war days playing sax at clubs around the city. It's half good memories, half fusty nostalgia, and very little relevant to my daily life. Will I listen to this again? Nah.

Though Jazz isn't exactly my taste, this album starts excellently with some very strong tracks. Towards the end, however, there is just a bit too much fat on the album, and I found myself losing some attention. Still, however, one of the better Jazz albums I listened to, but I remain not a very big fan of the genre. 3/5

It was alright, though there were some annoying squeaky bits.

Well, I really don't like jazz recordings - live jazz I enjoy. Ok, this is a live jazz recording - still don't enjoy listening but I can appreciate its historical significance and it's wonderful that a recording exists. I am also really happy that I listened to only the original track listing and not two hours of this. I'll give it a 3 as I did not enjoy listening to it, but I can get its importance and also the musical skill that resulted in it being here.

The album is fantastic but the recording I listened to was horrible.

Very nice

Get me into a dark room filled with cigar smoke NOW

This is jazz alright

I was already dreading the 2 hours as soon as I saw it. I procrastinated on this, but all the talking is getting on my nerves. I just want to hear and judge the music. I used it as background noise and that’s how I made it through, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to listen to this album again. I respect the heck out of Duke though because he had so much influence on some of my favorite musicians.

This is really long. Just going to listen to "Disc 1" Jimi did the Star Spangled Banner better... I like Jazz fine. I don't really know how to tell if its great or not. I enjoyed this. I liked the realism with the announcer talking between some songs. Festival Junction rips that's for sure. 3.1/5

it's fine

I skipped the talking parts. Those are some impressively high trumpet notes in Part I. I enjoyed the Skin Deep drum solos. Riot Prevention is a clever name.

Long but good.

For fans of Big Band Jazz. Includes his version of "Tea for Two" and his signature tune "Take the 'A' Train".

Some great jazz on here that I was actually starting to enjoy. That being said I still like some more vocals

Quand j’écoute cet album j’ai l’impression de temps en temps d’être dans un bar bondé des fins fonds de New York où personne ne s’entend parler et les musiciens de battent pour savoir qui joue le plus fort, ou bien dans un vieux dessin animé Tom&Jerry des années 50. C’est toute une époque, toute une culture ! Malheureusement ni mon époque, ni ma culture. J’ai du mal à apprécier ce genre de jazz, je trouve que c’est trop fouillis, les changements de rythmes sont vraiment trop fréquents pour ma tendre oreille et j’ai du mal à suivre leur mélodie (peut-être que c’est recherché de faire quelque chose de  spontané, rapide et qui paraît désorganisé mais c’est vraiment pas ma tasse de whisky-coca pour rester dans le thème).

Qui aurait cru que le jazz pouvait me plaire ? On y rentre a reculons dans cet album, rebuté par ces morceaux de 10 min et ces variations qui semblent incompréhensibles.. et 30min plus tard on se surprend a battre la mesure et a dodeliner de la tete ! Une agréable entrée en matière

Le problème c'est que je manque absolument de référentiel pour pouvoir avoir un avis sur un album de jazz. Est ce que j'ai bien aimé ? Oui mais est est ce que l'album m'a fait ressentir quelque chose qui me ferait le réécouter ? Pas vraiment. Je crois que ce qui fait l'importance de cet album c'est aussi le contexte dans lequel il à été créé : Ellington (légende du jazz de l'époque) était en perte de vitesse et dépassé par l'arrivée de nouvelles têtes (la génération des addicts à l'héroïne) et la fin du format 'Big Band', et il a mis une claque monumentale au monde du jazz à ce concert. Maintenant, je ne suis pas sur de pouvoir apprécier l'album autant que si j'avais été un jazz aficionados en 1956 mais ça force l'admiration.

Once you cut it all the introductions the album is about half in length. Very talented musicians, classic jazz repertoire. In would give it four stars, which is a great score considering I’m not a jazz fan, but I have to deduct one because of all the talking. You can’t just put this on at a dinner party and enjoy the music due to all the interruptions.

