2 May 2018 —Jazz on the Tube

“Ellington in 1962 performs a medley of two numbers”

In 1962, the Goodyear Tire Company sponsored a series of half-hour shows that showcased swing-oriented performers.

This color excerpt from the Duke Ellington program features baritonist Harry Carney and clarinetist Jimmy Hamilton in the spotlight during the medium-tempo blues “V.I.P. Boogie.”

After Hamilton finishes, the band launches into the uptempo blues “Jam With Sam” which has solos by trumpeter Shorty Baker, tenor-saxophonist Paul Gonsalves, trombonist Lawrence Brown, altoist Russell Procope, trumpeter Bill Berry, cornetist Ray Nance, trumpeter Moon Mullens, and finally the great high-note trumpeter Cat Anderson.

Except for Johnny Hodges and the pianist, every main soloist in the Duke Ellington Orchestra had a chance to solo during this exciting performance.

-Scott Yanow