Jersey Jazz for the September issue.

by Joseph Lang

In making the selections for Echoes of Harlem: A Tribute to Duke Ellington by the Planet D Nonet, Vol. 2 (Eastlawn Records – 42), the Planet D Nonet, a superb ten-piece swing/blues band from Michigan co-led by trumpeter James O’Donnell and percussionist RJ Spangler have dug deep into the Ellington catalog.  Yes, there are a few familiar tunes, “Rocks in My Bed,” Caravan” and “Sophisticated Lady;” some that are less often heard, “Echoes of Harlem,” “Blood Count” and “Azalea;” plus some real rarities, “Juniflip,” “Frustration” and “The Shepherd (Who Watches Over the Night Flock).”  They also visit the Togo Brava Suite for “Addi” and “La Belle Plus Africaine;” and give their takes on “Happy Anniversary,” “Flirtbird” and “I’m Gonna Go Fishin” from the soundtrack of Anatomy of a Murder.  These cats are obviously thrilled by the creativity of Ellington, have created unique charts to present the music, play them with fervor, and have created a satisfying musical adventure sure to delight fans of Ellingtonia.  (www.eastlawnrecords.com)

Tom is very involved with critic voting, he gave the album a B+Planet D Nonet: Echoes of Harlem: A Salute to Duke Ellington Vol. 2 (2024, Eastlawn): Detroit group, founded by James O'Donnell (trumpet) and RJ Spangler (percussion) back in 2010, when they were working with John Sinclair, and their repertoire extended from Bennie Moten to Sun Ra, only recently turning to Ellington. B+(***) [cd]https://www.theaquarian.com/2024/09/23/rant-n-roll-funk-jazz-bop/https://www.allaboutjazz.com/echoes-of-harlem-a-salute-to-duke-ellington-vol-2-planet-d-nonet-self-producedhttps://www.midwestbookreview.com/lbw/aug_24.htm#librarycdhttps://hullworks.net/jazzpoll/24my/ballots-01.php?vid=27https://michaelsmusiclog.blogspot.com/2024/07/brief-notes-on-new-jazz-releases.htmlhttps://www.jazzweekly.com/2024/07/ellingtoniaplanet-d-nonet-echoes-of-harlem-kari/https://annecarlini.com/ex_cd.php?id=5606https://www.paris-move.com/reviews/planet-d-nonet-echoes-of-harlem-a-salute-to-duke-ellington-vol-2/