Mike Westbrook Orchestra - On Duke's Birthday (Hat Hut, 1985)

This post is by Scott and Dan

Mike Westbrook (p); Chris Biscoe (as, ss, bs, pic, al cl); Danilo Terenzi (tb); Kate Westbrook (tenor hn, pic, bamboo fl, vo); Stuart Brooks (tr, vo); Phil Minton (tr, vo); Dominique Pifarély (vn); Georgie Born (vc); Brian Godding (g); Steve Cook (el b); Tony Marsh (d)

Recorded on May 12, 1984

Mike Westbrook's marvelous album is a work commissioned by Le Temps du Jazz and dedicated to the memory of Duke Ellington. It was performed in Amiens, France to mark the tenth anniversary of Ellington's passing in 1974. It's one of the most unique of the 1980s favorites collection, and one of the most enjoyable listening experiences of them all. The rich sonic tapestry stretches across 80 minutes of playing time (one CD, 2 LPs). 

There are only five compositions, the shortest - "Checking in at Hotel Le Prieure" - clocking in at just under nine minutes. The three YouTube links below cover all of sides 1 and 2 of the LP set. Be sure to check out "East Stratford Too-Doo." It's amazingly beautiful in ways that are unusual and surprising. A sign of pure genius. There are two versions of the title track; the second is not a new "take" but rather a different arrangement.

There are many surprises, which is amazing during a live performance of such intricate arrangements. The pairing of different instruments during solo spots produces a variety of sounds rarely heard in jazz. We hear bamboo flute and piano, electric bass and electric guitar, violin and cello, flute and piano, etc. Just when you think you've heard everything, Westbrook throws in a vocal chorus on the second version of the title track. But the most jaw-dropping segment is Phil Minton's vocal on the first track. He sounds like a plunger trombone playing wah-wah style. He is quickly followed by a real trombone. 

Despite the intricate arrangements, the music is mostly based on simple repeated figures. The arrangements allow for ebbs and flows over long compositions, and interest never flags. 

It might appear that the single CD is preferable to the two LPs, but there is a significant sonic improvement on vinyl. However, given the relative scarcity of vinyl copies, a digital version is more practical and cost effective. hat Art and hatOLOGY reissues have made their way into lossless streaming/download services at relatively low cost. Sample the links below but spend for the lossless version.