Rent Party Blues

The economy stinks, people are losing their homes - but the bankers are doing just swell. Eighty years later and it smells like a Depression to me. It's a wonder that we don't have rent parties again. I seem to have neglected much of my Duke Ellington collection for some reason, I know not why. I hope this entry rectifies this oversight somewhat. This is another fine set by the good folks at Classics, and since there's little that I could say about Duke Ellington that others haven't said, here's something from Allmusic.com about this particular set. "Despite the rise of the Depression, Duke Ellington's orchestra was able to continue a hectic recording schedule, cutting the 23 selections on this CD (which are all master takes) within a four-and-a-half-month schedule. Some of the numbers are remakes or pop songs of the era (though those are usually excellent) and there are vocals by Irving Mills, Frank Marvin, and Dick Robertson that are not up to the level of Ellington's instrumentalists, but there are also such gems along the way as "When You're Smiling" (featuring Freddy Jenkins' trumpet), "Maori," "Sweet Jazz of Mine," "Jungle Nights in Harlem," and particularly "Shout 'Em Aunt Tillie." Scans are included. Now shout 'em, Aunt Tillie, let's throw a rent party. Enjoy. +

Tracks

01. When You're Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You)
02. Rent Party Blues
03. Jungle Blues
04. Sing, You Sinners
05. St. James Infirmary
06. When You're Smiling
07. Maori (A Samoan Dance)
08. Admiration
09. The Mooche
10. Ragamuffin Romeo
11. East St. Louis Toodle-Oo
12. Double Check Stomp
13. My Gal Is Good For Nothing But Love
14. I Was Made To Love You
15. Double Check Stomp
16. Accordion Joe
17. Cotton Club Stomp
18. Sweet Dreams Of Love
19. Jungle Nights In Harlem
20. Sweet Jazz O' Mine
21. Shout 'Em, Aunt Tillie
22. Sweet Mama
23. Hot And Bothered