Essence of Ellington

Reception

AllMusic awarded the album 4 stars. The All About Jazz review noted "Parker has delivered a unique take on the Ellington repertoire which pulls of the trick of being both stridently modern and affectionately reverent". 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".

Track listing

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