“Ellington Is Forever:” Kenny Burrell’s Enduring Homage to a Jazz Legend

Introduction:

Few musicians have had as profound an impact on jazz as Duke Ellington. His compositions, performances, and band leadership revolutionized the genre, influencing generations of musicians. Among his many admirers, guitarist Kenny Burrell stands out for his deep respect and personal connection to the Duke. In 1975, Burrell released “Ellington Is Forever,” a double album that stands as one of the most heartfelt tributes to Ellington’s legacy. The album, recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California, features a collection of Ellington’s most beloved compositions and showcases Burrell’s reverence for the Duke’s genius. Through an extraordinary lineup of musicians and an elegant performance style, “Ellington Is Forever” immortalizes both Ellington’s timeless music and Burrell’s personal connection to the jazz titan.

The Connection Between Burrell and Ellington:

Kenny Burrell’s admiration for Duke Ellington went beyond mere respect for a fellow musician. Ellington reportedly referred to Burrell as his favorite guitarist, a sentiment that highlights the special relationship between the two. This mutual respect is not just an anecdote of jazz history—it underpins the essence of “Ellington Is Forever.” Ellington’s compositions have always resonated with Burrell, not only for their musical brilliance but also for their versatility and adaptability across different instrumentations and settings.

Ellington himself once chose to omit the guitar entirely from one of his recordings when Burrell was unavailable, preferring to leave the space empty rather than fill it with another guitarist. This level of trust and admiration between the two speaks volumes about how Burrell approached “Ellington Is Forever.” His intent was not just to perform Ellington’s music, but to honor it with authenticity, grace, and deep personal connection.

The Album: A Celebration of Ellington’s Music:

Released in 1975, “Ellington Is Forever” was Burrell’s way of giving back to the music of Duke Ellington that had so profoundly shaped his own career. The album, which spans 12 tracks and runs over 70 minutes, explores the diversity and depth of Ellington’s compositions. The selection of tunes ranges from swing standards like “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” to the melancholic “Chelsea Bridge,” a classic penned by Ellington’s collaborator Billy Strayhorn. Burrell carefully curated the tracklist, including both well-known hits and more intimate pieces to showcase the breadth of Ellington’s legacy.

Burrell’s decision to produce the album himself allowed him complete creative control, ensuring that each arrangement was executed with the care and attention it deserved. In “Ellington Is Forever,” Burrell blends his subtle guitar work with the talents of jazz heavyweights like Joe Henderson, Thad Jones, Jimmy Smith, and Ernie Andrews. The result is an album that remains true to Ellington’s original vision while adding Burrell’s signature touch.

Track listing:

1. “Jump for Joy” (Duke Ellington, Sid Kuller, Paul Francis Webster) – 1:48
2. “Caravan” (Ellington, Irving Mills, Juan Tizol) – 8:38
3. “Chelsea Bridge” (Billy Strayhorn) – 4:37
4. “Mood Indigo” (Barney Bigard, Ellington, Mills) – 4:33
5. “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” (Ellington, Bob Russell) – 3:15
6. “C Jam Blues” (Bigard, Ellington) – 15:31
7. “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” (Ellington, Mills) – 9:34
8. “I Didn’t Know About You” (Ellington, Russell) – 5:11
9. “My Little Brown Book” (Strayhorn) – 3:28
10. “Blues Medley: Carnegie Blues/Rocks in My Bed/Jeep’s Blues/The Creole Love Call” (Ellington/Ellington/Ellington, Johnny Hodges/Ellington, Milt Jackson, Bubber Miley) – 10:26
11. “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear from Me” (Ellington, Russell) – 2:53
12. “Take the “A” Train” (Strayhorn) – 2:57

Reception and Legacy:

“Ellington Is Forever” was met with widespread critical acclaim upon its release. It earned a 4½ star rating from AllMusic, with the reviewer noting that the album is “an affectionate tribute, one born out of close association as well as great appreciation.” The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings also lists the album as part of the “core collection” for jazz fans, highlighting its significance not only as a tribute but as an essential work in Burrell’s discography. The critical consensus underscores the album’s role as a significant contribution to the legacy of Duke Ellington.

In 1993, the album was reissued on CD under the title “Ellington Is Forever Volume 1,” ensuring that new generations of jazz fans would have access to Burrell’s masterful tribute. A second volume, “Ellington Is Forever Volume 2,” was released shortly after the original, continuing the exploration of Ellington’s vast repertoire.

Kenny Burrell’s Role as a Custodian of Ellington’s Legacy:

“Ellington Is Forever” is more than just a tribute album—it is a personal statement from one of jazz’s most esteemed guitarists. Burrell’s interpretations of Ellington’s music demonstrate a deep understanding of the composer’s unique blend of swing, blues, and sophistication. Burrell’s decision to focus on Ellington’s compositions reflects his lifelong dedication to preserving the jazz tradition while also pushing the boundaries of the genre with his subtle yet innovative guitar work.

As both a performer and educator, Burrell has been a custodian of Ellington’s legacy, ensuring that the Duke’s music continues to inspire future generations. Through his work on “Ellington Is Forever,” Burrell solidified his place not only as a great guitarist but also as an ambassador for the music of one of America’s most important cultural figures.

Kenny Burrell’s “Ellington Is Forever” is a fitting tribute to Duke Ellington, one of jazz’s most influential composers. Burrell’s masterful interpretations, combined with an all-star ensemble of jazz musicians, create a lasting homage to Ellington’s music that is both respectful and innovative. Through this album, Burrell pays tribute not only to the genius of Duke Ellington but also to the enduring power of jazz as a medium for artistic expression.

References:

1. Swenson, J. (1985). Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide. Random House.
2. Cook, R. & Morton, B. (2008). The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings. Penguin Books.
3. “Ellington Is Forever” album cover art. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ellington_is_Forever.png