Rockin' in Rhythm - the music of Duke Ellington's Cotton Club Orchestra

Asheville, NC ·

Isis Restaurant and Music Hall 743 Haywood Rd
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 575-2737 · 7:30 pm

Buy Tickets · $15

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Bandleader and drummer, Russ Wilson presents:

Rockin’ in Rhythm – the music of Duke Ellington’s Cotton Club Orchestra

The Duke Ellington Orchestra opened as house band at The Cotton Club in 1927. The handsome young bandleader perfectly turned out in top hat and tails was about to make a name for himself at the hottest, classiest club in Harlem. Live radio broadcasts from the club fanned the flames of Ellington’s star power. Constantly faced with tight production deadlines, Duke Ellington wrote music fast and under great pressure. Even so, he developed a trademark style pleasing to his mobster bosses and dazzling the club’s upscale patrons. Ellington compositions written in the late 1920’s & early 1930’s and performed here by Russ Wilson And His Famous Orchestra, such as “Black and Tan Fantasy,” and “Creole Love Call,” remain exciting and compelling music today.

  1. Place du Swing Greg Ruby and Steve Rice 4:03
  2. Valse Volant Greg Ruby and Steve Rice 2:38
  3. Salut du Combo Greg Ruby and Steve Rice 3:46
  4. Where Does It Go From Here? Greg Ruby and Steve Rice 3:50
  5. Corner Café Greg Ruby and Steve Rice 3:28
  6. Mambo Tonight Greg Ruby and Steve Rice 4:11
  7. Twilight Blue Greg Ruby and Steve Rice 3:34
  8. Carte Blanche Greg Ruby and Steve Rice 2:40
  9. Rhythm and Rye Greg Ruby and Steve Rice 2:57
  10. Palo Verde Greg Ruby and Steve Rice 4:04
  11. January Rain Greg Ruby and Steve Rice 4:07
  12. Ballard Bridge Greg Ruby and Steve Rice 2:30
  13. The Cobblestone Street Greg Ruby and Steve Rice 2:36