I decided to hear the complete version of this album, as, from what I could understand, it has the original live performance, while the shortened version is a studio recording they did after the concert. So, this record is 2 hours long. Before giving it my first listening, I prepared myself to focus as much as possible and get the most out of this album in just two sittings, one for the first half and the other for the second one. After listening to it, I, indeed, not felt like returning to it. Nevertheless, I found it to be quite entertaining, very well performed and very clear in terms of sound. My favourite parts where the more energetic tracks, like 'Pt.I Festival Junction', 'Pt.III Newport Up' (both the live and studio versions of the two pervious songs) and specially 'Skin Deep' with those insane drum solos. The rest of the tracklist is alright, but they have a slower pace and I didn't really enjoy it as much as the others. Not a bad album, but the vast amount of material makes it a bit hard to listen to.

Fun time capsule. Not really the jazz I’m used to listening to but he made that trumpet make noises I’ve never heard before

Jazz. but wow festival junction is actually the best jazz song ive ever heard. the rest... ehhh... although diminuendo and cresendo in blue is alright i suppose.

Apart from the last song, the album felt like covers that missed the extra percent that the original song delivered. Ellington is a talented musician but it likely isn’t his best work.

It was very long only had time to listen to about half of it, but what i did listen to was very good! wayyy to much talking between songs, was that normal in the 50s?

Jazz!

-this was a nice listen. definitely very safe by jazz standards, pretty much impossible to dislike i think -i have a huge soft spot for older big band jazz that sounds like the kind of thing you’d hear in an old cafe. now that im more into the genre it’s not quite as mindblowing but i fw it -Favorites are Newport Up and Diminuendo In Blue

i like

A solid live album but too much talking in between tracks (which I guess kind of helps with immersion but is not as much my thing but also that's live albums generally for me)

idek what to do with my life

Am I slowly becoming a jazz fan? I like it when it doesn’t sound too chaotic. This was nice to have on in the background, I felt civilised.

Going through this exercise, this is my 69th review, I've encountered enough Jazz albums to approach this one with some trepidation. So far, Jazz hasn't been to my taste. For this reason, and to give the album a fighting chance, I reviewed the original 5 tracks released in 1956 and not the much expanded CD version. Pleasantly, the opening track has a big band feel. Second track has a mellow blues feel, ending with the full orchestra coming in. The remainder of the original album continues much in this vein. Pleasant enough and more enjoyable than the prior Jazz albums experienced whilst working through this list, but it still does not convert me into a devotee of the genre, or even someone who wants to explore the genre further. 3 stars. Would I listen to this album again? No. Would I buy this album? No. Original 1956 LP: Ellington at Newport Side A 1. "Festival Junction" - 10:08 - 3 2. "Blues to Be There" - 8:04 - 3 3. "Newport Up" - 5:33 - 3 Side B 1. "Jeep's Blues" - 5:12 - 3 2. "Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue" - 14:56 - 3 Total - 15 Average - 3

good but trumpet was annoying, i also dislike live albums

Classic jazz bullshit

416/1001

Seemed an odd inclusion - there are much better Duke Ellington studio albums

not my favourite jazz album but still nice. i like that it's live. want to relisten when im studying, might have a different impression

Sounded really good live but unfortunately I couldn't vibe with it. Was still ok though 3 ⭐️

This was fun. For awhile. Was everyone's like three hours long, or was I just listening to some extended version? As we went from early to late afternoon and I was still listening to big band music, I started to get a little fatigued.

Great musicians and music, but not my thing.

Cool!!!!! On a roll of live albums Happy I listened to it but not one I’ll re-listen to anytime soon..

I'm slowly but surely getting into Jazz but still not particularly into the Big Band stuff - I find it a little manic, especially the trumpets towards the end of the 1st and last tracks. The last one was enjoyable overall though.

Could have done without the review of the day’s events peppered in between songs, but this is a super clear recording for it being outside and from the late 50s. I’m not a big jazz fan, but this kept my attention.

I liked this album. The musicianship is incredible and while this is very straightforward Jazz it's very well done. This album deserves to be on the list.

