The Cosmic Scene - Duke Ellington's Spacemen

Spacemen

The Cosmic Scene
Duke Ellington's Spacemen
Columbia CL 1198
1958

From the back cover: Choosing a small group out of the Ellington Orchestra is difficult only because there are at least a half dozen to choose from. This time Duke picked eight of his all-stars to join him in a swinging session of standard jazz tunes and, as always, a few new things he just happened to have with him. After the rhythm section, Same Woodyard, drums, Jimmy Wood, bass and Edward K. Ellington, piano, he chose what is known around the bandstand as the "pep section," the three trombonists John Sanders, Britt Woodman and Quentin "Butter" Jackson. And finally, as a trio of soloists all more or less matched in style and jazz conception, he included Jimmy Hamilton, clarinet, Paul Gonzales, tenor and Clark Terry, trumpet.

As for why these nine should be called "Spacemen," historians of jazz will have to make up their own reasons. Duke used the word as the first American satellite settled in orbit, and, perhaps with plans to supply the jazz on trips to the moon, he is merely being practical about the size of the band that will fit into a rocket ship. Himself excluded, of course. For, unless his travel habits change, Duke Ellington will go to the moon by train.

From Billboard - October 13, 1958: A swinging performance of standard jazz pieces and some new songs by Ellington and eight of his all-stars. Included are "Avalon," "Body And Soul," "Period," "St. Louis Blues," "Bass-ment," etc. Package will be relished by the artist's admires, for it really swings and contains creative arrangements. There are urban notes by Irving Townsend about the personnel and each of the tunes.

Avalon
Body And Soul
Bass-ment
Early Autumn
Jones
Perdido
St. Louis Blues
Spacemen
Midnight Sun
Take The "A" Train