I was there. by myself, 18 years old. I sat in the middle of right field. When Paul Gonsalves was blowing the crowd was jumping, literally. All I could hear was Gonsalves and the crowd. I could not hear Duke Ellington or the drummer. It was like that until the whole band started the Crescendo. The whole crowd was excited. At the end of the Crescendo a nervous George Wein came out but Duke shut him up. The band played another hour, ending with Skin Deep. It was my most treasured memory.
Chistopher thank you! It will be amazing if you write the hole experience!!! Do you remember if a girl with a dress get up in the middle of the solo and start to dance??
My mother and father attended. I was eight years old and they had sent me off to sleepaway camp so they could have some time together after my father had been called to fly the Berlin Airlift in 1948 and tactical air support in Korea. My father had just made Major and he and his wife drove to Newport from Westover AFB in his 1954 coral blue and cream white Cadillac Coupe de Ville. I wish they had taken me. I listened to the record many times when my father was still alive, and after. I purchased the stereo version released on CD not too long ago. Amazing moment in music.
Probably the most important fifteen minutes in the entire history of jazz. . Absolutely impeccable writing and arranging, amazing interval solo of 27 choruses by Paul Gonsalves, unbelievable section work, incredible trumpet outride by Cat Anderson. Sixty years ago and still wails like a mother. Major influence in my music life ... and on and on.and on. Man, if this don't get to you, lay down, Fool, you're dead.
+Hanshi Stephen Kaufman By far the most incredible recorded sound ever. I can remember the exact moment I first heard this like it was yesterday. My father then recounted the story of the woman (Elaine Anderson) getting up and dancing as the crowd collectively lost its mind. He knew this because he saw it happen! (He went to all the early NJF stuff with his cousin Peter) We got home, he showed me the record and I haven't stopped listening to this song ever since. It never gets old and I have never heard anything that can touch it, regardless of genre. I sometimes fantasize about a making a movie about this concert. To me this recording is a unique and magical moment that makes me emotional and fills me with awe. I lack the words to adequately describe this song. You said it best in your last sentence.
+Jim Feroce THE POWER OF JAZZ MY FRIEND. WOULD LOVE TO SEE VIDEO OF THIS PERFORMANCE. ANYONE OUT THERE KNOW WHERE VIDEO FOR THIS PERFORMANCE IS AVAILABLE?
+Jim Feroce My sentiments exactly! A few years after this recording, my Dad had bought a radio station and had the privilege of actually conducting a one-on-one live interview with the Duke! Having grown up with jazz from his childhood in the 20's (listening on a home-made crystal set), it was one of the highlights in his life. Cheers!
+Jim Feroce Did you catch Ellington telling the crowd at the end ... "Hold it down a little ... we gotta a lot more!"? He was trying to calm the crowd down because he was concerned the police at the concert would consider it the beginning of a riot and shut the concert down (all because of that lady stirring up the crowd)!
To me, this is the perfect track to introduce someone to jazz, especially to those who may think of jazz as boring and pretentious. This performance swings harder and more gloriously than anybody has ever swung before or since.
The problem is, this is what Jazz was when it was America's popular music. Unfortunately, it's not what Jazz is now. What Jazz is now has a limited appeal for the masses, especially the youth, who want music to party to, not music to listen to.
+mrstep2me This is music to party to. Today's jazz, OTOH, is usually what sounds like several guys all playing a different song. As one jazz performer said, 'I don't like playing in a band, because it's too hard; you have to follow and perfect someone else's song; I like to let it all hang out and play what I want to play'. And that pretty much says it all; no one wants to play someone else's idea of music. They all think they're friggin geniuses. And today's jazz fans are mostly music snobs, who look down on us who don't like bebop and fusion because we 'don't get it'. There's time for solo performances, and there's time to follow the music. And it seemed that from about 1950 on, most just want to jam to their own song; no one wants to be 'just' part of a great band.
Jazz is now over a hundred years old. There have been an untold number of fantastic moments in that time. But, this one is a moment where the audience was tired, the players probably, too. And, yet, Gonsalves get them all cranked up. It proves that, at that level, in that band, they're ALL geniuses. Jazz fans back then, who grew up with it, could recognize a "moment" not to be missed. I hope some of my Daler Dance Band classmates were there to witness this.
Damn Right.......I'm a drummer......Woodyard kept perfect time during this performance with Jo Jones pounding a rolled up newspaper on the floor Off Stage!!!!
You think the band has come to the end, as loud and brash as they are -- and then they get louder and brasher, and do so again. Then Cat Anderson plays his solo . . .
It was stated later that after Paul Gonsalves performance on D&CIB...Ellington would see him asleep on the bandstand with tenor in hand.....and would never reprimand him for it! That's what true loyalty is about. Ellington could never let Paul go no matter what he did..because in essence...his performance at the 1956 NJF reinvigorated and saved Ellington's career to such a point, that after that...Gonsalves would always have a job in his band.
Duke and his band was on that night. I still remember the first time I heard this. I was in Seattle and went to a record store that unfortunately I can't remember. It was in 1998 and they had a huge jazz selection and the guy behind the counter said I would like this. He was correct and I bought the CD out of his hand before this song was done.
I agree. For me, the whole Crescendo part to me -- when the "big band" comes back in to say what's what -- is one of the greatest recorded moments I've ever heard.
This is indeed one of the most inspiring stories in all of American music. A man that had practically helped shape the face of Jazz music, down and out - broke. All in one inspiring moment, he summoned his troops - it was the right energy, the right time - union of musician and crowd to create a moment of absolute greatness. A month later - Duke was on the cover of Time magazine. RIP Clark Terry who was in this trumpet section.
clskmstg And Duke and the band knew they were giving a life changing performance that's why he made Paul Gonzalves blow those solo choruses over and over and over.
I heard Duke say in an interview : "Someday there won't be jazz music or classical music or folk music. There'll just be music" . Defining moment in my musical quest !