Da ich nicht so der Jazz hörer bin, finde ich es schwer das zu bewerten. Ich habe mir auch nur Disk 1 angehört, da ich 2 stunden dann doch zu lang fande. Es war ganz solide, jedoch gäbe es für mich keine Situation in der ich die Lieder nochmal hören würde. Die meisten Stücke waren auch nicht entspannt genug um sie wärend dem lernen nebenbei zu hören. Deswegen würde ich dem ganzen 3/5 geben. Einfach nicht so meine Musik.

i mean its alright i guess but not that significant for me because im not that into jazz 3/5

I can't say I am well-versed in jazz, but I do know I like it when I hear it. Live jazz, most of which this album was, is a special treat. It was interesting to hear the folks at the 1956 Newport Jazz Festival reacting to the great Duke, even almost rioting at one point. Unlike the other albums I have listened to in this journey, however, most of this faded into the background. After listening to the entire two-hour recording, I realized it was good, but there wasn't a track that stood out. I suppose I am just not understanding enough of this music form yet.

11/1089 starting off with the star spangled banner… hmmmm i’m not super against the talking/emceeing, it suits the cool and laid back vibe the trumpet(?) is a bit too squeaky for my tastes but the rest of the music underneath is soothing Pt. I - Festival Junction is a hit! i can appreciate the quality and skill in the genre (and i’m enjoying it as background music) but i’m not sure i need to revisit skin deep is another hit for me 3 stars or 51/100 even if it isn’t something i’ll listen to again i feel like it would be wrong of me to put it any lower because that mostly comes down to taste and to me 0-49 is negative, 50 neutral and 51+ positive. This doesn’t deserve a negative or neutral because i actually enjoyed having this on in the background it was undeniable quality, i just can’t give it much more simply because it’s not what i seek out

This type of big band jazz always reminds me of my grandparents. Being a jazz dummy, I don't know if it's good or bad, but I there's some nostalgia involved here, which brings me some enjoyment. My favorites were Festival Junction and Newport Up. 3.5 stars.

3.5

I liked the jazz but all the live parts really take away from this.

Good vibes. I like having it play while im cooking or doing things about the house. The speeches or announcements in between are annoying but otherwise the music is absolutely splendid. It really sets the vibe in the evenings.

I'm sometimes not quite sure how to approach jazz. This swings, no doubt, and was an enjoyable morning listen; though it's unlikely I'll return to it much.

Only made it part way through. Long album. Very impressive talent, great for easy listening. Too many intro/talking tracks.

Of course there's no denying his talent but personally I'm not a particular fan of either jazz or - except for Johnny Cash inside prisons - live albums. But it's a 3 because: a) despite all the above there are parts I like b) I sure don't like them enough for a 4 but 2 is definitely harsh and c) I'm in a generous mood because after nearer 4 years than 3 on this journey I've finally reached album 1089 aka The Destination.

38 SONGS!

Får litt fot av den swing jazzen her, men det er ikke nok å kitla cymbalene når du i neste omgang mute trompeten med katten.

It is good. Also big band not my thing.

A little on the Dull side of Duke.

It was ok, good album but not my favorite jazz musician or live recording

Intimate

Jazz classics automatically get a 3 until I figure out how jazz works.

A good record, not a great one. It's a fun live album and I would play it every now and then in the background. Not the best jazz record out there and I am little surprised to see it on this list - I feel like there were better choices for Duke Ellington. It's not one that I would play for someone to try and sway them to become a jazz appreciator. 3/5

So, good Jazz DOES exist!! I’ve rolled a couple Jazz albums so far and really just did not care for them, so when I saw this album was over 2 hours long, I about screamed. However, it turns out that Jazz actually can be good, it just has to come in the form of Big Band. This was a super cool little time capsule as well. I liked the introductions given to everyone, and some of the live segments like “Riot Prevention” actually got a genuine chuckle out of me. My favorite song on this album was “Diminuendo In Blue - Live” as it’s fast paced and smooth all the way through, with plenty of fun mood shifts.

