Record Reviews

STAN TRACEY ORCHESTRA ~ THE DURHAM CONNECTION: DUKE ELLINGTON`S SACRED CONCERTS 33 049 (Barcode: 5020883330495) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1999 Released: 2000 This is marvelous album by British Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist and his Orchestra, performing a selection from the sacred music composed by American pianist / composer / bandleader Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist. The orchestra includes the crème de la crème of the British Jazz scene with, among others, saxophonists Peter KingFind albums by this artist and Art ThemenFind albums by this artist, trumpeters Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist, trombonist Malcolm GriffithsFind albums by this artist, bassist Andrew CleyndertFind albums by this artist and drummer Clark TraceyFind albums by this artist. The vocal parts are performed by the Durham Cathedral ChoirFind albums by this artist and additional vocalists, including Tina MayFind albums by this artist. The album presents seventeen tracks, all composed by Ellington. The recording of this album was inspired by the live concerts of Ellington’s sacred music by Tracey and his Orchestra, performed at the Durham Cathedral in 1990 and then again in 1993. This studio recording offers a slightly different lineup and selection of music from these concerts, but is obviously the same spiritual experience. The British version is somewhat different from the original music performed by Ellington and his Orchestra around the world, including a concert at Westminster Abbey, and definitely worth being examined by the avid Jazz enthusiasts. Overall, this is a great document not only of the British Jazz scene, but also of Tracey’s deep admiration of Duke Ellington and his music, and finally of the much lesser known facet of Ellington’s music, which is mostly unfamiliar to the Jazz listeners.

Updated: 28/01/2026Posted: 28/01/2026

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