Jason Moran + NEC Jazz Orchestra: My Heart Sings - Ellington at 125
Jason Moran and the NEC Jazz Orchestra, directed by Ken Schaphorst, present a tribute to Duke Ellington in celebration of Ellington's 125th birthday.
Born Edward Kennedy Ellington 125 years ago this April, Ellington looms large as one of the most important composers, bandleaders, and pianists of the 20 th century. For over 50 years, Ellington’s bands pioneered their musical and cultural space, existing between and beyond social conceptions of a dance band, symphonic orchestra, entertainment, and experimentalism. He famously wrote not for the instruments of his ensemble but for the unique personalities of his band members – so much so, that it is impossible to separate the sound of his orchestra from the personalities for whom (Johnny Hodges, Cootie Williams, and Jimmy Blanton to name a few) and with (Billy Strayhorn) he wrote. From being nicknamed “Duke” by childhood friends for his elegant demeanor, his tenure at Harlem’s Cotton Club in the 1920’s, his residency at Carnegie Hall where he premiered an extended work each season, to his global tours and eventual status as a cultural icon, Ellington embodied Black sophistication in his life and music. His dedication, courage, and audacious music cast a shadow under which we are all fortunate to exist today.
- Program Notes by Kris Monson, DMA ’25
This is an in-person event with a private stream available to the NEC community here: https://necmusic.edu/live
- Jason Moran, Piano, Artist in Residence
Duke Ellington
Black and Tan Fantasy
Jason Moran, piano
Reflections in D
Xander D'Astolfo, piano
Sophisticated Lady
Hidemi Akaiwa, piano
Isfahan
Kazuki Tsubakida, piano
Prelude to a Kiss
Hyeabin Lee, piano
Satin Doll
Longfei Li, pianoDuke Ellington
My Heart Sings
Back Room Romp (A Contrapuntal Stomp)
TransbluencyArtists- Jillian Moore, voice
- Lenka Molcanyiova, alto saxophone
- Shota Renwick, tenor saxophone, clarinet
- Matt Wessner, baritone saxophone
- Woody Pierre, trumpet
- Aiden Coleman, trombone
- Jake Walters, piano
- Kristofer Monson, bass
- Victor Giraldez, drums
Duke Ellington
Braggin' in Brass
I Like the Sunrise
Aviana Gedler, voice
Jeep's Blues
NEC Jazz Orchestra
Ken Schaphorst, conductor
Winds
Zack Bacak, alto saxophone
Lenka Molcanyiova, alto saxophone
Logan From, tenor saxophone
Hunter McKay, tenor saxophone
Matt Wessner, baritone saxophone
TrumpetsRichard Stanmeyer
Woody Pierre
Koki Renwick
Sammy DaviesTrombones
Aiden Coleman
Cooper Malanowski
Yimin Ji
Weza Jamson-Neto, bass trombone
Rhythm
Longfei Li, piano
Peikun Liu, guitar
Nick Isherwood, bass
Dominic Vance, drums
Ensembles- NEC Jazz Orchestra