Live bleh

enjoyed. didnt actively listen as much as i should have. background music. a bit too long

Good stuff

It was ok. I don’t really like Jazz so this is the highest rating I’m gonna give

Enjoyable when able to listen. The recording is too distant. At points the band and Duke battle though but the overall feeling is frustration. This is very much a moment in time but not his best collection of work

This was a bit too long and too full of live LP chatter for me to really enjoy it.

I like Ellington. I have Ellington in the collection. And maybe the only 'big band' stuff I do have in the collection. It's good. Probably great. I just don't go for the big band stuff very often when I want to put on some jazz.

Me: "I'm busy visiting my family, but why not turn the 'weekend albums' setting back on? I'm sure I'll find some time." 1001 Albums Generator: "Here's a two-hour live album of hepcat jazz."

There are many great performances by Duke Ellington so it's hard to rate this album. It's a great concert with lots of information by the presenter and places for the instrumentalists to shine. However, I missed some highlights.

Fun live jazz. Great album.

I understand the importance of such an album and the artist. I very much love Duke, the arrangements and the imagination poured out. This is just not my style, it's lovely and it stands on its own as one of the greatest, but for my own ears, I neither love it, nor hate it.

Classic naturligtvis och bra, men Ellington har aldrig varit en favorit och jag är mer fan av senare jazz. En trea

First impression pre listen: I've heard his name thrown around alongside other jazz greats, but I've never checked him out. Gonna treat this like every other jazz album I've gotten on here, and jump into it with no expectations. I'll be limiting it to what was present on the original 1956 release, as the reissue seems a bit of a mess. Individual track notes: Pt. I - Festival Junction A well coordinated jazz tune with some really pleasant and positive sounding energy. Love how effortless and tight it manages to sound. The solo parts are really smooth and gives off an exquisite mood that wears off on the listener. It's an overall pretty good time, though I'm not educated enough on the era to understand what makes it special. Decent. 3.5/5 Pt. II - Blues to Be There Very moody. Sleepy and nocturnal. I like the way it switches up the style a bit towards the end with the call and response. Not too captivating, but pleasant and distinct. Fine. 3/5 Pt. III - Newport Up Fast and upbeat. Fun tempo. I really enjoy the precise and joyful improvisation. The playing and coordination is excellent, but it does get a bit lost on me. I'm impressed even if it doesn't really hit me musically. Fine. 3/5 Jeep's Blues Very colourful. Great atmosphere and overall sound. I can appreciate the restraint shown by the lead. Gives the music a lot of time to breathe and be digested. Very pleasant. Decent. 3.5/5 Diminuendo in Blue Love the counter melodies in the background at the start. Interesting occasional support from the piano. Satisfying sax part. Fun and accessible. I like that you can clearly hear the audience having a great time in the background. Just an allround good time. Good. 4/5 Final Review Personally I found the album mostly just pleasantly listenable. It keeps me interested enough, though not so much that I immediately wish to replay it. I don't really get it beyond the surface level so I can only really speak on the excellent atmosphere and the genuine care put into the performances, as that fully shines through on the recording. The performers are notably very skilled and convincing. Should they be lead or support they always seem to find ways of making memorable use of their skills, even if its just to fill some space with a well placed note or two. It's decently accessible, as a layman could easily find moments to enjoy when just following along the journeys created by the musicians. Sure someone with a more educated take could pick apart the nuances and explain what makes it special, but anyone can find moments to enjoy on here even if it's just the "vibe". I personally don't fully get it, but I would still come back to this when feeling the mood for some jazz. Perhaps with more time it will grow more on me. 3.5/5 rounded down to a 3/5.

Jazz fades into the background for me

Good, but long, but good.

Ehhh… clearly objectively good but im not gonna be relistening. I think i just dont have a reference pt for it? Hard to imagine being like WOOOOO WOWWWWWWWwe snap SNAP SNAP JAZZ! For this. Bring me bbng.

There was a time I tried to get into jazz. Listened to lots of older and then more fusion artists. I found that I enjoyed listening to jazz way more live than on recordings. This was the same. I’m sure it would’ve been great to be there, but it was a tough listen. And very long.

