"The whole people must take upon themselves the education of the whole people and be willing to bear the expenses of it. There should not be a district of one mile square, without a school in it, not founded by a charitable individual, but maintained at the public expense of the people themselves." -- John Adams

"No money shall be drawn from the treasury, for the benefit of any religious or theological institution." -- Indiana Constitution Article 1, Section 6.

"...no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinion in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish enlarge, or affect their civil capacities." – Thomas Jefferson

Friday, April 29, 2016

Musical Interlude: That Satin Sound

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUKE!

Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was born to two musicians on April 29, 1899.

He began his own musical career -- starting piano lessons -- at the age of 7. At 15 he wrote his first song (1914)...and spent the next 60 years writing and playing music.

During my "big band phase" Ellington was one of my favorites.

Check out the bios below...

NOW, THE GOOD PART

Here are 12 excellent minutes of Duke Ellington and his Orchestra.

First, a couple of live entries...

One of my favorites...including the violin! It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) – 1931



This one's for Marty (So when's the next album coming out?). Satin Doll – 1953




Duke lent his skills to arranging some classical pieces, too. Here's Grieg's In the Hall of the Mountain King from Peer Gynt Suite – Arr. 1960




...and the Overture from the Nutcracker – Arr. (with Billy Strayhorn) 1960




###

No comments: