Duke Ellington
Piano In The Foreground

THE REVIEW

Recorded in 1961, "Piano In The Foreground" is an album featuring Duke Ellington on piano, Aaron Bell on double bass, and Sam Woodyard on drums.

Ellington is famous as a composer and bandleader, and along with Louis Armstrong, he is one of the most universal figures in jazz. However, as a pianist, Duke is not particularly well-known, although the maestro’s talent is expressed in introductions or small solos along with his orchestra. Very few records showcase him in solo piano, duo, or, as in this case, in trio.

His recording debut as a pianist dates back to the '20s, followed by his duos with Billy Strayhorn and the historic bassist Jimmy Blanton in the '40s. It is necessary to wait until the '50s to hear Ellington express his conception of jazz piano, as in "Piano Reflection." In the '60s, Mingus, Roach, and Ellington make history. The music born from their sessions, published and summarized in "Money Jungle," remains valid to this day. Between the vivacity of "Piano Reflection" and the ambiguities of "Money Jungle" (Mingus assumes the role of leader), we find the considered expression of "Piano In The Foreground."

It is in this work that Ellington finds the balance between the completely subordinate rhythm section of the first record and the almost breathless and exceptionally creative support from Mingus and Roach of the second. The excellent bassist Bell moves discreetly without giving up a face-to-face dialogue with the leader in the more harmonically open pieces. Woodyard, the drummer, although less bold in his sound palette, responds with veteran vigor to Ellington’s requests.

The pianist, for his part, selects an unusual repertoire based on standards (the indispensable "Summertime" where he revisits overused concepts) and some not-too-well-known original pieces to showcase his multiple powers. His Africanist aspect emerges in the original "Con-go." Great Ellington, to be discovered in 12 tracks, from start to finish.