3.5

Unfortunately the announcement being a separate thing annoyed me more than them being a part of the songs. 3 star

Artiste connu. Je ne connaissais pas cet album : je ne suis pas très intéressé par les big band. Ce live ne m'a pas fait changer d'avis ! Même s'il contient d'excellents chorus (+2), il ne rejoindra pas ma collection. =>3/5

We're going to need a bigger band! It's big band music if you like it you probably like Sir Duke I'm not sure I care enough to listen more than once it is what it is

Duke is the best at what he does. His music is not really my thing, but it’s fun to listen to. This one’s good as a live album because his band and the audience really feed off each other. At one point it sounds like the crowd’s going to riot if Duke & co. don’t continue! Don’t do that. Bad form.

Ew, live album, but I like Duke's music regardless

Boh magari dovrei riascoltare

É um álbum interessante de um concerto de Duke Ellington e a sua banda, como era vulgar na década de 1950. Contudo, não me encheu as medidas.

I though I would like this more than I did. It got off to a bad start for me with the star spangled banner and I didn't love all the talking.

Despite the challenges of a live recording from the 1950’s you can tell the obvious talent of all involved. But jazz just isn’t my cup of tea.

definitely a good album but i’m not fond of live albums and big band classical jazz

2+ hour live jazz?? fuuuuuck i think jazz is a great music genre and there's some talented musicians featured here. i just don't think i appreciate it enough to sit and give an album this long my undivided attention. this is definitely a background listen for me, hence my rating.

Listened to this while playing Final Girl. I lost a game and won the second game! I listened to the 5 track version of this album, and enjoyed it a fair amount. I feel like I might rate it higher if I did the 1999 version, but I opted to listen to it as it was first released. Lots of squeaky endings...ha ha.

Pretty good, but way too long. The talking was annoying and I probably should've just watched a movie instead

Cozy jazz - I like it! Too many in-between talks and noise for my liking (doesn't feel like a concert) The very high-pitched sax/trumpet is a horrible trademark

I can't believe there are so many live jazz albums on this list. It's starting to get a little repetitive. The middle section of the first song piqued my interest. "Blues to Be There" was ok, a bit boring. I'm feeling better than I was yesterday. 3 stars for "Ellington at Newport".

As a Canadian in the current socio-political climate, hearing an album start with the Star Spangled Banner, despite how well played, is not a way to win my heart. THAT and my generally not being much of a jazz guy aside, this recording really transported me back to an era before my time and made me feel fully immersed in its atmosphere. Not sure it's something I'll come back to, but I'm glad I visited. 3

uh i'm out of my depth but this is a nice listen and one i was happy to revisit for this project. deserves to be one of the 1001? yes

Switched to the abridged version without the M.C. and glad I did. Jazz is not my favourite genre, but even I could appreciate elements of this.

I liked this better than other traditional jazz albums I’ve had, though that is a broad category. It felt big bandy at times which was fun. I didn’t know we were going to get Louis Armstrong, that was a nice surprise.

Duke Ellington is great, Caravan is one of my favorite tunes, especially the Thelonius Monk recording. That being said the big band genre is perhaps not my favorite. However the sheer amazing talent of the musicians is fully on display here, and I appreciate the compositional style of Ellington. This kind of live recording has a nostalgia for me, it takes me back to Tulsa as a teenager. The city has a great live festival every year that I would go to, with lots of raucous crowd participation and dancing. As an album this is overly long with too much emcee banter, but as an experience it is so cool that we have this kind of recording. I think I would listen to certain tracks again, Take the A Train, Festival Junction and Diminuendo in Blue are highlights for me, but not the whole album.

You can tell that this recording is old. There is too much talking.. I think that big band jazz is often more listenable. There is too much clarinet playing (my taste).

A big band classic. Not my particular style of music, but world class players all, and a historically significant work.

Don't often find myself listening to big band/orchestral jazz albums, but here we are. Toe-tappers for sure, and talented musicians throughout, albeit not the type of music I look for often.

