1999 is the 100 year anniversary of the birth of the jazz master Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington - a genuine American hero. Though his accomplishments were many, Ellington characterized his sacred compositions, coming towards the end of his career, as "the most important thing I have ever done." Leave it to Phil Mattson and his Vocalogy ensemble (consisting of six faculty members at the Southwestern Community College School For Music Vocations), to record the first vocal group arrangements of these compositions (some are accompanied by a rhythm section as well). Ellington wrote these songs for a San Francisco concert at Grace Cathedral in 1965, and went on to perform this program internationally until his death in 1974. We have not heard the CD itself come presstime, but we understand that songs such as "In The Beginning God," "Come Sunday" and "Father Forgive," while spiritual and earthy, are written in the tried-and-true Ellington big-band style. An appropriate tribute indeed from Mr. Mattson. |
