I have never played that stuff but I am familiar with the works. If I am not mistaken there were -3- sacred concerts. I think the 2nd one was one of the most "acclaimed" I believe it was the second where thousands of people turned out to try and hear it at a large cathedral in NYC. I believe 1968
It would be interesting to know if Mr. Wilmer Wilmer was around the city back then and maybe was there or knew about it. Maybe he has some duke stories. These sacred concerts we towards the end of Dukes life / career.
There is some great stuff in all of them so Im sure a "Best of" must be fantastic. So were you playing Cat Andersons part?
That guy was UNBELIEVEABLE!
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Originally Posted by ChasStarr The big band I'm in had the opportunity to play Duke Ellington's - The Best of the Sacred Concerts last night. My first impression on starting the rehearsals for this thing was "I'm not sure about this". But, after the performance last night, what a gas it was to play. We hooked up with the local Masterworks Choral group and a local tap dancer (really, it takes one) and rehearsed with them for the past few weeks and put it together for one performance. We drew about 700 for the concert and got to put a few bucks in our pockets as well.
The thing that I'm most thankful for though is the fact that we actually had the opportunity to participate. This was a once in a lifetime deal.
Very few recordings exist of this program and you actually have to rent the music. (I believe the cost for rental was $500) On trumpetstuff.com you can hear Jon Faddis playing an excerpt of part of the concert.
If you're in a big band and have the opportunity to get your hands on this music, absolutely go for it! You won't regret it!
PS. I'll warn you though; You better have a serious Bari sax and clarinet player and a couple of seriously screaming trumpets. The range requirement is unbelievable!
PSs. If any here have played this work before, I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts.
Thanks,
Charles Starr
Equinox Jazz Orchestra
Northeast Louisiana |