I was a 10 year old at the time and remember it quite well. My father a jazz trumpet player bought the album right away and we danced together to it every Friday night recreating those historic moments. He told us it was great music, it was our music, our gift to the world. I have always felt quite wealthy despite all the social, economic misconstructs of that time. Duke Ellington Orchestra Lives!
Phenomenal. The more you hear it the better it gets.Timeless. Paul was THE BEST Greatest performance EVER. i was there at the Jazz Festival but never realized that history was being made. Sometimes you take things for granted and I did. Duke was a genius,Maestro. Paul was an amazing gifted musician, one of a kind. The woman, Elaine Zeitz Anderson, NEVER, NEVER removed her blouse.
Isabelle Livramento What a time to be alive! This was, and still is, my favorite jazz piece. This along with the "The Atomic Basie" album. My Dad owned a Radio Station in the 60's and interviewed The Duke when he came through town. I grew up listening to all the jazz greats but never got the chance like you did to go to a live concert except Harry James in the late 60's. By then, jazz was losing it's popularity except among the WW2 generation.
Back then blouses were usually not removed at music festivals. But her reaction to the music apparently stirred the flames in the crowd. History, to be sure.
Mike Quasniac that's why I want it played at my funeral, so I can wake up and climb out of that coffin and start dancing with some blonde in a hot dress!
I played the sax in high school jazz band, and later picked up the piano and drums. And boy, was the piano heavy. Even in my best days, my solos couldn't come close to the amazing feat Gonzalves pulled off. And when I listen to this, whether in the car or at the computer, I get a little Sam Woodyard in me, and if I played on this song, I'd probably wear myself out during Cat Anderson's solo. I cannot sit still during D&C In Blue!
I belonged to the Columbia Record Club, collected Jazz records and received this when I was about 16, fell in Love with Ellington. One of the greatest albums ever. Sounds as good if not better 54 years later.
The CD is even better. It has the *entire* concert on it, and the parts of Gonzalves' solo that are hard to hear, it all comes in loud and clear on the CD. How, pray tell? Well, the Voice of America also taped the entire concert, and the CD uses their tapes along with Columbia's!
I remember one time I was listening to this while smoking a cigar. I was so caught up in this performance that I burned that cigar down to the nub before its time....
In 2000, Columbia reissued the entire concert, including the Voice Of America aircheck that includes a clear version of Paul Gonzalves' awesome solo. This TH-cam video is NOT the reissue. I urge you to find the CD and get it.
Forever after this when anyone asked Duke Ellington when was he was born he would answer "I was born on the 9th of July 1956." Duke Ellington was the greatest ever was.
The energy for this started when a lady got up and started dancing. Duke fed off this energy and it energized his band and the audience. Promoter were worried that there might be a riot because the crowd was going wild (you can hear it!).
A great exemple of a saxophone solo without any technical tricks and flips - he doesn`t even hit the altissimo register once! Just melodicaly endless continuing, harmonicaly quite sophisticated and rhythmicaly far beyound Rock`n`Roll - what cats like him have been able to do in that days.
As a budding jazz pianist in 6th grade, I wrote a report on Duke Ellington’s life for a class project and that was when I first heard about this legendary solo. That was in 2008 but this solo still mystifies me. Great moment in history
This is one of the most exhilarating moments in the history of jazz. Duke's career was languishing to some degree. But in this long-form piece, tenorist Paul Gonsalves takes off in an unexpectedly passionate and long solo that drives the audience into an aesthetic frenzy. Duke's career was reborn and Gonsalves was finally given his due. It is a jazz epiphany.
WOW!!!! this tune is still azz kicking, i grew up in the 50's, my dad was in the swing era and i had no choice but to listen and now who in heavens name cant relate to this master piece, thanks dad, love you man.....rip
A masterpiece. No other word for it. The Duke outdid himself. . The musical imagination is without equal. I love the Duke's intro and fills. Love his piano playing.
INSPIRATIONAL...like going to church...a spiritual experience ..thank goodness for U Tube ...we can hear it anytime we want! Love the saxophonist Paul Gonsalves.....just the tonal changes that made this unique!,,,,I love to hear the audience go nuts.....it never ceases to amaze me! Duke...you will always be my idol!
I was 14 or 15 when I bought this Record and fell it Love with it and Duke Ellington. Sixty years later it still sounds as good as it did the first time I heard it.
Just one of the greatest performances in the history of recorded music. Not just Gonsalves, not just Ellington and Woode and Woodyard, the whole band. They went from failure to victory in 15 minutes.
You go Paul! Blow that horn! You can feel Ellington, Gonsalaves swing the Band ! Oh how I wish that I could have been born to see this live at Newport RI ! My Mom , God rest her had this album! Jazz lives !
R-r-r-right! Cecil, my camp counselor, Camp Kitchawonk (Croton Point, New York) brought two records with him for the summer -- "Victory at Sea" and "Ellington at Newport".....Still enjoying them both 60 years later!
I do NOT dance swing or Lindy Hop. But as long and intense as this song is, I can see you wearing yourself out by the time Cat Anderson plays his solo.
I fell in Love with Ellington the very first time I played this a very long time ago, I got this record back in 1956 from the Columbia Jazz Record Club, I was 14 and fell in Love with Ellington and Jazz.
As everyone else has already pointed out, better than I can, this just cooks like nothing else I’ve ever heard. To bring that much talent, aggression and passion to a piece that musically complex and melodic just results in magic - it never gets old. Some things stay gold.
I see Will Smith as Duke and Taylor Swift as the lady dancing. Csnt fogure out who could play Paul Gonsalves. I spoke to the guy wrote "Backstory in Blue" about making a movie about this event. He had a brief role in the first "Star Wars" movie. Cool cat! Maybe. Eastwood or Scorsese could direct it.
There's no way anyone with a pulse can sit still thru this song. Brings back so many memories listening to this with my dad in the early 1960s. No better jazz song out there.
Mastery on display,genius on exhibit,tight but free. Paul BLOWS HIS FACE OUT!!! What sax POWER. I play but never had the power and stamina to attempt 27 choruses. Duke was and is ROYALTY, in my opinion.
