Mercer Ellington - Continuum

Although Duke Ellington passed away on May 24, 1974, this posthumous effort can be thought of as his orchestra's final record. Duke's son Mercer took over the big band and at least for a short time still had some surviving veterans in which to form a nucleus. Baritonist Harry Carney is heard on two numbers (taking a solo on "Drop Me Off in Harlem") from the first session before he too passed away. Also quite prominent is trumpeter Cootie Williams along with such new (and temporary) bandmembers as tenor saxophonist Ricky Ford, trumpeter Barry Lee Hall, trombonist Art Baron and altoist Geezil Minerve. Read More