Thank you, Mr Wolf, for posting this gem from our father's career. This is important footage. Much respect to the memory and legacy of Elvin Ray Jones.
OMG! The great Elvin Jones is your Father? He was the greatest drum set player of all time. I’m proud to be from Michigan, largely because of Elvin & his brothers of course. Trane’s music would not have been the same without Elvin. Much respect & good thoughts to you & your family!
Awesome! I had the great blessing to witness your father on the skins twice in Vancouver, BC at an old church converted to a performance venue where the drums were not even mic'ed and it sounded so amazing!
Dear Elvin Nathan Jones, I met your Dad when he was performing at "The Lighthouse" in Hermosa Beach, around 1980, as he led his great jazz combo. What an honor to meet him! He was kind and soft-spoken, a true gentleman. I love and am inspired by all his amazing drum work.
My father was a jazz drummer and Elvin Jones was his hero. About twenty five years ago, he had the opportunity to hear the great Elvin Jones give a masterclass in Montreal at the Salle Gesu concert hall and actually played with him. My father told me that besides marrying my mom and my birth, that day was happiest day of his life.
There is only one Elvin. He played differently than anyone. He played inside out--like all of the music emanated from him--and in perpetual motion. He was a sight to be seen live. And hit really hard. Wow.
I saw Elvin several times in my life. He is not only one of the most important artists on Earth, but also such a nice guy. I remember him in Marseilles with the Jazz Machine, chatting around with the audience after a gigg which was beyond everything i've heard in terms of musical feelings. Just taking pictures with people, small talks about Provence, giving his sticks to kids, smiling and spreading his brightness all around. I felt and still feel so lucky to be there
I was the Chicago Kid getting Elvin's Signature Drumsticks from His Trap Case, next to His Kool Cigarette Packs. Meet ya' at the Banks of that beautiful river, my Man! Bless up...
Elvin was 10-15 years ahead of everyone else on that stage. Right on to him for playing from his heart and not just what they wanted to hear. My Elvin story: It was around 1993. My girlfriend and I were visiting the city of Toronto. It's about 10pm or so, and we're walking the streets on a Friday night. Out of the black of the night, I hear the sweetest-sounding band playing. We follow my ears until we get to this club (or "house" is more like it), and it's packed to the gills, overflowing onto the street. I asked a guy who was straining to see inside, "who's playing, friend?" He replied, IT'S ELVIN, MAN! But I can't see shit" " I said, "Elvin JONES!?" He nodded his head with a beaming smile. So we just stood outside for about 1/2 hour until the set was over, listening to some of the best jazz you've ever heard. They were deep and hoppin' man!!
if you are interested, here's Elvin's version how it came about: Context: Elvin to Whitney Balliett in 1968. (The second drummer Elvin refers to is Skeets Marsh): "I joined him in Frankfurt, and my stay with him lasted just a week and a half, through Nuremberg and Paris and Italy and Switzerland. I was new. It was difficult for the band to adapt to my style and I had to do everything in a big hurry, trying to adapt to them. Then the bass player started playing games with me by lowering and raising tempos to make it look like I was unsteady, and finally I had to speak to him and he stopped. Hodges and Cat Anderson and Gonsalves and Mercer Ellington knew what was going on, but Duke didn't. And I guess I didn't connect with the anchormen, because they complained about my playing to Duke. I don't know whether Cootie who kept giving me the fisheye, wanted me to call him Mr. Williams and shine his shoes or what. Also, Duke had a second drummer in the band and he was an egomaniac. So Duke and I talked at Orly Aiport and I told him to send a telegram to Sam Woodyard and tell him to get himself over there, because he knew the whole book." [excerpt]
Wow. Yeah, you can really get the sense from this footage that the two drummers were not vibing together. Elvin looks a little pissed at the end that the other drummer cut him off mid solo. I don't think he was really hearing what Elvin was playing.
Well, it looks and sounds like an experiment that did not really work together - two totally different worlds of Jazz on one stage. Elvin Jones was one of the greatest drummers in history but looked unhappy in this band...
@@CharlieWeller you can see how in the 2nd round, the other drummer finishes his solo by hitting Elvin's cymbal (his left over the tom). Seemed a little aggressive about it too.
As great as Duke and Elvin and all of those guys were, you can tell this would not work long-term. Big band is way too corporate for Elvin, and Duke had to make a living. Elvin was an impressionist artist and would be bored. Sam Woodyard was Duke's best drummer, and the best drummer for that band. But still amazing to see this anyway.
Elvin is the man. He came up with a new innovative way of playing that many tried to copy, and still do. I saw him once at a club called the Minor Key in Detroit Michigan, I was just 17 years old then. He was playing with Coltrane and it was a night that I’ll never forget. He was really something to watch and listen to, one of the great drummers of all time.
A giant on the Bandstand ..Huge Groove..Finese with appropiate Thunder on occasion!!Very inspiring everytime i heard him..No one swung like Elvin!!Check out the outstanding "Chasin The Trane "recording on Impulse!!Thats what i am talking about !!Also "The Promise"!!And The Great Larry Young recordings with Woody Shaw!!And Grant Green!!Dont forget "East Broadway Rundown"with Sonny Rollins and of course "A Love Supreme "!Met Elvin through his friend George Brown..Changed my life in many ways!!
