It's an interesting counterpoint to the version to the recording with Tricky Sam and Jimmy Blanton.
For years I wondered what this song was about, especially the shout chorus at the end, which on the Blanton/Tricky Sam version is absolutely astonishing. I read a couple of years ago that it was to be part of a larger composition and that Koko depicts a religious service. Tricky Sam's solo is supposed to be a priest summoning the faithful, My church was never like this..........
Agree with BRohlandt. This version is from the Bethlehem sessions, and is not a good version, by Ellington standards. However, those same sessions provided us with UMMG and Midriff - both Strayhorn tunes and incredible. Also one of my favorite versions of East St. Louis Toodle-oo.
It's an interesting counterpoint to the version to the recording with Tricky Sam and Jimmy Blanton.
For years I wondered what this song was about, especially the shout chorus at the end, which on the Blanton/Tricky Sam version is absolutely astonishing. I read a couple of years ago that it was to be part of a larger composition and that Koko depicts a religious service. Tricky Sam's solo is supposed to be a priest summoning the faithful, My church was never like this..........
Zarie56 11 months ago
Forgot to add - just the same - thanks for posting!
MrJohnpiano 1 year ago
Agree with BRohlandt. This version is from the Bethlehem sessions, and is not a good version, by Ellington standards. However, those same sessions provided us with UMMG and Midriff - both Strayhorn tunes and incredible. Also one of my favorite versions of East St. Louis Toodle-oo.
MrJohnpiano 1 year ago
Errr - no. Not the best - listen to the 1940 original with Tricky Sam and Jimmy Blanton! Now THAT is the best!!!
BRohlandt 1 year ago