West Coast Tour by Duke Ellington: A Big Band Blast from the Past
Alright, let’s talk about West Coast Tour by Duke Ellington. Released in 1982 (yeah, I know, it’s kinda weird to think of Duke still killin’ it that late), this jazz album is pure Big Band and Swing goodness. It’s got all the trademarks you’d expect from Ellington—big brass sounds, smooth sax lines, and those piano riffs that just feel like home. The record came out on Jazz Bird Records in the US and UK, so it had a pretty wide reach back then.
Now, here’s the thing: this isn’t one of those albums where every track hits different. But when it does hit, oh man, it really sticks with you. Let me break down two tracks that stood out for me.
First up, “Diminuendo In Blue/Crescendo In Blue.” If you’ve ever heard this live—or even if you haven’t—you’ll get why it’s unforgettable. It starts off slow, almost teasing you, like, “Hey, we’re just hangin’ out here.” Then BAM! That crescendo kicks in, and suddenly your feet are tapping whether you want them to or not. Louis Bellson on drums deserves props here; he doesn’t overdo it but keeps things tight enough to make the whole thing swing hard. And can we talk about Juan Tizol’s trombone work? Dude slides into notes like butter on toast. This track reminds me why Duke was such a legend—he knew how to build tension and release better than anyone.
Then there’s “Warm Valley,” which feels like a warm hug after a long day. This tune has this mellow vibe that lets Harry Carney’s baritone sax shine through. Honestly, it’s the kind of song you put on while sipping coffee at sunrise or maybe chilling on a porch somewhere. Norma Oldham’s vocals add this subtle sweetness too—it’s understated, but once you notice it, you can’t unhear it. Something about the way she sings makes it feel personal, like she’s singing just to you.
One random thing I gotta mention—the liner notes by Mitchell James are surprisingly chill. They don’t try too hard to sell you anything, just give some context without being boring. Props to John Salacain for the art direction too; the cover looks kinda vintage cool, fitting for an album like this.
So yeah, West Coast Tour isn’t perfect, and sure, some tracks blend together after a while. But honestly? That’s part of its charm. It feels real, raw, and unpolished in the best possible way. Like, these cats weren’t trying to reinvent jazz—they were just doing what they did best.
Here’s the kicker though—listening to this made me realize something kinda funny. For all the fancy solos and complex arrangements, my favorite moments are actually the quiet ones. Like, sometimes less really is more. Who woulda thought?
Anyway, if you’re into jazz and wanna hear Duke Ellington flexing his timeless magic, grab this album. Just don’t expect perfection—expect soul.