Spearheaded by Big Sid Catlett, the first jazz drummer to switch from traditional to modern, noted during sessions he played with Dizzy Gillespie on Salt Peanuts, Hot House (1945) and other recordings.
Elvin was the most beautiful drummer to watch, not mentioning to listen to. I met him backstage in Gothenburg (Nefertiti jazzclub) in 1984. The sweetest person as well! 🙏🏻
I love watching drummers from this time. It seems to me that certain ones like Mr. Jones are Innovating a change in style of playing from the marching band style, heavy snare rudiments, to a more comprehensive approach using tom’s and the bass drum for fills and solos. It’s one thing for modern day drummers to copy Mr. Jones but for him to create something that was never done before is true innovation and genius I hope that these pioneers are never forgotten on future generations
'I joined him in Frankfurt, and my stay with him lasted just a week and a half, through Nuremberg and Paris and Italy and Switzerland. I was new. It was difficult for the band to adapt to my style and I had to do everything in a big hurry, trying to adapt to them. Then the bass player started playing games with me by lowering and raising tempos to make it look like I was unsteady, and finally I had to speak to him and he stopped. Hodges and Cat Anderson and Gonsalves and Mercer Ellington knew what was going on, but Duke didn't. And I guess I didn't connect with the anchormen, because they complained about my playing to Duke. I don't know whether Cootie who kept giving me the fisheye, wanted me to call him Mr. Williams and shine his shoes or what. Also, Duke had a second drummer in the band and he was an egomaniac. So Duke and I talked at Orly Airport and I told him to send a telegram to Sam Woodyard and tell him to get himself over there, because he knew the whole book. I saw Duke later, after he'd found out what had been going on, and everything was fine -- no sweat. He told me I could come back with the band any time I wanted. He's such a great man. Given more time under different circumstances -- being left alone and all -- it might have been a beautiful thing for me.' Elvin Jones
Nearly 100yrs since the duke and his bands delighted the world with their infectious music. They blessed us with the joyfull swing they shared, as we danced through the night in hope of a better future. To the Duke, and all the swing era Musicans. Thanks for the beautifull music. From ireland Peace.
I was a kid in a Buckeyestani south suburb around 1960 listening to a shortwave radio when I came across the Voice of America Jazz Hour with Willis Conover. The theme/intro to the radio program was "Take the 'A' Train." To this day -- 60 years and some later -- every time I hear that tune, I am taken back to my parents' house, to my little room, to that old Hallicrafters radio, to the reason I was a radioman in the US Navy, and the past 50-odd years of the hoarded electronics that surround me today. What a memory. What a beautiful piece of music. Thanks for parking this for me to hear today.
My pops told me a story where when he was a kid in NYC he would go see a movie and the for the intermission Count Basie orchestra came out and played then after that the second part of the feature....man, now that's worth the price of admission!! Lol
From an interview with Elvin done by Whitney Balliett. "I joined him in Frankfurt, and my stay with him lasted just a week and a half, through Nuremberg and Paris and Italy and Switzerland. I was new. It was difficult for the band to adapt to my style and I had to do everything in a big hurry, trying to adapt to them. Then the bass player started playing games with me by lowering and raising tempos to make it look like I was unsteady, and finally I had to speak to him and he stopped. Hodges and Cat Anderson and Gonsalves and Mercer Ellington knew what was going on, but Duke didn't. And I guess I didn't connect with the anchormen, because they complained about my playing to Duke. I don't know whether Cootie who kept giving me the fisheye, wanted me to call him Mr. Williams and shine his shoes or what. Also, Duke had a second drummer in the band and he was an egomaniac. So Duke and I talked at Orly Aiport and I told him to send a telegram to Sam Woodyard and tell him to get himself over there, because he knew the whole book. I saw Duke later, after he'd found out what had been going on, and everything was fine -- no sweat. He told me I could come back with the band any time I wanted. He's such a great man. Given more time under different circumstances -- being left alone and all -- it might have been a beautiful thing for me."
That's what I thought, too: there was quite a tension up there on the bandstand. I know an "egomaniac" when I see one; and that other drummer was one, for sure.
Outstanding post, Mr. Wolf. I think I died and went to heaven; Elvin Jones playing with Ellington! Wow! Ellington’s piano intro was amazing. When he quotes “Beginning to See the Light” and then goes right into the signature piano intro was genius. Strayhorn and Ellington! So amazing!
Skeets Marsh was excellent Master big bad drummer. You can see that Elvin Jones was not comfortable in big band era playing Style otherwise he wouldn't have missed his entrance solo cue from Skeets.
@@navyflyer7465 that`s crazy! Duke knew what he wanted and he wanted Elvin. Elvin changed the history of jazz with his style. The other drummer played a really "inside" style and the way I see it was Elvin wanted to wipe the slate clean and not play such an old style beat (which is what Duke knew Elvin for from the Coltrane meets Ellington album) ...I think Elvin wanted some silence to differentiate his solo from the previous solo. Space, breathing instead of just jumping on the top of the bar ...after all , Elvin created a style that extended the bars and beats and played over them ...whether you like that or not is fine.ELVIN did not miss his entrance. Only an amatuer would lose his place and he was a master.
