The Duke’s Solo

As a remarkable orchestral jazz composer, Duke Ellington’s deep, rich, and imaginative tone on the piano used mostly to create the “Ellington effect.” He only plays his part when necessary to accomplish the overall mood, and rarely showcases his solo improvisation. Yet when he’s by himself, Ellington’s artistic vision and ingenious skill revealed. From the unorthodox arrangement to the intricate atonality to the mastery of rag style in “The Clothed Woman,” Ellington demonstrated his skill as a solo jazz pianist as well.