Anybody who hasn't heard this recording is really missing out. Even on my cheap computer speakers, it sounds terrific. When I blast it out on my stereo--well, you can just imagine (I have the original Columbia recording, incidentally). When I get to heaven, I want this to be playing when Saint Peter opens the gate! Man, this really swings...
My mom had this and played in the late 60's. I fell in love with it. U can't sit still when it's playing. Absolutely awesome talent that we were lucky to have the opportunity to enjoy. I still do. I'm amazed every time I hear. Thank you Duke Ellington and every member of the band.
My first Jazz album cost me $1! Yes! $1.00 I was 12-13 and it was ~1955 and was an Em-Arcy record on a rack outside a local soda shop in Farmingdale, NY. The recording had 2 tunes, one on each side ("Our Love is Here to Stay" and Ferguson's own "Air Conditioning ", and was named "Jam Session" featuring Maynard Ferguson. I still have it. It's not vinyl but something firmer, I think. I didn't hear this until about 5 years ago.
A hip cat turned me on to this cd several years ago and seriously, I played this cut everyday (at least once) for years! I can't get enough. I can imagine myself there in the day dancing with the tune and get goosebumps!!! He'll live on forever in my mind . . . . .
As a young drummer back in the 70s this was what my teacher used as an example of "swing." He said it was "the swingingest tune ever." He was right. But now I realize this is so much more than swing. Listen to the melodies…they are ENDLESS. One after another after another. It is a masterpiece, and the greatest live jazz recording ever.
Bebop and rock were putting jazz bands into their grave...but the Duke kept his together, putting his own money into saving it...and his efforts paid off with this performance. From Cozy Cole clapping behind Duke's solo intro, to the entire band getting into this old repertoire standard, to the amazing Golsalves solo, the incredible swing, this performance is unforgettable...and of course, the audience knew it was hearing history made...yes, you never tire of hearing this cut by Duke's band!
Matthew Shank - The word "explodes" is truly the most appropriate word to describe this band performance. The first time I heard, I was exhausted afterwards. That number single-handedly saved Duke's career. It is one of the most astonishing 15 minutes of recorded music ever.
One of the most important live performances in Jazz History: It features the first extended mega-solo in live performance, by tenor-player Paul Gonsalves (an arguable analog to this Newport performance would be Ten Years After's performance of "I'm Goin' Home," featuring guitarist Alvin Lee, at Woodstock, 13 years later). Solos aside, the arrangement itself illustrates why Ellington is considered, by anyone who understands the meaning of the term, one of the greatest American Composers of all time. (Speaking as a player: 27 choruses of the Blues, without repetition of ideas, is worthy of... ...if not Deification... ...SAINTHOOD.)
I'm one bloody frenchman 69 yo tday and i recover my early youth when i ear that beat locomotive again and again en transe dad cas duke's fan in 56 i was 8 and still Can des mam and Jim dancing in this large 18th century living room of ours. Tears. Deric boutin
I saw Ten Years After at Madison Square Garden in 1973, a year after I discovered Ellington's Newport album. I may not have thought about your analogy then, but certainly see it now.
I listened to this in my early 20s when I had just come to the US and had never listened to jazz before. I was converted, never went back to rock. Ellington was a true master. Like someone said here, it just gets better every time you listen to it!
After being introduced to this song several years ago, I played it every day (at least once) for over a year! I still love it!! If your toes ain't tappin', your heart ain't beatin'!!
Happy Birthday, Duke!!! No matter how many times I hear it, it's always like the first time. I was probably 7 years old when I first heard this when it was brand new. Rest in power, sir. You are royalty!!!
I hear ya!! I was brought up listening to this in the early 1960s. Jazz at its finest. There's no way anyone can sit still during this song. The beat is fantastic!!
Duke Ellington is my favorite Jazz musician! I was only 2 years old when this event occurred. I wish I was born early enough to have been at this festival!
"I always like to kick off the evening playing this, it really warms up the room!", DJ Lucky LaRue. I'll never forget sharing this great piece with you Lucky in downtown Las Vegas. Rest in absolute peace my friend.
There is no way to listen to this & not keep the beat on something!! The epitomy of the Big Band sound. I love the way the trumpets & trombones "talk' to the saxophones & clarinets. Brilliant!!
What a wonderful speed, a groove, set up by the Duke, always a wonderful, often an overlooked or under-rated pianist and accompanist. So, regardless of the more academic wankery about quality and magnificence and importance, this Gonsalves solo got something going which had never been done before and never since unless you can push for your favourite. This is still the best, ultimate, special, rock solid groove of all time. And, Duke, Sam, Paul, bas, sections, the amazing counterpoints of the crescendo, the input, the drive, the part played by everyone in that great orchestra, aroused, inspired, pushed, driven. It is WOW, just another WOW, after all these years. Carneys baritone sax, the brass figures, the feeling, the teamwork, the amazing togetherness of a whole team of cultured, natural wonders in the great art of Jazz, so loose, tight, swinging, structured, amazing.
Yes indeed!... My Dad turned me onto this recording when I was a kid and this remains the number one album on my list!.... I CANNOT get enough of these tunes either!... The Duke is legend!... The MJ of music, or rather MJ would be the Duke Ellington of BB!!
Sat with my father Terry Chapman who was in the band playing on the ships whilst Paul etc with the Duke Elliiot band were on the Far East tour in 1964…!
Amazing. Stupefying. Incredible. Some angel whispered in Gonsalves's ear, and the man took off for the stratosphere! Thank heavens it was recorded, or nobody who wasn't there would have believed it. The performance of a lifetime. DAMN. That said, give a listen to Jeep's Blues, too. That day, Duke and the band demonstrated that they had nothing to prove to anyone. Ever!!
What I like best about this piece is its symbolism as a comeback performance for Duke Ellington, plus the often-told story of the blond in the audience whose spirited stand-up dancing inspired the musicians to add extra "booms" in the music to instigate more abandoned moves on her part.Whenever I've had a bad day I put this on and think, things can never be that bad (boom, boom).
