Koko- Duke Ellington

Koko- Duke Ellington

1. (Chicago, 1940, RCA Victor)

   • Recording Technology
     • 78 rpm- 3 minute recording time
     • RCA Ribbon Microphones- quality steadly improved to capture a more subtle sound
     • Multiple Microphones were used as technology advanced and could capture and balance a big band arrangement
     • Was just a recording of four parts but then increased to thirty +, each instrument could be recorded and edited individually

2. His Famous Orchestra Soloists

   • Trumpets: Wallace Jones, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart
   • Trombones: Juan Tizol, Joe Nanton
   • Piano: Duke Ellington
   • Double Bass: Jimmy Blanton

3. Duke Ellington Effect

   • Improvised solos but use od collective improv was impractical- notated parts
   • Large number of players meant range of sounds and textures- solo improve accompanies by contrasting sections and rythm section
   • Antiphonal effects
   • His compositions were influenced by the quality of band members
   • The band gave suggestions themselves so they band developed a style that was personal to them

4. Structure

   • Rough twelve Bar Blues
   • Intro - Seven Chorus'- Coda
   • 'X' motif heard throughout- three quavers and crotchet

5. Harmony and Tonality

   • Eb Minor- Unusual for a Blues piece
   • Aeolian mode through Dbs and Cbs
   • Avoidance of modualtion throughout
   • Long Eb Pedal notes- first in the baritone sax
   • Bluesy feel with clashing chords

6. Instrumental techniques

   • Growling 'ya-ya'- Plunger mute
   • Pixie Mute- fixed inside creates a buzz sound
   • Special blowing techniques made the impression of words being pronounced
   • Jungle style: Dark Baritone Sax against brighter trumpets and reeds, HOllow Tom Tom sound and bass drum adding to African colour