The Latin American Suite (Podcast #25-001)

Ellington Reflections

https://ellingtonreflections.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/latin-american-suite_podcast_25_001.mp3

“The Latin-American Suite was unusual in that it was written while we were actually touring Latin America for the first time in 1968. I had originally agreed with impresario Gary Keys, who was responsible for the Mexican part of the tour, to present a new work in Mexico City. Some importance was attached to this, for he was making a film of the trip.”

-Duke Ellington, Music is my Mistress

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The recordings heard on this podcast episode:

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The Mexican Suite (CD: “Duke Ellington Live in Mexico” Tring JHD016)

Recorded September 1968, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico City

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Herbie Jones, Willie Cook – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harold Ashby, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jeff Castleman – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

Eque/Brasilliance (CD: “Latin American Suite” Fantasy OJCCD-469-2)

Recorded 5 November 1968, New York City

Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Willie Cook – trumpet; Lawrence Brown, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors – trombone; Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harold Ashby, Harry Carney – reeds; Duke Ellington – piano; Jeff Castleman – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

Tina

Recorded 7 January 1970, Las Vegas

Duke Ellington – piano; Jeff Castleman – bass; Rufus Jones – drums.

— Our closing music—-

It’s Something You Ought To Know (Paul Gonsalves – “Ellingtonia Moods and Blues,” RCA Victor / RCA63562)

Recorded 29 February 1960, New York City

Paul Gonsalves- tenor sax; Johnny Hodges – alto sax; Ray Nance – cornet; Mitchell “Booty” Wood – trombone; Jimmy Jones – piano; Al Hall – bass; Oliver Jackson – drums.