Duke Ellington and His Orchestra - The Conny Plank Session

It is fascinating to hear this "lost" recording of Duke Ellington, recently released from the archives and pressed on vinyl. The Duke leads his ensemble through three "takes" of two pieces, Alerado (an intense swing) and Africa (a more adventurous piece).

This session was recorded in 1970 at Rhenus Studio (Cologne) by Konrad "Conny" Plank, German producer / engineer known particularly for his inventive treatments and mixes. Behind many visionary productions (Kraftwerk, Cluster, Neu!, Guru Guru, Brian Eno, Ultravox...), Plank has developed a fluid, hovering and altered sound.

This Plank recording, however, is of a surprising clarity and vivacity. At the consoles of this mysterious session, he leaves all the room to Duke and his ensemble, giving us different perspectives of the music as perceived (first) by the musicians, aiming to capture the magic of this legendary orchestra.

Tracklist 

  -A /Alerado (Take 1)/Alerado (Take 2)/Alerado (Take 3)/
  -B /Afrique (Take 1)/Afrique (Take 2)/Afrique (Take 3 / Vocal Version)/