It is wonderful that we have these videos from our friends in Europe. At the same time it is a pity that the videos from Europe greatly outnumber those from within out own country.
Is some of this perhaps due to our (the United States') intellectual property regime, which has been ever more corrupted and is now at the extreme and, imnsho, the absurd end of the drive for the enclosure of what used to be common to all? I am genuinely wondering, although I am obviously also taking the opportunity to preach a little too. B-)
@@CSCoolidge Possibly. But, more simply, the Europeans just appreciated jazz, and the great American artists creating it, a lot more than Americans did. The Europeans held it in the same regard as their great classical artists from past centuries. Hence why you see these great American musicians appearing in the most prestigious European concert halls.
Elvin is ELVIN and there's no doubt about it and about his contribuition in drums history and evolution, but I am also deeply impressed by mr. Marsch performance!!! Great display of taste, language and technique in a a perfect blend! Yeah!!!
@@henrybrowne7248 Don’t know where in the world you live but if you’re in the UK or have a VPN, look up the Billy Strayhorn episodes on Composer of the Week on BBC Sounds. Quite an ear opener!
@@henrybrowne7248 He was Duke's Alter Ego and contributed more than most of the people know to the repertoire, staying in the shadow, maybe due to his being gay, which was punishable at that time. Ellington and his Orchestra would never have been the same without him. Listen to "And his Mother Called him Bill", Duke's tribute to his great companion. Concerning Duke's skills as a pianist, you should listen to "Money Jungle", a trio session featuring Mingus and Roach. To me, it was an eye opener, because my interest in jazz had started with Hard Bop and Modal Jazz years before. And don't miss his 1956-58 Small Group Recordings, and his encounters with Coleman Hawkins and John Coltrane.
"I joined [Duke Ellington] in Frankfurt, and my stay with him lasted just a week and a half, through Nuremberg and Paris and Italy and Switzerland. I was new. It was difficult for the band to adapt to my style and I had to do everything in a big hurry, trying to adapt to them. Then the bass player started playing games with me by lowering and raising tempos to make it look like I was unsteady, and finally I had to speak to him and he stopped. Johnny Hodges and Cat Anderson and Paul Gonsalves and Mercer Ellington knew what was going on, but Duke didn't. And I guess I didn't connect with the anchormen, because they complained about my playing to Duke. I don't know whether Cootie who kept giving me the fisheye, wanted me to call him Mr. Williams and shine his shoes or what. Also, Duke had a second drummer in the band and he was an egomaniac. So Duke and I talked at Orly Aiport and I told him to send a telegram to Sam Woodyard and tell him to get himself over there, because he knew the whole book. I saw Duke later, after he'd found out what had been going on, and everything was fine -- no sweat. He told me I could come back with the band any time I wanted. He's such a great man. Given more time under different circumstances -- being left alone and all -- it might have been a beautiful thing for me." - Elvin Jones, 1968
Wow imagine if there were a couple of years and 10 recordings where Elvin Jones was the drummer for this band. Ellington was surely adventurous enough to have worked with it. Missed opportunity.
The 'drum battle' is very recognizable. Duke Ellington's drummer is visibly afraid of Elvin. But Elvin doesn't fit into this band. We all have our talents, but that does not mean that we are welcome everywhere.
Skeets Marsh was a Master big band drummer. Big band music was not the era style of Elvin Jones or he would have known what to do. In Black Culture there are musicians unsung like Skeets Marsh who are better then the more noted celebrities. Elvin Jones has nothing to be ashamed of because big band music is not the era style of his playing.
@@navyflyer7465 There’s no doubt that Elvin could play the music of Duke Ellington and in the medium of a Big Band, the only problem was the way Skeets Marsh treated him.
I really hate all these bad comments about Elvin's playin' here. Are you crazy or just stupid. Elvin was a masterdrummer and inventor as well as was Roy and Tony.
Skeets Maaj? Sounded to me like he had rode that train all his life. Knew every burn, and straight away. I thought it was very Poetic, Onomatopoeia Drumming.
In the tradition of drummer Chick Webb, the Bandstand is a Battleground for drummers, And Skeet Marsh was not going to play with Elvin Jones . He came to battle. Elvin Jones missed his first entrance solo cue. Skeets Marsh smelt blood. Elvin Jones has nothing to be ashamed of, that is not his era of musicals Style.
@@navyflyer7465 It’s unfortunate that Elvin Jones found himself playing with a more traditional big band drummer in Duke Ellington‘s band. Elvin was always a unique and innovative player, which is exactly why the Duke hired him, but he obviously clashed with the egotistical Skeet Marsh and his loud bombastic rudimentary flair. Elvin did NOT miss his solo cue. He intentionally left a breath of space between Skeet and his own solo to showcase a creative style which is vastly different with his original feel and African influence. Elvin Jones is legendary in the history of pioneering drummers. Skeet Marsh is barely a footnote.
It’s unfortunate that Elvin Jones found himself playing with a more traditional big band drummer in Duke Ellington‘s band. Elvin was always a unique and innovative player, which is exactly why the Duke hired him, but he obviously clashed with the egotistical Skeet Marsh and his loud bombastic rudimentary flair. Elvin did NOT miss his solo cue. He intentionally left a breath of space at 3.55 between Skeet and his own solo to showcase a creative style which is vastly different with his original feel and African influence. Elvin Jones is legendary in the history of pioneering drummers. Skeet Marsh is a footnote.
