One of the many highlights of the 2014 Whitley Bay Classic Jazz Party was a “Duke’s Men” set led by trumpeter / vocalist Rico Tomasso — where he beautifully evoked the recordings made by small Ellington units in the Thirties.
We heard music from the Jazzopators (Barney Bigard), the Fifty-Second Street Stompers (Rex Stewart), the Rug-Cutters (Cootie Williams), as well as compositions associated with Johnny Hodges, Sonny Greer, Juan Tizol.
One of the first things I did when I came back from Whitley Bay was to post Rico’s AIN’T THE GRAVY GOOD? — which has received some of the attention it deserves. But a number of people, both musicians and fans, have asked, “Is there any more from Rico’s small-band Ellington set?” and I am happy to oblige here by presenting the entire set as it happened.
The band Rico assembled is David Boeddinghaus, piano; Malcolm Sked, bass; Henri Lemaire, guitar; Richard Pite, drums; Alistair Allan, trombone; Matthias Seuffert, Claus Jacobi, reeds.
KRUM ELBOW BLUES and DROP ME OFF IN HARLEM:
(For more about “Krum Elbow,” although the evidence is complex, click here.)
JEEP’S BLUES:
BIG HOUSE BLUES:
DRUMMER’S DELIGHT:
PRELUDE TO A KISS:
CARAVAN:
AIN’T THE GRAVY GOOD?:
FROLIC SAM:
The gravy is good! I know there will be more delicious music this coming November 6-8 at the Mike Durham Classic Jazz Party. (The new name is an appropriate tribute to its beloved founder: the music and the guiding principles remain unchanged so, and that’s a good thing.)
May your happiness increase!
JAZZ LIVES 
This band is a highly proficient fun-loving group:I believe the young reed-man,Mr. Seuffert,played an almost perfect version of Lester’s SHOE-SHINE BOY during a Basie tribute a while back.Mt Tomasso could do stand-up-he;s a riot,as well as a fine trumpet man.Bravo for this post,Michael.