Valentino Orchestra "Daybreak Express": Just a memory 9143-2

Performing Arts & Entertainment in Canada, Autumn, 2001 by John Sutherland

On this recording, made in Montreal between January 1998 and May 1999, the Valentino Orchestra, a closely-knit collection of youthful and older musicians, pays tribute to "the spark that lit up the music of the 20th century -- Edward Kennedy 'Duke' Ellington". Inspiration is drawn from stock arrangements, once sold by publishers to local or professional dance bands of the period. Over 100 of Ellington's were published during his lifetime (many now rare), generally having little to do with his recorded versions, and allowing band arrangers a broad latitude for editorializing or rewriting scored parts.

Many of the 18 Ellington compositions are familiar pieces from 1927 to 1954, but some are seldom heard treasures: "Showboat Shuffle", "Sump'n 'bout Rhythm"; "Oh, Babe! Maybe Someday"; "Jig Walk", and "Gold Digger" (never officially recorded by Ellington). The music is exhilaratingly presented; detailed liner notes make excellent reading.