Duke Ellington Tribute - Dry Martini

Since the 1920s, the music of Duke Ellington has been a solid influence on the international jazz scene. Along with various collaborators, most notably pianist and composer Billy Strayhorn, Ellington and his orchestra produced such classics as Don't Get Around Much Anymore, Mood Indigo, Sophisticated Lady, Satin Doll, Take The A Train, Lush Life and many more. 

A pianist and composer in his own right, Ellington was arranger and conductor of a group of musicians sometimes as large as 20 members during its 50-year run, including notables such as Johnny Hodges, Cootie Williams and Ben Webster. Many vocalists, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, have covered these tunes. The Dry Martini quartet, consisting of J. Michael Newlight (guitar and vocals), Mike Knutson (alto sax), Steve Webber-Plank (percussion) and Jack Williams (bass), will offer a concert evening of this memorable music, the familiar standards plus a few that are less well known.