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The Clark Terry Five – Memories Of Duke – Cassette

The Clark Terry Five’s Memories of Duke (1980) is a heartfelt tribute album dedicated to Duke Ellington, one of the most iconic figures in jazz history. Clark Terry, a legendary trumpeter and flugelhornist, played in Ellington’s orchestra from 1951 to 1959 and considered Duke not just a mentor, but a major influence on his career. With Memories of Duke, Terry pays homage to his former bandleader by reinterpreting some of Ellington’s most beloved compositions alongside a talented quintet of jazz musicians.

Flugelhornist Clark Terry and a strong quartet (pianist Jack Wilson, guitarist Joe Pass, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Frank Severino) perform nine songs associated with Duke Ellington, including seven of Ellington’s compositions, plus a tune apiece from Billy Strayhorn (‘Passion Flower’) and Mercer Ellington (‘Things Ain’t What They Used to Be’). Terry knows these songs, which include ‘Cottontail,’ ‘Come Sunday’ and ‘Sophisticated Lady,’ backwards, but he infuses each of his renditions with enthusiasm and melodic creativity.

This album captures the essence of Ellington’s rich musical legacy while showcasing Terry’s unique improvisational style and masterful trumpet playing. It serves both as a tribute to Duke’s music and as a display of the vibrant, swinging jazz that Terry was known for throughout his career.

The album draws heavily from the swing era, capturing the sophisticated, complex arrangements that Duke Ellington was known for. While maintaining the harmonic richness of Ellington’s original compositions, Clark Terry and his quintet add a modern jazz flair, highlighting improvisation and intricate solos.

Terry’s style on this album emphasizes melodic improvisation, balancing technical proficiency with emotional depth. His trumpet and flugelhorn solos are lyrical, swinging effortlessly between the tight rhythms of Ellington’s music and his own inventive phrasing. Terry’s signature warmth and humor shine through in his interpretations of these classic tunes.

Unlike the large-scale orchestral arrangements Ellington was famous for, Memories of Duke features a small ensemble sound, allowing more room for individual expression. The pared-down format gives Terry and his bandmates the opportunity to explore the material with more freedom while retaining the elegance of Ellington’s music.

The central theme of Memories of Duke is, as the title suggests, Terry’s personal tribute to Duke Ellington. Each track is filled with a sense of nostalgia and admiration, with Terry carefully preserving the essence of Ellington’s music while adding his own voice to the interpretations.

Throughout the album, Terry honors the sophisticated harmonic structures and distinctive melodies that defined Ellington’s work. Whether it’s the lush balladry of ‘Mood Indigo’ or the swinging energy of ‘Take the ‘A’ Train,’ the album underscores Ellington’s lasting influence on jazz music.

Despite the reflective nature of some tracks, Memories of Duke is also a joyful celebration of the music Ellington loved. Tracks like ‘C Jam Blues’ and ‘Perdido’ exude a playful energy, reflecting both the joy of performance and the deep sense of swing that Ellington’s music embodies.

Terry’s playing on both trumpet and flugelhorn is the highlight of the album. His style is warm, melodic, and deeply expressive, capturing both the technical precision and emotional depth that made him one of the most respected trumpeters in jazz. On tracks like ‘In a Sentimental Mood’ and ‘Mood Indigo,’ his flugelhorn playing is especially poignant, bringing out the softer, more reflective side of the music. The small group setting allows for tight interplay between the musicians, with each member contributing to the overall texture of the music. The rhythm section provides a solid foundation for the soloists, keeping the swing feel alive while allowing for plenty of space for improvisation.
The arrangements on Memories of Duke are faithful to Ellington’s originals while giving Terry and his band room to explore. The quintet retains the sophistication and complexity of Ellington’s compositions, but the small group format gives the music a more intimate, personal feel.

Memories of Duke is not just a tribute to Duke Ellington, but a celebration of his lasting impact on the world of jazz. By revisiting these timeless compositions, Clark Terry helps keep Ellington’s music alive for a new generation of listeners and musicians.

As one of the most respected trumpeters in jazz, Terry’s ability to pay homage to his former bandleader while still maintaining his own distinct voice is a testament to his musicianship. Memories of Duke reinforces Terry’s reputation as a master interpreter of jazz standards and a bridge between different eras of jazz.

The album also highlights how Ellington’s music, though composed decades earlier, remains relevant in a more modern jazz setting. The interpretations on Memories of Duke feel fresh, even as they honor the past, demonstrating the timelessness of Ellington’s work.

Memories of Duke by The Clark Terry Five is a masterful tribute to Duke Ellington, capturing the essence of his music through the lens of Clark Terry’s warm, expressive trumpet and flugelhorn playing. With a mix of swinging jazz standards, introspective ballads, and joyful improvisation, the album honors Ellington’s legacy while allowing Terry to showcase his own unique voice. Memories of Duke is not only a celebration of one of jazz’s greatest composers but also a reminder of Terry’s enduring impact as one of the genre’s finest trumpeters.

Fantasy Records

Song List
1. Passion Flower
2. Happy Go Lucky Local
3. Echoes Of Harlem
4. Sophisticated Lady
5. Things Ain’t What They Used To Be
6. I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart
7. Cotton Tail
8. Everything But You
9. Come Sunday