@@thumperman8490 Elvin didn't like playing with another drummer. That's why left Coltrane when he added another drummer Rashied Ali. McCoy Tyner left too because he couldn't hear himself.
Skeets Marsh taste and timing was better than Elvin Jones. Elvin Jones even missed his first solo entrance cute. I have finally seen Elvin Jones deficiency. He should have known when to come in. Skeets challenged him. In Black Culture there are better musicians Underground unsung as the more noted and celebrate musicians. Skeet Marsh was excellent.
well this is a weird video and im glad it exists haha. yea, elvins drumming is deep, gritty, black like soil. didn’t really mesh well here. again, weird video.
In Art Taylor's book Notes and Tones, Elvin mentions he left Trane and joined Duke because he didn't dig playing with another drummer. He was surprised to show up for the Ellington to gig and learn he was in the same situation he was just trying to get out of.
Skeets Marsh is the more effective drummer for Duke Ellington big band on this day. Elvin Jones misses his cue of entry 4 solo from Mr.Marsh. And absolutely seems out of place. There was less than 10 major big bands in the whole of America at this time. Elvin Jones was playing Progressive and modern jazz in those days and is truly a Wonder bad ass. But Duke Ellington had him come play with the big band to bring in younger people to keep big band concert music alive. Skeets Marsh is unsung because there was so many black master drummers. As the drum conversation go's Elvin Jones was not ready or able to deal with Skeets Marsh. I got to tell it as it is. If you have any other questions about the drum conversation between these two drummers let me know. Skeet Marsh was ready to duel, but Elvin did not seem enthusiastic otherwise the song would have been longer.
I agree they didn't mesh at all, but no fault of neither. It wasn't really a drum conversation. Marsh said some words and Elvin said something else, maybe even in another language . He looked unphased to be there. No duel needed, not a contest.
Thank you, Mr Wolf, for posting this gem from our father's career. This is important footage. Much respect to the memory and legacy of Elvin Ray Jones.
OMG! The great Elvin Jones is your Father? He was the greatest drum set player of all time. I’m proud to be from Michigan, largely because of Elvin & his brothers of course. Trane’s music would not have been the same without Elvin.
Much respect & good thoughts to you & your family!
Awesome! I had the great blessing to witness your father on the skins twice in Vancouver, BC at an old church converted to a performance venue where the drums were not even mic'ed and it sounded so amazing!
Your father inspired my journey on drums especially since Mitch Mitchell w/ Jimi Hendrix was my introduction to the magic of polyrhythms!
ua-cam.com/video/zqEkMlYVF0U/v-deo.html
Dear Elvin Nathan Jones, I met your Dad when he was performing at "The Lighthouse" in Hermosa Beach, around 1980, as he led his great jazz combo. What an honor to meet him! He was kind and soft-spoken, a true gentleman. I love and am inspired by all his amazing drum work.
My father was a jazz drummer and Elvin Jones was his hero. About twenty five years ago, he had the opportunity to hear the great Elvin Jones give a masterclass in Montreal at the Salle Gesu concert hall and actually played with him. My father told me that besides marrying my mom and my birth, that day was happiest day of his life.
As soon as Elvin starts that solo, you know he is on another level. Thank god he went his own way.
Well said . An idiot like me could tell he was something special
Duke and Elvin on the stage together? Jazz gods together. Love this!!!!
There is only one Elvin. He played differently than anyone. He played inside out--like all of the music emanated from him--and in perpetual motion. He was a sight to be seen live. And hit really hard. Wow.
Elvin is unquestionably one of the greatest drummers of all time.
I saw Elvin several times in my life. He is not only one of the most important artists on Earth, but also such a nice guy. I remember him in Marseilles with the Jazz Machine, chatting around with the audience after a gigg which was beyond everything i've heard in terms of musical feelings. Just taking pictures with people, small talks about Provence, giving his sticks to kids, smiling and spreading his brightness all around. I felt and still feel so lucky to be there
I was the Chicago Kid getting Elvin's Signature Drumsticks from His Trap Case, next to His Kool Cigarette Packs. Meet ya' at the Banks of that beautiful river, my Man! Bless up...
Elvin was 10-15 years ahead of everyone else on that stage. Right on to him for playing from his heart and not just what they wanted to hear.
My Elvin story: It was around 1993. My girlfriend and I were visiting the city of Toronto. It's about 10pm or so, and we're walking the streets on a Friday night. Out of the black of the night, I hear the sweetest-sounding band playing. We follow my ears until we get to this club (or "house" is more like it), and it's packed to the gills, overflowing onto the street. I asked a guy who was straining to see inside, "who's playing, friend?" He replied, IT'S ELVIN, MAN! But I can't see shit" " I said, "Elvin JONES!?" He nodded his head with a beaming smile.
So we just stood outside for about 1/2 hour until the set was over, listening to some of the best jazz you've ever heard.
They were deep and hoppin' man!!