THE GREATEST !!! Brings back some incredible memories , this was allways the Climax of our "Teufs-Jazz" (Jazz Partys) at my freind Mambo´s Place !(Paris-Suburb) and though we Always had a mix of Punks , Rockabillys,Graffiti Artists,Rappers and all other kinds of wild youths we knew or could round-up ! And this Masterpiece Always blew the roof away and we managed without casualties everytime which was not easy to do with that mix of people in those Days ! Because EVERYBODY GROOVED though none of them used to listen to Jazz ! Memories for ever thanks to the incomperable Genius of THE DUKE !
I love how the song choice was so fitting to this narrative. Ellington's slowing popularity (Diminuendo) is rejuvenated by Paul's Gonsalves' solo, leading to his newly found Crescendo.
An incredibly intricate and beautiful piece of music. This song is incredible hard to play but one feels the soul of Duke and his Orchestra and all of it's raw power. I love this song.
There is an unsung hero, Jo Jones, played the drums in such synchronized manner, the beat went almost perfect, and such beat gave Paul Gonsalves the depth that was needed to make his performance so liked over time and around the world!! Jo Jones was as good as Paul, performance the people still talks about it 61 years after, sounds so good like it was yesterday!!!
++Roberto Jose Duarte Solis Ellington's drummer was Sam Woodyard, and it is he who was playing. Jo Jones, who was Basie's drummer, wasna playing in the band although he was apparently there.
@@gynack Yes...Jo Jones was at stage level with a rolled up newspaper....slapping it on the stage in the interlude between the opening portion of the piece and Gonsalves solo. You can hear him with the rhythm section on the recording!
@@jamesperry2322 I hear it. Thon must have been an absolutely fabulous experience. Interesting picturing, Jo Jones kind of jamming with the Duke's band..
From the 1999 CD liner notes by Phil Schaap: "There was also some post-release distress. The Duke Ellington Orchestra, punished after their most successful performance by most unusual post-production, was uniformly galled when the album came out with its claim that Jo Jones was the unsung hero of their triumph. Producer George Avakian had spotted Jones keeping time with a newspaper during "Diminuendo In Blue" and "Crescendo In Blue." The Basie drummer did not, of course, perform with them. Jo, nevertheless, had his picture on the album *while the Duke Ellington Orchestra personnel was not even listed.* Harry Carney and Johnny Hodges never publicly commented, but Cat Anderson, Willie Cook, Paul Gonzalves, Jimmy Hamilton, Butter Jackson, Ray Nance, Russell Procope, Clark Terry, Jimmy Woode, Britt Woodman, and Sam Woodyard have: Jo Jones was not the hero of 'Ellington At Newport'."
I was there. by myself, 18 years old. I sat in the middle of right field. When Paul Gonsalves was blowing the crowd was jumping, literally. All I could hear was Gonsalves and the crowd. I could not hear Duke Ellington or the drummer. It was like that until the whole band started the Crescendo. The whole crowd was excited. At the end of the Crescendo a nervous George Wein came out but Duke shut him up. The band played another hour, ending with Skin Deep. It was my most treasured memory.
Amazing. Seems we are all in the concert.
nice
Chistopher thank you! It will be amazing if you write the hole experience!!! Do you remember if a girl with a dress get up in the middle of the solo and start to dance??
@Jay Looney I love your spirit!
My mother and father attended. I was eight years old and they had sent me off to sleepaway camp so they could have some time together after my father had been called to fly the Berlin Airlift in 1948 and tactical air support in Korea. My father had just made Major and he and his wife drove to Newport from Westover AFB in his 1954 coral blue and cream white Cadillac Coupe de Ville. I wish they had taken me. I listened to the record many times when my father was still alive, and after. I purchased the stereo version released on CD not too long ago. Amazing moment in music.
Probably the most important fifteen minutes in the entire history of jazz. . Absolutely impeccable writing and arranging, amazing interval solo of 27 choruses by Paul Gonsalves, unbelievable section work, incredible trumpet outride by Cat Anderson. Sixty years ago and still wails like a mother. Major influence in my music life ... and on and on.and on.
Man, if this don't get to you, lay down, Fool, you're dead.
+Hanshi Stephen Kaufman
By far the most incredible recorded sound ever. I can remember the exact moment I first heard this like it was yesterday. My father then recounted the story of the woman (Elaine Anderson) getting up and dancing as the crowd collectively lost its mind. He knew this because he saw it happen! (He went to all the early NJF stuff with his cousin Peter) We got home, he showed me the record and I haven't stopped listening to this song ever since. It never gets old and I have never heard anything that can touch it, regardless of genre. I sometimes fantasize about a making a movie about this concert. To me this recording is a unique and magical moment that makes me emotional and fills me with awe. I lack the words to adequately describe this song.
You said it best in your last sentence.
+Jim Feroce THE POWER OF JAZZ MY FRIEND. WOULD LOVE TO SEE VIDEO OF THIS PERFORMANCE. ANYONE OUT THERE KNOW WHERE VIDEO FOR THIS PERFORMANCE IS AVAILABLE?
+Jim Feroce My sentiments exactly! A few years after this recording, my Dad had bought a radio station and had the privilege of actually conducting a one-on-one live interview with the Duke! Having grown up with jazz from his childhood in the 20's (listening on a home-made crystal set), it was one of the highlights in his life. Cheers!
+Jim Feroce Did you catch Ellington telling the crowd at the end ... "Hold it down a little ... we gotta a lot more!"? He was trying to calm the crowd down because he was concerned the police at the concert would consider it the beginning of a riot and shut the concert down (all because of that lady stirring up the crowd)!
+Prayergate I believe the Duke tried to calm the crowd down after this with 'Jeep's Blues', which features Johnny Hodges at his beautiful best
To me, this is the perfect track to introduce someone to jazz, especially to those who may think of jazz as boring and pretentious. This performance swings harder and more gloriously than anybody has ever swung before or since.
You may be right
The problem is, this is what Jazz was when it was America's popular music. Unfortunately, it's not what Jazz is now. What Jazz is now has a limited appeal for the masses, especially the youth, who want music to party to, not music to listen to.
