Duke’s Sidemen – Cat Anderson

Here’s something that I have wanted to get out of my system for a while. After talking to another one of us music people (Music Enthusiast) who had just done an intensive 4 part take on Ray Charles (Check it out). The conversation led to Duke Ellington. It was prompted by a lead in Charles had used to open up his song ‘Sun’s Gonna Shine’. It reminded me of an Ellington tune where Rex Stewart blows his trumpet. One of those music things that has stuck with me for years.

So folks I’m pulling the trigger on this idea because it has so much coolness to it. Duke was blessed with some of the best talent that ever picked up an instrument. He wrote for specific musicians in his band and he shared the spotlight. They were leaders in their own right and some moved on from Ellington to form their own units but it was with Duke that they cut their teeth for the most part.

So I will be featuring a different Duke Ellington soloist periodically for the next while. Bear with me while I indulge. I know I will get lots of enjoyment out of it and I really do hope that you folks will too. It’s jazz but don’t let that scare you off. One of my reasons for doing it is to bring some extraordinary musicianship to you. Bracket the time and let the music move you. It never fails to do that for me. Enjoy some of my favorite listening. You might get hooked like I did. Listen to Ellington’s introduction. Take it away Duke.

First up is Cat Anderson on trumpet. An example of the kind of players Duke had in his great band. Good place to start. ‘Tippin and Whisperin’. Man does this swing. Anderson just nails this and the band supports him all the way. You can call it whatever you like but I’d say it is just some real good music played by one of the best bands ever. I Cant get enough of this stuff! Go Cat go.