Togo Brava Suite
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Ellington left behind an extensive archive of music recorded at his own initiative. Togo Brava Suite comes from several such sessions, recorded in 1971. It's a portrait of Duke near the end of his career, after the deaths of key collaborators Billy Strayhorn and Johnny Hodges (although band vets Cootie Williams, Paul Gonsalves, and Harry Carney remain). Its centerpiece is the first-issued seven-movement version of "Togo Brava Suite," recorded months before the truncated Blue Note version. Like Duke's other travel suites--this is a minor one--it's affectionate exotica that never patronizes, evoking West Africa without mimicking its music. Ellington's old virtues are intact, but on this 72-minute program, he also mirrors a changing world, romping two blues with soul organist Wild Bill Davis, and serving up the genial gospel-rock "There's a Place." One modern touch is sometimes distracting: Joe Benjamin's too-amplified bass. Ellingtonians will find much of interest, but newcomers should look elsewhere. --Kevin Whitehead
Togo Brava Suite,Duke Ellington,Storyville Records,Big Band,Classic Jazz,Jazz,Jazz Music,Orchestral Jazz,Pop,Progressive Big Band,Swing
Jazz Music:
Recommended Music:
Rock & Roll Stars On Stage [Live]
Best-Loved Handel (Box Set) [Box set]
Music: Make Mine Mambo [Import]