+mrstep2me This is music to party to. Today's jazz, OTOH, is usually what sounds like several guys all playing a different song. As one jazz performer said, 'I don't like playing in a band, because it's too hard; you have to follow and perfect someone else's song; I like to let it all hang out and play what I want to play'. And that pretty much says it all; no one wants to play someone else's idea of music. They all think they're friggin geniuses. And today's jazz fans are mostly music snobs, who look down on us who don't like bebop and fusion because we 'don't get it'. There's time for solo performances, and there's time to follow the music. And it seemed that from about 1950 on, most just want to jam to their own song; no one wants to be 'just' part of a great band.
You are right.Charged.
Jazz is now over a hundred years old. There have been an untold number of fantastic moments in that time. But, this one is a moment where the audience was tired, the players probably, too. And, yet, Gonsalves get them all cranked up. It proves that, at that level, in that band, they're ALL geniuses. Jazz fans back then, who grew up with it, could recognize a "moment" not to be missed. I hope some of my Daler Dance Band classmates were there to witness this.
If this don't turn you on, you ain't got a switch
absolutely damn right!!!
If this don't make you dance...get in the box, 'cuz you're dead. LOL!
This made me laugh, I get it, but Nintendo just revealed the Switch and the suggestions from the music in the trailer eventually lead me here haha
Indeed
Bravo.x
Let's not forget the role of drummer Sam Woodyard!!!! He puts the fuel in this rocket ship!
True, Sam was great !
No kidding. Who was the bassist?
Damn Right.......I'm a drummer......Woodyard kept perfect time during this performance with Jo Jones pounding a rolled up newspaper on the floor Off Stage!!!!
The drummer is almost always forgotten. As a drummer I know the feeling of feel and this is THE feelingist!
Thought it was sonny greer all this time
What knocks me out the most is the ensemble playing in Crescendo. Never heard a band so tight before or since.
You think the band has come to the end, as loud and brash as they are -- and then they get louder and brasher, and do so again. Then Cat Anderson plays his solo . . .
Paul Gonsalves: the man who helped save Duke Ellington's career. What a solo.
It was stated later that after Paul Gonsalves performance on D&CIB...Ellington would see him asleep on the bandstand with tenor in hand.....and would never reprimand him for it! That's what true loyalty is about. Ellington could never let Paul go no matter what he did..because in essence...his performance at the 1956 NJF reinvigorated and saved Ellington's career to such a point, that after that...Gonsalves would always have a job in his band.
Duke and his band was on that night. I still remember the first time I heard this. I was in Seattle and went to a record store that unfortunately I can't remember. It was in 1998 and they had a huge jazz selection and the guy behind the counter said I would like this. He was correct and I bought the CD out of his hand before this song was done.
Most of the attention goes to the solo, which is admirable, but the entire orchestra could not be tighter and more on point. A masterful performance.
I agree. For me, the whole Crescendo part to me -- when the "big band" comes back in to say what's what -- is one of the greatest recorded moments I've ever heard.
Instantly bought the record. And a Hi-Fi.
Best thing I’ve ever heard, bar NONE.
This is one of the greatest jazz recordings in it's history! If you can't feel this...your not among the living! Timeless!
Yes indeed
On that day Paul was the greatest saxophonist in the world. Mic drop.
15 years young and loving this, I've listened to it about 15-30 times in the last couple days. Man how I wish I was there...
This is indeed one of the most inspiring stories in all of American music. A man that had practically helped shape the face of Jazz music, down and out - broke. All in one inspiring moment, he summoned his troops - it was the right energy, the right time - union of musician and crowd to create a moment of absolute greatness. A month later - Duke was on the cover of Time magazine.
RIP Clark Terry who was in this trumpet section.
clskmstg And Duke and the band knew they were giving a life changing performance that's why he made Paul Gonzalves blow those solo choruses over and over and over.
I heard Duke say in an interview : "Someday there won't be jazz music or classical music or folk music. There'll just be music" . Defining moment in my musical quest !
I was a 10 year old at the time and remember it quite well. My father a jazz trumpet player bought the album right away and we danced together to it every Friday night recreating those historic moments. He told us it was great music, it was our music, our gift to the world. I have always felt quite wealthy despite all the social, economic misconstructs of that time. Duke Ellington Orchestra Lives!
I could hear the music from my bedroom window in Chapel Terrace @ Newport, Rhode Island
sixty summers ago.!!
Wow! That's a piece of history you were there for.
I had all these era's albums (well, many) as a teenage girl. Had no idea what I had a hold of. Now 6-7 decades later I am enthralled by it all.
Фе
You were a very lucky man. I firmly believe that Ellington Live at Newport is one of the peaks of human culture.
@@wbaranful
Those my thoughts exactly.
The name of the blonde dancing during this number was Elaine Anderson. You can Google her pics.
Phenomenal. The more you hear it the better it gets.Timeless. Paul was THE BEST Greatest performance EVER. i was there at the Jazz Festival but never realized that history was being made. Sometimes you take things for granted and I did. Duke was a genius,Maestro. Paul was an amazing gifted musician, one of a kind. The woman, Elaine Zeitz Anderson, NEVER, NEVER removed her blouse.
+Isabelle Livramento Wow! What a memory! Were you a teenager or an adult at the time?
I was 24 years old and my first introduction to the Newport Jazz Festival.
Isabelle Livramento What a time to be alive! This was, and still is, my favorite jazz piece. This along with the "The Atomic Basie" album. My Dad owned a Radio Station in the 60's and interviewed The Duke when he came through town. I grew up listening to all the jazz greats but never got the chance like you did to go to a live concert except Harry James in the late 60's. By then, jazz was losing it's popularity except among the WW2 generation.
Back then blouses were usually not removed at music festivals. But her reaction to the music apparently stirred the flames in the crowd. History, to be sure.
Women removed their blouses back then??? Someone please explain - I must be naive.
My first time listening to this. I was totally hooked. The energy in this recording is enough to give anyone goosebumps.