3.5

A 3+ hour Ella Fitzgerald freakin' box set yesterday and a 2+ hour Duke Ellington album today. Nothing bad about them, but damn! Would it kill you to give me a 40 minute Black Sabbath album this week? 3/5 Album 62/1001

Ele sabia o que tava fazendo

Hella long. Wow. Not my style, but I recognize the talent.

Ellington and Company are simply spectacularly jazzy in this record, the performances and compositions here are excellent. Ellington is obviously great, but many others shine as well in different songs. My favourite was "Festival Junction" and "I Got It Bad" was also excellent, loved the slower vibe and the sax playing by Hodges is perfect, same with "Jeep's Blues". Gonsalves is also excellent in "Diminuendo in Blue". My least favourite moments where when the record gets more "swing-y", like in "Newport Up". It's not bad, just not my favourite. As an album, it's a bit different than most other records, it's more than 2 hours long, and being a live record, it has a lot of interludes in the form of talking, presentations and crowd interaction. The complete edition also has a fair amount of repetition in the second disc. Having this in mind, I think you have to have at least some taste for jazz and a bit of patience to enjoy the record cover to cover. I also found opening with "The Star Spangled Banner" was a bit too much. Overall, this is a historic piece of jazz, and justifiably so. But as an album, it still has a bit of room for improvement in terms of flow and removing some of the repetition.

Solid jazz/swing album. The first live album I've gotten in this project, and part of my rating considers the background noise and announcements included in the album

Favorites: Festival Junction, Newport Up, Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue It's possible I made a mistake listening to the original pressing off of a YouTube rip instead of the complete edition... This was good, but I'm not 100% a fan of the big band sound.

Album #1 Not a jazz or big band fan. Still, some of this was great. The rest was technically good, and I see why this is a highly regarded album, but I lost interest multiple times. Until the squealing trumpet brought me back. Highlights: Black and Tan Fantasy Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue

Intense listening. Skin Deep is maybe the best track. Drums drums drums.

Not for me

"Jeep's Blues" wasn't terrible. I'm not a fan of jazz but this is good. I like the saxophone and piano. "Take The A-Train" was not as good. The piano sounded off-pitch. But I did like the horns. "Sophisticated Lady" is okay. It actually sounded like in a movie a sophisticated woman is entering the room and seducing men. I don't know if I would recommend this album.

the first song is okay i like how the instruments sound i just dont like how silent it gets and i also dont like how quiet the song is in general. the next song is also okay there is not much of a difference between the two songs they are both pretty quiet. the last song is still the same. overall i dont really like this album i would not recommend it.

Big band jazz - not my favourite type but you can't help but toe tap to it. Probably more famous for the reception Ellington got that makes this a historic piece of art, listen to the whole set to get a real feel of the electricity in the crowd. Spread out a picnic blanket, have some nice food, smoke a joint and just enjoy it. Best Tracks: Blues To Be There; Jeep's Blues; Diminuendo in Blue

This wasn't bad. The band really started to cook on the last track.

This one is hurt by the recording itself. The band is great, the solo is amazing. I’m not normally a jazz guy, but I can get behind this one, but I think that’s because I do enjoy Big Band type jazz. But the recording is so subpar. The crowd noise is too high (but man is the crowd enjoying themselves!) and overall the mix is just bad. Would’ve loved to hear this with modern recording tech.

Very talented but not my jam

Good background

Good happy background music that is calming

I heard if you wanted this at Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant you have to call ahead…no wait, that’s Beef Wellington… The music was great, but I could do without all the emcee banter. 3⭐️

Good, but long -- it was a double-album, and that's a lot of jazz. I can only take jazz in small doses, but it was a classic.

I have to apply my live album tax to this rating as per previous reviews, undoubtably excellent but live albums do not belong on this list

Swinging stuff!

Swingin as gideon said

This is a tough one to rate. Duke Ellington is an electric musician and is a once in a millennium talent. He makes the instruments sing and come alive and I wish I could have been there at this performance taking it all in. Listening to this album reminded me of why I don’t like live albums. I don’t like the audience cheering or interruptions and the banter from the emcee made an already long album a bit of a slog. Also there were times at the end of the songs that he’d make the trumpet squeal in a really unpleasant and loud and repetitive way that almost made me want to turn this off. I wouldn’t listen to this again but I’d listen to the studio versions of any of these songs.