Thx for sharing
if you are interested, here's Elvin's version how it came about: Context: Elvin to Whitney Balliett in 1968. (The second drummer Elvin refers to is Skeets Marsh):
"I joined him in Frankfurt, and my stay with him lasted just a week and a half, through Nuremberg and Paris and Italy and Switzerland. I was new. It was difficult
for the band to adapt to my style and I had to do everything in a big hurry, trying to adapt to them. Then the bass player started playing games with me by lowering and raising tempos to make it look like I was unsteady, and finally I had to speak to him and he stopped. Hodges and Cat Anderson and Gonsalves and Mercer Ellington knew what was going on, but Duke didn't. And I guess I didn't connect with the anchormen, because they complained about my playing to Duke. I don't know whether Cootie who kept giving me the fisheye, wanted me to call him Mr. Williams and shine his shoes or what. Also, Duke had a second drummer in the band and he was an egomaniac. So Duke and I talked at Orly Aiport and I told him to send a telegram to Sam Woodyard and tell him to get himself over there, because he knew the whole book." [excerpt]
Wow. Yeah, you can really get the sense from this footage that the two drummers were not vibing together. Elvin looks a little pissed at the end that the other drummer cut him off mid solo. I don't think he was really hearing what Elvin was playing.
Well, it looks and sounds like an experiment that did not really work together - two totally different worlds of Jazz on one stage. Elvin Jones was one of the greatest drummers in history but looked unhappy in this band...
@@CharlieWeller you can see how in the 2nd round, the other drummer finishes his solo by hitting Elvin's cymbal (his left over the tom).
Seemed a little aggressive about it too.
What a story! Thanks for sharing
As great as Duke and Elvin and all of those guys were, you can tell this would not work long-term. Big band is way too corporate for Elvin, and Duke had to make a living. Elvin was an impressionist artist and would be bored. Sam Woodyard was Duke's best drummer, and the best drummer for that band. But still amazing to see this anyway.
Two drummers so powerful ---Elvin smashing it extraordinary!!!!!
Elvin is the man. He came up with a new innovative way of playing that many tried to copy, and still do. I saw him once at a club called the Minor Key in Detroit Michigan, I was just 17 years old then. He was playing with Coltrane and it was a night that I’ll never forget. He was really something to watch and listen to, one of the great drummers of all time.
A giant on the Bandstand ..Huge Groove..Finese with appropiate Thunder on occasion!!Very inspiring everytime i heard him..No one swung like Elvin!!Check out the outstanding "Chasin The Trane "recording on Impulse!!Thats what i am talking about !!Also "The Promise"!!And The Great Larry Young recordings with Woody Shaw!!And Grant Green!!Dont forget "East Broadway Rundown"with Sonny Rollins and of course "A Love Supreme "!Met Elvin through his friend George Brown..Changed my life in many ways!!
Sometimes I feel the world has forgotten this great man. There was nobody better, he is the greatest
Jazz is the one few things that makes me truly proud and grateful to be American
The first time I heard Elvin live, I went home thinking I just didn't know music could be played like that. What a night.
It's just amazing to me how Elvin and Roy invented that whole new, jazz drumming language.
Spearheaded by Big Sid Catlett, the first jazz drummer to switch from traditional to modern, noted during sessions he played with Dizzy Gillespie on Salt Peanuts, Hot House (1945) and other recordings.
Man, those drummers are dropping some bombs in that number - awesome
Elvin was the most beautiful drummer to watch, not mentioning to listen to. I met him backstage in Gothenburg (Nefertiti jazzclub) in 1984. The sweetest person as well! 🙏🏻
I love watching drummers from this time. It seems to me that certain ones like Mr. Jones are Innovating a change in style of playing from the marching band style, heavy snare rudiments, to a more comprehensive approach using tom’s and the bass drum for fills and solos. It’s one thing for modern day drummers to copy Mr. Jones but for him to create something that was never done before is true innovation and genius
I hope that these pioneers are never forgotten on future generations
The syncopation is breathtaking, from both of them.
'I joined him in Frankfurt, and my stay with him lasted just a week and a half, through Nuremberg and Paris and Italy and Switzerland. I was new. It was difficult for the band to adapt to my style and I had to do everything in a big hurry, trying to adapt to them. Then the bass player started playing games with me by lowering and raising tempos to make it look like I was unsteady, and finally I had to speak to him and he stopped. Hodges and Cat Anderson and Gonsalves and Mercer Ellington knew what was going on, but Duke didn't. And I guess I didn't connect with the anchormen, because they complained about my playing to Duke. I don't know whether Cootie who kept giving me the fisheye, wanted me to call him Mr. Williams and shine his shoes or what. Also, Duke had a second drummer in the band and he was an egomaniac. So Duke and I talked at Orly Airport and I told him to send a telegram to Sam Woodyard and tell him to get himself over there, because he knew the whole book. I saw Duke later, after he'd found out what had been going on, and everything was fine -- no sweat. He told me I could come back with the band any time I wanted. He's such a great man. Given more time under different circumstances -- being left alone and all -- it might have been a beautiful thing for me.'
Elvin Jones
Nearly 100yrs since the duke and his bands delighted the world with their infectious music. They blessed us with the joyfull swing they shared, as we danced through the night in hope of a better future. To the Duke, and all the swing era Musicans. Thanks for the beautifull music. From ireland
Peace.