If you can sit completely still through this song (especially Paul Gonsalves' solo), your heart has stopped & you must be dead.
Mike Quasniac that's why I want it played at my funeral, so I can wake up and climb out of that coffin and start dancing with some blonde in a hot dress!
@@Grandtrunk ok boomer
@@AmruthNiranjan99 come onnnnnnn. Save the ok boomer for when it makes sense
I played the sax in high school jazz band, and later picked up the piano and drums. And boy, was the piano heavy. Even in my best days, my solos couldn't come close to the amazing feat Gonzalves pulled off. And when I listen to this, whether in the car or at the computer, I get a little Sam Woodyard in me, and if I played on this song, I'd probably wear myself out during Cat Anderson's solo. I cannot sit still during D&C In Blue!
I belonged to the Columbia Record Club, collected Jazz records and received this when I was about 16, fell in Love with Ellington. One of the greatest albums ever. Sounds as good if not better 54 years later.
The CD is even better. It has the *entire* concert on it, and the parts of Gonzalves' solo that are hard to hear, it all comes in loud and clear on the CD. How, pray tell? Well, the Voice of America also taped the entire concert, and the CD uses their tapes along with Columbia's!
Being a tenor sax player myself, Gonsalves has become the biggest influence on the sound and style that I have.
I remember one time I was listening to this while smoking a cigar. I was so caught up in this performance that I burned that cigar down to the nub before its time....
The toes and fingers can't stop popping on this tune
Jamala Wallace You got that right :)
Jamala Wallace it is my butt that can't stop bouncing. Ha ha!
Haven't heard this for 50 years. HOLY SH!T ! ! ! listened to it hundreds of times back then. can recall every note. truly a great moment
In 2000, Columbia reissued the entire concert, including the Voice Of America aircheck that includes a clear version of Paul Gonzalves' awesome solo. This TH-cam video is NOT the reissue. I urge you to find the CD and get it.
Forever after this when anyone asked Duke Ellington when was he was born he would answer "I was born on the 9th of July 1956." Duke Ellington was the greatest ever was.
Yeah! And, it was probably around 2 am when he was born!
The energy for this started when a lady got up and started dancing. Duke fed off this energy and it energized his band and the audience. Promoter were worried that there might be a riot because the crowd was going wild (you can hear it!).
A great exemple of a saxophone solo without any technical tricks and flips - he doesn`t even hit the altissimo register once! Just melodicaly endless continuing, harmonicaly quite sophisticated and rhythmicaly far beyound Rock`n`Roll - what cats like him have been able to do in that days.
As a budding jazz pianist in 6th grade, I wrote a report on Duke Ellington’s life for a class project and that was when I first heard about this legendary solo. That was in 2008 but this solo still mystifies me. Great moment in history
This is one of the most exhilarating moments in the history of jazz. Duke's career was languishing to some degree. But in this long-form piece, tenorist Paul Gonsalves takes off in an unexpectedly passionate and long solo that drives the audience into an aesthetic frenzy. Duke's career was reborn and Gonsalves was finally given his due. It is a jazz epiphany.
Just about the greatest live performance EVER recorded.
so cool to hear how dialed in both the audience and the band are
WOW!!!! this tune is still azz kicking, i grew up in the 50's, my dad was in the swing era and i had no choice but to listen and now who in heavens name cant relate to this master piece, thanks dad, love you man.....rip
This one Is The One that Will make You Shout Man😉
A masterpiece. No other word for it. The Duke outdid himself. . The musical imagination is without equal. I love the Duke's intro and fills. Love his piano playing.
INSPIRATIONAL...like going to church...a spiritual experience ..thank goodness for U Tube ...we can hear it anytime we want! Love the saxophonist Paul Gonsalves.....just the tonal changes that made this unique!,,,,I love to hear the audience go nuts.....it never ceases to amaze me! Duke...you will always be my idol!
It's so perfect I cry towards the end. Tears of joy. Sheer bliss.
The crowd's insane cheering is a major element of that interval...and Gonsalves plays them like a total Master.
I was 14 or 15 when I bought this Record and fell it Love with it and Duke Ellington. Sixty years later it still sounds as good as it did the first time I heard it.
Just one of the greatest performances in the history of recorded music. Not just Gonsalves, not just Ellington and Woode and Woodyard, the whole band. They went from failure to victory in 15 minutes.
The did indeed Alex wonderful solo
One of the GREAT jazz performances of ALL TIME.
You go Paul!
Blow that horn!
You can feel Ellington, Gonsalaves swing the Band ! Oh how I wish that I could have been born to see this live at Newport RI !
My Mom , God rest her had this album! Jazz lives !
Over the past forty years, every time I listen to this track I AM the girl in the black dress, so moved by the music that I can't HELP but dance!
One of the most epic live big band performances of all time.
The first Jazz album I ever bought. Still playing it after 45 years.
R-r-r-right! Cecil, my camp counselor, Camp Kitchawonk (Croton Point, New York) brought two records with him for the summer -- "Victory at Sea" and "Ellington at Newport".....Still enjoying them both 60 years later!
Yes, I still have it and play it every Sunday.
One of THE greatest solos of all time. Gonsalves absolutely KILLED it.
One of my MOST FAVORITE recordings. I have to, just have to dance. It makes me so happy!
I do NOT dance swing or Lindy Hop. But as long and intense as this song is, I can see you wearing yourself out by the time Cat Anderson plays his solo.
This has to be the BEST jazz recording ……..EVER!
Yes, it IS !!!
+Ronald Tipton Also one of the best rock'n'roll sax solos of all time.
I fell in Love with Ellington the very first time I played this a very long time ago, I got this record back in 1956 from the Columbia Jazz Record Club, I was 14 and fell in Love with Ellington and Jazz.
As everyone else has already pointed out, better than I can, this just cooks like nothing else I’ve ever heard. To bring that much talent, aggression and passion to a piece that musically complex and melodic just results in magic - it never gets old. Some things stay gold.
The definitive , the ultimate forever and forever and then some more !!
I wish they recorded film footage of this event.
