Ellingtonia

The music of Duke Ellington.

The celebrated Ellingtonia Band, one of the UK’s leading Duke Ellington bands, have from the very beginning delighted audiences with an authoritative delivery of the Duke Ellington catalogue. The band formed in 2004 and features nine powerful musical personalities, who combine to present an authentic account of this unique music that is full of energy, expressiveness and passion.        Ellingtonia use their own unique musical arrangements that are tailor-made for the band by leader Ian Wellens. They follow the style of the originals and the result is pretty authentic. The nine-piece format is one Ellington often used and produces a really big sound. They are a stable line-up of very experienced musicians, who've been involved in the project from the start and know the music really well. Most importantly they just love playing it, and their enthusiasm is infectious.        Their passion for Ellington's music and their musicianship has led to performances at various prestigious jazz clubs and jazz festivals in the South West and in 2008, Ellingtonia was invited to perform at the international Ellington ’08 Festival in London for a special concert with Buster Cooper and Art Baron, former members of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Art has performed with Bruce Springsteen, Buddy Rich, Stevie Wonder - and now Ellingtonia!" The musicians are:-       Mike Brewer        Peter Cox        Steve Dow        David George        Glyn Jackson        Dave McKeown        Annika Skoogh, vocals        Sam Smith        Ian Wellens.        Mood Indigo * Caravan * I’m Beginning To See The Light * Perdido * Take The A-Train * Don’t Get Around Much Anymore: Great songs, classic swing from this stunning 9-piece band!