Chico Freeman - Tales Of Ellington

Review by Emilio de la Garza

Album Review: Tales Of Ellington by Chico Freeman Alright, let’s talk about Tales Of Ellington by Chico Freeman. Released way back in 1969, this jazz gem is a mix of swing and post-bop vibes that feels like a warm hug for your ears. It’s got some serious soul, and if you’re into stuff that swings but also makes you think, this one’s for you. First off, the lineup on this record is stacked. You’ve got legends like Elvin Jones on drums (yep, that Elvin Jones) and Cecil McBee holding it down on bass. Chico Freeman himself jumps between tenor sax, soprano sax, bass clarinet, and alto clarinet like it ain’t no thing. And John Purcell? Dude plays baritone sax, alto sax, AND clarinet—what a showoff! But hey, when everyone brings their A-game, magic happens. Now, onto the tracks. There are two that really stuck with me: “To The Wisdom The Prize” and “Come Sunday.” Let me break ‘em down real quick. “To The Wisdom The Prize” kicks things off with this smooth groove that just pulls you in. George Cables’ piano work here is next-level—he lays down these chords that feel both simple and deep at the same time. Like, how does he do that? And then there’s Chico’s sax solo—it starts soft, almost whispering, but builds up to this fiery crescendo that gives me goosebumps every time. It’s the kind of track where you don’t even realize five minutes have passed because you’re too busy vibin’. Then there’s “Come Sunday,” which flips Duke Ellington’s classic tune into something completely fresh. This version has this gospel-y undertone thanks to Mark Thompson’s keys and Herbie Lewis’ basslines. It’s slow, it’s soulful, and honestly? It made me pause whatever I was doing and just listen. When Elvin Jones comes in with those subtle cymbal taps, man, it’s like church for your brain. No joke. One thing I gotta shout out is the art direction and design by Anthony Barboza. The cover looks sharp as hell, all clean lines and moody photography by James McCaffry. It fits the vibe of the album perfectly—classic yet modern. So yeah, Tales Of Ellington isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s raw, it’s emotional, and it reminds you why jazz will always be cool. Listening to this album feels like stepping into a smoky club somewhere in Germany or the US back in ’69, where the music just flows and nobody cares about anything else. And here’s the kicker—I didn’t expect an album inspired by Ellington to hit so hard emotionally. Like, sure, you know it’s gonna sound good, but this? This goes deeper. Maybe that’s why they called it Tales Of Ellington. Because it’s not just covers; it’s stories told through sound. Cool, right?

Download Chico Freeman - Tales Of Ellington

Artist: Chico Freeman
Album: Tales Of Ellington

Jazz

2015

Rating: 4.67

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Interesting fact
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Download

Filename: chico-freeman-tales-of-ellington.zip

MP3 size: 54 mb
FLAC size: 510 mb

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Tracks

Track	Duration	Preview
Lightning Bugs & Frogs	3:40
To The Wisdom The Prize	3:20
To Wisdom The Prize	3:20
Medley Sonnet Sophisticated Lady
In The Begining God	4:56
Sonnet - Sophisticated Lady	4:20
In The Beginning God	4:54
Dark Blue	5:55
Un Roi Noir (A Black King)	443
Medley: Sonnet	4:20
In A Sentimental Mood	9:45
Come Sunday	4:12

Video

Chico Freeman - In A Sentimental Mood

Images

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Catalog Numbers

BKH 537 CD
BKH 537-1 D

Labels

BlackHawk Records, Inc.
Blackhawk Records
Not On Label

Listen online

ouvir online
lytte på nettet
kuunnella verkossa
ascolta in linea
escuchar en línea
online luisteren
lyssna på nätet
écouter en ligne
online anhören

Formats

CD
Album
Vinyl
LP
Stereo
Special Edition
Unofficial Release

Credits

Role	Credit
Art Direction	Anthony Barboza
Design	Anthony Barboza
Baritone Saxophone	John Purcell
Alto Saxophone	John Purcell
Clarinet	John Purcell
Bass	Cecil McBee, Herbie Lewis
Drums	Eddie Moore, Elvin Jones
Photography	James McCaffry
Piano	George Cables, Mark Thompson
Producer	Chico Freeman, Herb Wong
Tenor Saxophone	Chico Freeman
Soprano Saxophone	Chico Freeman
Bass Clarinet	Chico Freeman
Alto Clarinet	Chico Freeman

Notes

(C) 1987 BlackHawk Records, Inc.,
(C) 1987 BlackHawk Records, Inc., a member of the Aspen Record Group.
Jacket and insert made and printed in Canada.

Barcodes

Barcode: 4003090053723
Barcode: 4003090053716
Barcode: 087698053716
Matrix / Runout: Side 1: BKH-537 A 47962 KKL A WAKEFIELD PRESSING SAC #1
Matrix / Runout: Side 2: BKH-537 B RE-1 47962 Rd A WAKEFIELD PRESSING

About Chico Freeman

American jazz tenor saxophonist. Born July 17, 1949, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Son of .

Real Name

Earl Lavon Freeman Jr

Name Vars

C. Freeman
Earl \
Freeman
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Interesting fact about Album

Here’s a cool fact: *Tales Of Ellington* by Chico Freeman is a jazz album that feels like a musical journey through time and style. Released in 1969, it blends swing and post-bop with tracks inspired by Duke Ellington's genius. What makes it stand out? The album features legendary drummer Elvin Jones, known for his explosive energy, and bassist Cecil McBee, who adds deep grooves to the mix. Interestingly, John Purcell plays three different saxophones and clarinet on the record, showcasing his versatility. It’s wild how one album can bring together so much talent from both Germany and the US!

Comments

janmike1996

2025-03-06

sublime version❤️excellent album❤️

davidparacurielactor

2025-03-06

"In A Sentimental Mood" is a marvelous composition and has been recorded numerous times by wonderful musicians. Chico Freeman does not fail to follow suit. With George Cables brilliant piano and Herbie Lewis wonderful bass work, Freeman binds it all together with his beautiful sax. This is one of those Ellington tunes that you put on at the end of the day and immerse yourself in and if it's Chico Freeman playing the tune you will find yourself floating among the stars. Love this selection for your upload 75...this is beyond perfect. ?