In this Kennedy Center commission, two of today’s top vocalists and an internationally-known composer and pianist explore how classical sounds intertwine with improvisational jazz in the music of Duke Ellington, one of DC’s native sons. Bringing together their respective expertise from the jazz and classical worlds, Nnenna Freelon and Harolyn Blackwell together with music director Mike Garson demonstrate how Ellington’s compositions blended European classical traditions with syncopated rhythms and African American work songs, blues, and spirituals (recorded in 2009 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC). *Apologies for the audio issues with this program.*
Nnenna Freelon & Harolyn Blackwell: Ellington Voices