I was a kid in a Buckeyestani south suburb around 1960 listening to a shortwave radio when I came across the Voice of America Jazz Hour with Willis Conover. The theme/intro to the radio program was "Take the 'A' Train." To this day -- 60 years and some later -- every time I hear that tune, I am taken back to my parents' house, to my little room, to that old Hallicrafters radio, to the reason I was a radioman in the US Navy, and the past 50-odd years of the hoarded electronics that surround me today. What a memory. What a beautiful piece of music. Thanks for parking this for me to hear today.
My pops told me a story where when he was a kid in NYC he would go see a movie and the for the intermission Count Basie orchestra came out and played then after that the second part of the feature....man, now that's worth the price of admission!! Lol
The genius of Billy Strayhorn on full display.
Elvin, one of the best drummers, and nicest man. Saw him at Slugs numerous times in the 70's. One week him, next week Tony Williams. Heady times.
What a nightmare for Elvin. He got the cold shoulder from the rest of the band also.
I saw played to Mr. Elvin Jones in my country Venezuela in the seventies...amazing, unforgettable
Maravilha Musical.
amazing rare footage.... thank you for posting.. anything more on Mr Jones is always welcome
This is great! Killer solo. Thanks for the upload.
From an interview with Elvin done by Whitney Balliett.
"I joined him in Frankfurt, and my stay with him lasted just a week and a half, through Nuremberg and Paris and Italy and Switzerland. I was new. It was difficult for the band to adapt to my style and I had to do everything in a big hurry, trying to adapt to them. Then the bass player started playing games with me by lowering and raising tempos to make it look like I was unsteady, and finally I had to speak to him and he stopped. Hodges and Cat Anderson and Gonsalves and Mercer Ellington knew what was going on, but Duke didn't. And I guess I didn't connect with the anchormen, because they complained about my playing to Duke. I don't know whether Cootie who kept giving me the fisheye, wanted me to call him Mr. Williams and shine his shoes or what. Also, Duke had a second drummer in the band and he was an egomaniac. So Duke and I talked at Orly Aiport and I told him to send a telegram to Sam Woodyard and tell him to get himself over there, because he knew the whole book. I saw Duke later, after he'd found out what had been going on, and everything was fine -- no sweat. He told me I could come back with the band any time I wanted. He's such a great man. Given more time under different circumstances -- being left alone and all -- it might have been a beautiful thing for me."
That's what I thought, too: there was quite a tension up there on the bandstand. I know an "egomaniac" when I see one; and that other drummer was one, for sure.
Why didn't Cootie Williams buy a shoe shining kit?
long before the dead, two drummers
Quite fantastic!
My man is hitting hard!
I love a good head cutting session when it's two masters doing the cutting.
Outstanding post, Mr. Wolf. I think I died and went to heaven; Elvin Jones playing with Ellington! Wow! Ellington’s piano intro was amazing. When he quotes
“Beginning to See the Light” and then goes right into the signature piano intro was genius. Strayhorn and Ellington! So amazing!
Good for Elvin!! First time I ever saw him w/ a big band. Esp special w/ the maestro!
I've always struggled to interpret Elvin, powerful drummer.
love the drumming of elvin!!
Great to see and hear. John Lamb on bass. Superb! Thanks for posting.
Massive cool! 🙏🏽🥁🙏🏽🥁🙏🏽
What a rhythmic piano solo!
4:15 - 4:30 my.... god..... that brought me to tears
Such an invaluable video clip
Skeets Marsh was excellent Master big bad drummer. You can see that Elvin Jones was not comfortable in big band era playing Style otherwise he wouldn't have missed his entrance solo cue from Skeets.
@@navyflyer7465 that`s crazy! Duke knew what he wanted and he wanted Elvin. Elvin changed the history of jazz with his style. The other drummer played a really "inside" style and the way I see it was Elvin wanted to wipe the slate clean and not play such an old style beat (which is what Duke knew Elvin for from the Coltrane meets Ellington album) ...I think Elvin wanted some silence to differentiate his solo from the previous solo. Space, breathing instead of just jumping on the top of the bar ...after all , Elvin created a style that extended the bars and beats and played over them ...whether you like that or not is fine.ELVIN did not miss his entrance. Only an amatuer would lose his place and he was a master.
Thank you!
It is wonderful that we have these videos from our friends in Europe. At the same time it is a pity that the videos from Europe greatly outnumber those from within out own country.
Is some of this perhaps due to our (the United States') intellectual property regime, which has been ever more corrupted and is now at the extreme and, imnsho, the absurd end of the drive for the enclosure of what used to be common to all? I am genuinely wondering, although I am obviously also taking the opportunity to preach a little too. B-)
@@CSCoolidge Possibly. But, more simply, the Europeans just appreciated jazz, and the great American artists creating it, a lot more than Americans did. The Europeans held it in the same regard as their great classical artists from past centuries. Hence why you see these great American musicians appearing in the most prestigious European concert halls.
Elvin is ELVIN and there's no doubt about it and about his contribuition in drums history and evolution, but I am also deeply impressed by mr. Marsch performance!!! Great display of taste, language and technique in a a perfect blend! Yeah!!!