I see Will Smith as Duke and Taylor Swift as the lady dancing. Csnt fogure out who could play Paul Gonsalves. I spoke to the guy wrote "Backstory in Blue" about making a movie about this event. He had a brief role in the first "Star Wars" movie. Cool cat! Maybe. Eastwood or Scorsese could direct it.
@@michaelscott7462 When I saw the pic of Gonsalves the first actor to pop into my head was Tony Shalhoub. Not sure if he'd be right now, though.
@@terrellholmes2726 Good call! I could see Will Smith as Duke and Taylor Swift as the lady who danced with abandon.
@@michaelscott7462 Michael, that would be one hell of a party!
There's no way anyone with a pulse can sit still thru this song. Brings back so many memories listening to this with my dad in the early 1960s.
No better jazz song out there.
Mastery on display,genius on exhibit,tight but free. Paul BLOWS HIS FACE OUT!!! What sax POWER. I play but never had the power and stamina to attempt 27 choruses. Duke was and is ROYALTY, in my opinion.
Anybody who hasn't heard this recording is really missing out. Even on my cheap computer speakers, it sounds terrific. When I blast it out on my stereo--well, you can just imagine (I have the original Columbia recording, incidentally). When I get to heaven, I want this to be playing when Saint Peter opens the gate! Man, this really swings...
This is the first jazz recording I was addicted to. This is what jazz is all about.
My mom had this and played in the late 60's. I fell in love with it. U can't sit still when it's playing. Absolutely awesome talent that we were lucky to have the opportunity to enjoy. I still do. I'm amazed every time I hear. Thank you Duke Ellington and every member of the band.
My first Jazz album cost me $1! Yes! $1.00 I was 12-13 and it was ~1955 and was an Em-Arcy record on a rack outside a local soda shop in Farmingdale, NY. The recording had 2 tunes, one on each side ("Our Love is Here to Stay" and Ferguson's own "Air Conditioning ", and was named "Jam Session" featuring Maynard Ferguson. I still have it. It's not vinyl but something firmer, I think. I didn't hear this until about 5 years ago.
The rhythm section flies high here. What a groove!!!!
A hip cat turned me on to this cd several years ago and seriously, I played this cut everyday (at least once) for years! I can't get enough. I can imagine myself there in the day dancing with the tune and get goosebumps!!! He'll live on forever in my mind . . . . .
As a young drummer back in the 70s this was what my teacher used as an example of "swing." He said it was "the swingingest tune ever." He was right. But now I realize this is so much more than swing. Listen to the melodies…they are ENDLESS. One after another after another. It is a masterpiece, and the greatest live jazz recording ever.
I was there when 7 years old. I was so near to Duke i remember he get emotional playing and the ring of his hand flew over the crowd
Wow! A witness to history. I would love to hear of any other memories you recall.
Bebop and rock were putting jazz bands into their grave...but the Duke kept his together, putting his own money into saving it...and his efforts paid off with this performance. From Cozy Cole clapping behind Duke's solo intro, to the entire band getting into this old repertoire standard, to the amazing Golsalves solo, the incredible swing, this performance is unforgettable...and of course, the audience knew it was hearing history made...yes, you never tire of hearing this cut by Duke's band!
I get goose bumps every time I listen to this, especially the last 4 minutes.
Everybody talks about Gonsalves, and rightfully so. But man, the rest of the band just explodes at the end!! Wow.
Matthew Shank - The word "explodes" is truly the most appropriate word to describe this band performance. The first time I heard, I was exhausted afterwards. That number single-handedly saved Duke's career. It is one of the most astonishing 15 minutes of recorded music ever.
One of the most important live performances in Jazz History:
It features the first extended mega-solo in live performance, by tenor-player Paul Gonsalves (an arguable analog to this Newport performance would be Ten Years After's performance of "I'm Goin' Home," featuring guitarist Alvin Lee, at Woodstock, 13 years later).
Solos aside, the arrangement itself illustrates why Ellington is considered, by anyone who understands the meaning of the term, one of the greatest American Composers of all time.
(Speaking as a player:
27 choruses of the Blues, without repetition of ideas, is worthy of...
...if not Deification...
...SAINTHOOD.)
Fabulous observation!
I'm one bloody frenchman 69 yo tday and i recover my early youth when i ear that beat locomotive again and again en transe dad cas duke's fan in 56 i was 8 and still Can des mam and Jim dancing in this large 18th century living room of ours. Tears. Deric boutin
A hearty Happy Birthday young man! Someplace I read that life, in its most distillated form consist of thought , form, and motion. Keep at it.
I saw Ten Years After at Madison Square Garden in 1973, a year after I discovered Ellington's Newport album. I may not have thought about your analogy then, but certainly see it now.
Maybe the greatest in human history. One could make that argument. No one can tell his race is inferior. Not when you know a few things like this.
I listened to this in my early 20s when I had just come to the US and had never listened to jazz before. I was converted, never went back to rock. Ellington was a true master. Like someone said here, it just gets better every time you listen to it!
North Texas Sate University. Fall, 1977. Leon Breeden played this recording for our Jazz Appreciation Class. Wow!!!!!
Decades later and this piece is still rife with magic and energy.
This is as rock and roll as it gets. Shame there are so few views!
Perfect musical moment captured forever
After being introduced to this song several years ago, I played it every day (at least once) for over a year! I still love it!! If your toes ain't tappin', your heart ain't beatin'!!
beboppinnow amen
@@jimpiquette1375 b
Happy Birthday, Duke!!! No matter how many times I hear it, it's always like the first time. I was probably 7 years old when I first heard this when it was brand new. Rest in power, sir. You are royalty!!!
OMG Paul Gonsalves killed it! Absolutly phenomic!
I almost wore this album out. One of my all-time favorites. The Duke made the cover of Time magazine after this performance.
Grand merci à toi Paul. Je suis sur que là ou tu es depuis 1954 tu as fait apprécier le jazz à tous les habitants
Pardon 1974!!
What a musicians ensemble!!! What a leader!!!! What a soloist!!! Jazz at its best.....The time flew but the memories live on.
