WE SPEAK DUKE
We Speak Duke
Soutport Records, 2003
Total Running Time: 73:32
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Players
| Linda Tate | vocals | |
| Gingi Lahera | vocals (5, 8, 13, 14) | |
| Patricia Mosley | vocals (5, 8, 13, 14) | |
| Joanie Pallatto | vocals (10) | |
| Bradley Williams | piano (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16), vocals (6), whistles (13) |
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| Dan DeLorenzo | bass (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16) | |
| Jim Widlowski | drums (All tracks except 6), shaker, bells, tabla (5), bongos (6), spoons, ratchet (13) |
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| Doug Scharf | trumpet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 13, 16), flugelhorn (7, 15) | |
| Audrey Morrison | trombone (1, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 15) | |
| Richie Fudoli | tenor saxophone (1, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16), soprano saxophone (2, 13), flute (5, 6, 9, 10, 14, 15), clarinet (11) |
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| Tim McNamara | soprano saxophone (1, 4, 8, 12), clarinet (5, 15), baritone saxophone (13) |
Liner Notes
Do we really need another album of Duke Ellington songs?
At this point, nearly thirty years after his death, even the most rabid devotees of Ellington’s music have to pose that question when each new tribute arrives. Actually, these true believers have more reason to ask than most, since they above all know the good, the bad, and even the ugly attempts to recast the master’s voice. It may be hard to believe, but even Ellington’s music can suffer when it encounters an inept johnny-come-lately: for proof, just think of how many bad lounge singers you’ve heard perform “Satin Doll.” (Or should that be “attacked”?)
So the question of whether we need another ducal homage is no idle query. More than that, it goes to the heart of Linda Tate’s predicament on this, her third album (and clearly her best). On one hand, Tate’s decision makes her job easier: her choice of material does the heavy lifting, since the Ellington Songbook all but ensures that the songs themselves will shine. But on the other hand, Tate’s focus on Ellingtonia raises the bar for her own performance. By entering an arena populated by heavyweights and geniuses – all of whom have brought their own talents to bear on Ellington’s legacy – she invites comparison with the storied giants of jazz past.
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