Fantastic! 😅
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I can hear where John Bonham got some of his inspiration! Those drums solos are great.
Yep, I heard it too!
I read somewhere, the band said 'he (Elvin) goes or we go'; I can imagine; he and Coltrane were a match in heaven as they say
Elvin Is the Drums....the Drums Is Elvin. The best in the world.
My lovly muzik
Saw EJ at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago back in '79..
Absolutely unreal skins play
👏🏾👏🏾
Ótimo 😃
Ah Elvin, what feel, what a TOUCH. Those easy rolls...
Cool❤️
Thanks for posting. Kind of a tense situation with two drummers. What blew me away was, I didn't know Duke could jam like that! That was pretty!
Like Mozart, Duke was a great composer and a hell of an improviser.
@@drumjunk1 I gotta hear more of Duke. What do you think of Billy Strayhorn?
@@henrybrowne7248 Don’t know where in the world you live but if you’re in the UK or have a VPN, look up the Billy Strayhorn episodes on Composer of the Week on BBC Sounds. Quite an ear opener!
@@henrybrowne7248 He was Duke's Alter Ego and contributed more than most of the people know to the repertoire, staying in the shadow, maybe due to his being gay, which was punishable at that time. Ellington and his Orchestra would never have been the same without him. Listen to "And his Mother Called him Bill", Duke's tribute to his great companion.
Concerning Duke's skills as a pianist, you should listen to "Money Jungle", a trio session featuring Mingus and Roach. To me, it was an eye opener, because my interest in jazz had started with Hard Bop and Modal Jazz years before.
And don't miss his 1956-58 Small Group Recordings, and his encounters with Coleman Hawkins and John Coltrane.
Nobody is better than Elvin.
4:13 incredible
"I joined [Duke Ellington] in Frankfurt, and my stay with him lasted just a week and a half, through Nuremberg and Paris and Italy and Switzerland. I was new. It was difficult for the band to adapt to my style and I had to do everything in a big hurry, trying to adapt to them. Then the bass player started playing games with me by lowering and raising tempos to make it look like I was unsteady, and finally I had to speak to him and he stopped. Johnny Hodges and Cat Anderson and Paul Gonsalves and Mercer Ellington knew what was going on, but Duke didn't. And I guess I didn't connect with the anchormen, because they complained about my playing to Duke. I don't know whether Cootie who kept giving me the fisheye, wanted me to call him Mr. Williams and shine his shoes or what. Also, Duke had a second drummer in the band and he was an egomaniac. So Duke and I talked at Orly Aiport and I told him to send a telegram to Sam Woodyard and tell him to get himself over there, because he knew the whole book. I saw Duke later, after he'd found out what had been going on, and everything was fine -- no sweat. He told me I could come back with the band any time I wanted. He's such a great man. Given more time under different circumstances -- being left alone and all -- it might have been a beautiful thing for me."
- Elvin Jones, 1968
You can see it in the video the other drummer is a bit directive but he is " Da fuck ?" When Elvin invents drumming stuff.
Wow imagine if there were a couple of years and 10 recordings where Elvin Jones was the drummer for this band. Ellington was surely adventurous enough to have worked with it. Missed opportunity.
Когда то, эта великолепная тема, была музыкальной заставкой к р\с "Голос Америки"!
Wow.
Who is the drummer that’s next to Elvin?
Still a great solo🔥
He is Harry "Skeets" Marsh. Thank You for your comment.
Dreamed of playing big band, too old now. Perhaps in heaven?
Thank you sir 🙏
Do it!
6:16 SHKIDZMAAAARHSH!!!!!!!
Wow
io c'ero ... grande ricordo
ed era in b/n ? 😁
The 'drum battle' is very recognizable.
Duke Ellington's drummer is visibly afraid of Elvin.
But Elvin doesn't fit into this band.
We all have our talents, but that does not mean that we are welcome everywhere.
Failed experiment. Too bad, Elvin looked bummed. Also, slight diss to Elvin by Skeets Marsh, crashing Elvins cymbal like that. 😒
Skeets Marsh was a Master big band drummer.
Big band music was not the era style of Elvin Jones or he would have known what to do. In Black Culture there are musicians unsung like Skeets Marsh who are better then the more noted celebrities.
Elvin Jones has nothing to be ashamed of because big band music is not the era style of his playing.
@@navyflyer7465 There’s no doubt that Elvin could play the music of Duke Ellington and in the medium of a Big Band, the only problem was the way Skeets Marsh treated him.
@@navyflyer7465 Better THAN, not better THEN. You've made this mistake several times before, and it lessens your argument
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😀💙🌸🌱
Wow. From the very first, check out Elvins hat and ride work.
......superbe.........+ de Dignité non usurpée, tellement plus Naturelle.........qd mème, un ptit peu embourgeoisé.......Sir Elvin Jones.
😄🤨🤑🤪🤫🙄🧐😎💋💀
IS THERE MORE FOOTAGE PLEASE!?!?!?!?!?!
You can find them here
ua-cam.com/play/PLQ_oh8wwYxrfgxB56Vhg0LFpRNmpTKv5J.html
@@MRWOLFJAZZ thank you!!