One of the most electrifying performances ever, jazz, classical, pop, whatever.
I hear ya!! I was brought up listening to this in the early 1960s. Jazz at its finest. There's no way anyone can sit still during this song. The beat is fantastic!!
Duke Ellington is my favorite Jazz musician! I was only 2 years old when this event occurred. I wish I was born early enough to have been at this festival!
"I always like to kick off the evening playing this, it really warms up the room!", DJ Lucky LaRue.
I'll never forget sharing this great piece with you Lucky in downtown Las Vegas. Rest in absolute peace my friend.
There is no way to listen to this & not keep the beat on something!! The epitomy of the Big Band sound. I love the way the trumpets & trombones "talk' to the saxophones & clarinets. Brilliant!!
Of course they got up and danced!! how could you not? Not sitting there on a fine day on the grass surrounded with fellow music lovers. Rejoice!
Absolutely an epic performance. Sends a little shiver down my spine every single time I listen to it.
So Thankful to have been there as a 12 year old.@ 73 STILL ROCKS ME:) :) :) XXXOOO
Coolest thing is 1 or 2 you tubers were at this show and can bring us there... I’ve met famous people on here and they’re happy to talk
What a wonderful speed, a groove, set up by the Duke, always a wonderful, often an overlooked or under-rated pianist and accompanist. So, regardless of the more academic wankery about quality and magnificence and importance, this Gonsalves solo got something going which had never been done before and never since unless you can push for your favourite. This is still the best, ultimate, special, rock solid groove of all time. And, Duke, Sam, Paul, bas, sections, the amazing counterpoints of the crescendo, the input, the drive, the part played by everyone in that great orchestra, aroused, inspired, pushed, driven. It is WOW, just another WOW, after all these years. Carneys baritone sax, the brass figures, the feeling, the teamwork, the amazing togetherness of a whole team of cultured, natural wonders in the great art of Jazz, so loose, tight, swinging, structured, amazing.
PURE GOLD!!!!!!!!!!
Yes indeed!... My Dad turned me onto this recording when I was a kid and this remains the number one album on my list!.... I CANNOT get enough of these tunes either!... The Duke is legend!... The MJ of music, or rather MJ would be the Duke Ellington of BB!!
Sat with my father Terry Chapman who was in the band playing on the ships whilst Paul etc with the Duke Elliiot band were on the Far East tour in 1964…!
Amazing. Stupefying. Incredible. Some angel whispered in Gonsalves's ear, and the man took off for the stratosphere! Thank heavens it was recorded, or nobody who wasn't there would have believed it. The performance of a lifetime. DAMN.
That said, give a listen to Jeep's Blues, too. That day, Duke and the band demonstrated that they had nothing to prove to anyone. Ever!!
What I like best about this piece is its symbolism as a comeback performance for Duke Ellington, plus the often-told story of the blond in the audience whose spirited stand-up dancing inspired the musicians to add extra "booms" in the music to instigate more abandoned moves on her part.Whenever I've had a bad day I put this on and think, things can never be that bad (boom, boom).
THE GREATEST !!! Brings back some incredible memories , this was allways the Climax of our "Teufs-Jazz" (Jazz Partys) at my freind Mambo´s Place !(Paris-Suburb) and though we Always had a mix of Punks , Rockabillys,Graffiti Artists,Rappers and all other kinds of wild youths we knew or could round-up ! And this Masterpiece Always blew the roof away and we managed without casualties everytime which was not easy to do with that mix of people in those Days ! Because EVERYBODY GROOVED though none of them used to listen to Jazz ! Memories for ever thanks to the incomperable Genius of THE DUKE !
I love how the song choice was so fitting to this narrative. Ellington's slowing popularity (Diminuendo) is rejuvenated by Paul's Gonsalves' solo, leading to his newly found Crescendo.
This music fucking knocks me out!
Every time I listen to this it just keeps getting better!
Aaaahhhh christ, greatest thing for a hangover
An incredibly intricate and beautiful piece of music. This song is incredible hard to play but one feels the soul of Duke and his Orchestra and all of it's raw power. I love this song.
Just found a copy of this at Goodwill and now I’m PUMPED after hearing this!!!
I really like the drums in this song.
Doesn't get ANY BETTER THEN THIS IN THE JAZZ WORLD....
There is an unsung hero, Jo Jones, played the drums in such synchronized manner, the beat went almost perfect, and such beat gave Paul Gonsalves the depth that was needed to make his performance so liked over time and around the world!! Jo Jones was as good as Paul, performance the people still talks about it 61 years after, sounds so good like it was yesterday!!!
++Roberto Jose Duarte Solis
Ellington's drummer was Sam Woodyard, and it is he who was playing. Jo Jones, who was Basie's drummer, wasna playing in the band although he was apparently there.
@@gynack Yes...Jo Jones was at stage level with a rolled up newspaper....slapping it on the stage in the interlude between the opening portion of the piece and Gonsalves solo. You can hear him with the rhythm section on the recording!
@@jamesperry2322
I hear it. Thon must have been an absolutely fabulous experience. Interesting picturing, Jo Jones kind of jamming with the Duke's band..
From the 1999 CD liner notes by Phil Schaap: "There was also some post-release distress. The Duke Ellington Orchestra, punished after their most successful performance by most unusual post-production, was uniformly galled when the album came out with its claim that Jo Jones was the unsung hero of their triumph. Producer George Avakian had spotted Jones keeping time with a newspaper during "Diminuendo In Blue" and "Crescendo In Blue." The Basie drummer did not, of course, perform with them. Jo, nevertheless, had his picture on the album *while the Duke Ellington Orchestra personnel was not even listed.* Harry Carney and Johnny Hodges never publicly commented, but Cat Anderson, Willie Cook, Paul Gonzalves, Jimmy Hamilton, Butter Jackson, Ray Nance, Russell Procope, Clark Terry, Jimmy Woode, Britt Woodman, and Sam Woodyard have: Jo Jones was not the hero of 'Ellington At Newport'."