|
 |
|
|
|
| Edward Kennedy Ellington was born in Washington, D.C. where his father was a butler at the White House. His roots as a pianist went back to the era of ragtime and stride piano--Harlem's version of ragtime. While Dancers In Love (also titled Naivete) uses some stride piano style, it also contains the modern chromatic harmony and clear form that have established Ellington as the most important composer in jazz history. Composed in 1945, but seldom played in later years, Dancers In Love (from Ellington's Perfume Suite) was written for piano, string bass and drums. It contains the musical sophistication, humor, and the earthiness of black jazz piano music that have blended to become the music of style and wit we associate with the name Duke Ellington. And yes, that's Doug snapping his fingers as he plays, just as the Ellington trio did when they performed the piece. |
CD: Pure Magic
Label: Niedt Records
Credits: Written by Duke Ellington, arr. Douglas Niedt |
| |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
| Doug's father heard Cavatina performed by guitarist John Williams in its original version for two guitars with light orchestral accompaniment. He suggested to Doug that it would sound great as a guitar solo. The bittersweet reflective quality of this song is perfectly captured by Doug's masterful arrangement. |
CD: Pure Magic
Label: Niedt Records
Credits: Written by Stanley Myers, arr. Douglas Niedt |
| |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
| This impassioned and driving Argentine folk dance originates from a province in northern Argentina called Misiones. It evokes the image of the alluring, seductive woman from this region, the Misionera. |
CD: Pure Magic
Label: Niedt Records
Credits: Written by Fernando Bustamente, arr. Jorge Morel |
| |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
| In his hour of victory at the Battle of Clontarf, Brian Boru, the eleventh century High King of Ireland, was slain as he knelt in prayer. As you listen to Doug play, you can hear the faint sounds of the victorious Irish army approaching in the distance until they are upon you in full force, then marching away off into the countryside paying tribute to their fallen hero, marching to the strains of Brian Boru's March. The fades are accomplished entirely by Doug's touch on the strings, not electronically. |
CD: Pure Magic
Label: Niedt Records
Credits: Traditional Irish Air arr. Douglas Niedt |
| |
need help playing tracks?
lo fi play
hi fi play
email track to a friend
view track info