I really hate all these bad comments about Elvin's playin' here. Are you crazy or just stupid. Elvin was a masterdrummer and inventor as well as was Roy and Tony.
Duke Ellington is not really my thing But I love him
Elvin getting vibe checked because he’s from the future
I didn't know that big bands ever had 2 drummers.
Never seen this before. How did the two drum thing come about?
NEVER heard of skeets.......AT ALL..........EVER!!!!!
Skeets Maaj? Sounded to me like he had rode that train all his life. Knew every burn, and straight away. I thought it was very Poetic, Onomatopoeia Drumming.
i felt a bit dead inside myself looking at elvin's visage
Poor Elvin
In the tradition of drummer Chick Webb, the Bandstand is a Battleground for drummers, And Skeet Marsh was not going to play with Elvin Jones . He came to battle. Elvin Jones missed his first entrance solo cue. Skeets Marsh smelt blood. Elvin Jones has nothing to be ashamed of, that is not his era of musicals Style.
@@navyflyer7465 It’s unfortunate that Elvin Jones found himself playing with a more traditional big band drummer in Duke Ellington‘s band. Elvin was always a unique and innovative player, which is exactly why the Duke hired him, but he obviously clashed with the egotistical Skeet Marsh and his loud bombastic rudimentary flair. Elvin did NOT miss his solo cue. He intentionally left a breath of space between Skeet and his own solo to showcase a creative style which is vastly different with his original feel and African influence. Elvin Jones is legendary in the history of pioneering drummers. Skeet Marsh is barely a footnote.
It’s unfortunate that Elvin Jones found himself playing with a more traditional big band drummer in Duke Ellington‘s band. Elvin was always a unique and innovative player, which is exactly why the Duke hired him, but he obviously clashed with the egotistical Skeet Marsh and his loud bombastic rudimentary flair.
Elvin did NOT miss his solo cue. He intentionally left a breath of space at 3.55 between Skeet and his own solo to showcase a creative style which is vastly different with his original feel and African influence. Elvin Jones is legendary in the history of pioneering drummers. Skeet Marsh is a footnote.
Crawling up Jones' a.., Elvin was wrong for the Ellington band, f... you toady boy.
Was elvin already out of coltranes quartet?
Yes, He was. A few months earlier.
who's the drummer on this? very good solo!
He was Skeets Marsh
Somebody stepped on his cymbal stand
Elvin won the idgaf war
Both are great players, but not a good idea to have too many "chefs" in the kitchen at the same time. Clashed more than it swung.
Hard to keep up with Elvin
I agree, Elvin didn't look too happy at the end of the Buddy solo.
@@thumperman8490 Elvin didn't like playing with another drummer. That's why left Coltrane when he added another drummer Rashied Ali. McCoy Tyner left too because he couldn't hear himself.
Skeets Marsh taste and timing was better than Elvin Jones.
Elvin Jones even missed his first solo entrance cute. I have finally seen Elvin Jones deficiency. He should have known when to come in. Skeets challenged him.
In Black Culture there are better musicians Underground unsung as the more noted and celebrate musicians.
Skeet Marsh was excellent.
@@navyflyer7465 well if Elvin's weakness is cheesy swing I'm not sure it's a bad thing at all lmao
well this is a weird video and im glad it exists haha. yea, elvins drumming is deep, gritty, black like soil. didn’t really mesh well here. again, weird video.
Elvin didn’t look too happy playing with another drummer.
I think so too.
i'm mad he did it for duke, but not for trane on ascension?? oh well. still thankful for any elvin recordings - especially video!
In Art Taylor's book Notes and Tones, Elvin mentions he left Trane and joined Duke because he didn't dig playing with another drummer. He was surprised to show up for the Ellington to gig and learn he was in the same situation he was just trying to get out of.
That book is hard to get by
Didn't look too happy playing a swing tune
He once had to audition playing sing sing sing and said he hated that tune
A little crazy on the downbeat, gentlemen. But that's like the Double-A Train.
Who is the other drummer?
Harry "Skeets" Marsh
@@MRWOLFJAZZ Thanks!
De rien Jean-Pierre.
@@MRWOLFJAZZ your welcome
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Skeets Marsh is the more effective drummer for Duke Ellington big band on this day.
Elvin Jones misses his cue of entry 4 solo from Mr.Marsh.
And absolutely seems out of place.
There was less than 10 major big bands in the whole of America at this time. Elvin Jones was playing Progressive and modern jazz in those days and is truly a Wonder bad ass.
But Duke Ellington had him come play with the big band to bring in younger people to keep big band concert music alive. Skeets Marsh is unsung because there was so many black master drummers. As the drum conversation go's Elvin Jones was not ready or able to deal with Skeets Marsh.
I got to tell it as it is.
If you have any other questions about the drum conversation between these two drummers let me know. Skeet Marsh was ready to duel, but Elvin did not seem enthusiastic otherwise the song would have been longer.
I agree they didn't mesh at all, but no fault of neither. It wasn't really a drum conversation. Marsh said some words and Elvin said something else, maybe even in another language . He looked unphased to be there. No duel needed, not a contest.
The bass player went away when the drumers solo started
カルテットに加わる何年ぐらい前?
コンサートは1966年からです。カルテット（1960年-1966年）の直後。