Anatomy of A Murder by Duke Ellington

25 Jun

Written by Lee Prosser
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One of the first great soundtracks composed entirely by a jazz composer, Anatomy Of A Murder (directed by Otto "Mr. Freeze" Preminger) stands as one of the highlights of The Duke's distinguished career. Some jazz-heads might turn their noses up at this - it is only a soundtrack for a Hollywood movie, after all - but it stands as some of the finest music Duke & Co. have done, and as one of the best soundtracks EVER. Be amazed at the choral-like beauty & tenderness of "Sunswept Sunday" (not to mention the incredibly expressive clarinet soloing).

Kick your heels to the jaunty, brash & brassy "Happy Anatomy" and imagine you're at the end of your proverbial rope, discussing Kafka with Mike Hammer or Phillip Marlowe at some dive on Sunset Blvd. Whereas the original album was a little over a half-hour in length, reissue producer/DJ Phil Schapp brings us over an hour of singles, out-takes & dialogue. Ellington fans, film geeks (guilty on both counts), big-band jazz-hounds - do yourselves a favor & get this. You'll live to thank me.

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Duke Ellington
CD Title: Anatomy of A Murder
Genre: Big Band / Swing
Year Released: 1999
Reissue Original Release: 1959
Record Label: Columbia Legacy
Musicians: Ellington, piano; Harry Carney, Ray Nance, Johnny Hodges, Clark Terry
Label Website: -
Rating: Five Stars