So familiar. i know and can hear Ellington's brilliance but I have a hard time connecting with the music

Plenty of respect for this musician and this album, but I don't think I'm going to be listening to this a lot in the future. It's just not my jam

Absolutely fine. The band and audience are having a great time. It's too old-fashioned for my taste though.

Duke is the king of big band, but even the best swingy jams couldn't save this 2+ hour monster from feeling like a chore

If you like jazz, you'll love this album.

Very good jazz music to study to, just not that big of a fan of jazz

Great, fun background music

Long album! Black and tan fantasy - great opener Super high pitched trumpet parts are so goofy 3.5

Classic Jazz, also gave me big band vibes. Easier to listen to than more complex jazz

Yall I found a shortcut just listen to the 40 minute version 😜

Great historical document if you will. Probably my attention span doesn't hold up for this 2 hour experience

So I didn't realize the original version was only FIVE tracks and listened to almost the entire complete version. I don't regret hearing the entire Newport set, and so that's where I ended my listen and that's the version I will be rating. The MC sections are not necessary and ruined my enjoyment. I get it's meant to make you feel like you're there, but it's not for me.

Not my fav jazz style. Big band with lots of tongue in cheek playing and a showy feel. Has a great version of take the a train. A great introduction to the sounds of big bands in the mid 50s Ellington is a master of his sound sadly I Don't think this recording showcases the best of his writing style. I much prefer the tape with coltrane. Was a long concert back then! Didn't really appreciate the intros between tracks but still gives it an authenticity.

Although I’m not a massive fan of this genre, I felt rather swooned and intrigued by this one. I found myself listening to each note, seeing its meaning and all things like such.

If you want to havea albums on this list, they need to be a step above board tapes. This sounds like it was recorded from a TV broadcast. I'm not buying the time period as an excuse. That being said....its some ok jazz. Thats about it.

Interesting concert, listened to the original version.

Big band style jazz is not my cup of tea and this live format didn't do anything to change that. Furthermore it was way too long. It must have been a double or triple on vinyl.

A fun album that. To my mega naive ear in this genre that seemed to owe as much to big band style as to jazz. Quite a pleasant mix really. My favourite parts are the nifty funky bass lines which I’d love to hear more prominently, but for obvs reasons that isn’t possible in a live album. Would happily listen again.

Typical post-war jazz. Like the stuff you would hear at one of those expensive restaurants that are trying too hard to sell you an experience over actual ambiance and good food. I don't know enough about jazz to really comment on it, but the production value and quality of the players is definitely really good. I think if I was more into jazz this would be at the top of my list. I can also appreciate that Ellington was super influential in the jazz arena.

Well I fucked up on this one. The album refered to is relatively short and good jazz. I unknowingly listened to the complete version, which clocked in over 2 hours and had multiple introductions and "that's it folks." The spoken parts were rather annoying to have constantly throughout a live album (pick one introduction, limit endings). I don't feel like going back and listing to the shorter, original album, but I don't think being more condensed will up my rating anyway. Jazz doesn't blow me away or beg me to listen to that particular album again right away (my criteria for higher vote)

Great jazz

Don’t really like jazz

I think it may be that I’d rather hear a small combo than a whole jazz band, but two hours of this album was a bit long. That said, you can’t deny the musicianship and importance of the thumbprint left on jazz music by Duke. As the album goes on (and on, and on), you do really start to get a sense of the evolution of the form.

The announcements are annoying, interrupting the flow of the album. Buy maybe necessary to paint the picture of the excitement of the crowd and the atmosphere. Then I read where a lot of it was recreated in the studio. Still a cool album though. 1001 album worthy: Yes - 54/102

58’ classical jazz

Coole Zeitreise und schöne Musik. Hätte ich lieber als Video und als Album dann doch ein bisschen lang 😅

Pretty jamming, do not know much about jazz but can say this is definitely talented. Sampled the tracks.