A single-track release, 18 minutes long.
Available as a limited edition CD in a cardboard slipcase and as a download in 24 or 16 bit.
At a time of crisis, public or personal, a Jazz musician will often turn to the Blues. Duke Ellington once said, when asked how he dealt with the problem of racism “I write another Blues”. The threat of Covid-19 led to the cancellation of all our performances, including a tribute to Ellington at Ronnie Scotts on his birthday, April 29th. In response to the situation, we were given by Jazz South the opportunity to write and record a new piece for the Granite Band. We decided to follow Duke’s example and ‘write another blues’.
Says the Duke is not a Blues in any conventional sense. It does not break down into the familiar 12 or 8 bar choruses. In fact the basic ‘chorus’ is 88 bars long. Yet it is faithful to the mood and spirit of the Blues. The lyrics of Says the Duke evoke our memory of the Ellington Orchestra’s final concert in London, at the Rainbow in 1973. Cootie Williams, Paul Gonsalves and Harry Carney were still there and in great form. In our piece there are quotes from the Duke himself, references to his compositions and name-checks for his legendary musicians.
Kate and Mike Westbrook
music by Mike Westbrook
words by Kate Westbrook
with quotes from Duke Ellington
THE GRANITE BAND
Kate Westbrook voice
Roz Harding alto saxophone
Jesse Molins guitar
Matthew North guitar soundscape
Mike Westbrook keyboard
Billie Bottle bass guitar
Coach York drums
Recording Engineered, Mixed and Mastered by Matthew North
Produced by Matthew North in collaboration with Billie Bottle
October 2020
Recorded in Devonshire
Commissioned by Jazz South
Westbrook Records WR 007
Unrecorded Beam is beautifully conceived, performed and recorded. I am fortunate indeed to have connection with the album, in two improvisations responding to Billie and the Multiple on their flight. Kate Westbrook
supported by 8 fans who also own “Says The Duke (remembering Duke Ellington)”
Great set . Elton alas is no longer with us .
We will not see his like again .
Bandcamp has facilitated my explorations for finding other wise obscure releases.
Cheers to Bandcamp!! Nick Bradey