ELLINGTON, Duke.

Description

Town Hall, Birmingham February 1967 concert flyer


Original first printing concert handbill advertising American pianist and composer Duke Ellington at the Town Hall in Birmingham [England] on Monday, 6th February, 1967, presented by Harold Davison and Norman Granz. Ellington was touring Europe with an orchestra that consisted of Johnny Hodges, Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney, Russell Procope (saxes); Chuck Connors, Buster Cooper, Lawrence Brown (trombones); Cat Anderson, Cootie Williams, Mercer Ellington, Herbie Jones (trumpets); John Lamb (bass), and Rufus Jones (drums). The two performances in Birmingham were part of lengthy European tour commencing at the Teatro Lirico in Milan on 15th January and ending at the Théâtre Des Champs Elysée in Paris on 10th March, 1967. Not long after returning to the States, Elligton was hit with the news that his friend and long-time collaborator Billy Strayhorn had finally succumbed to esophageal cancer on 31st May. In August Ellington went into the studio with producers Steve Backer and Brad McCuen to record … And His Mother Called Him Bill — Ellington’s tribute to Strayhdorn. Featuring Strayhorn’s arrangements and compositions, it includes well-known compositions as well as unrecorded music. While in the hospital Strayhorn had submitted his final composition, “Blood Count”, to Ellington, which was used as the third track on the album. Ellington chose the songs to demonstrate Strayhorn’s versatility and range, as well as to pay homage to the qualities that he most admired in his late writing partner. The last track of the album is a spontaneous solo version of “Lotus Blossom” performed by Ellington, who sat at the piano and played for his friend while the band (who can be heard in the background) packed up after the formal end of the recording session. Released on Bluebird Records in 1968 ... And His Mother Called Him Bill won the Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album in 1969.

The flyer measures 15.3 x 23.8 cm and is beautifully printed on thin, coated paper stock. Complete with the original postal booking form still intact. Folded thrice with a few scattered tack holes. Feel free to email us with any questions you may have concerning this item. Additional images of the flyer available on request.