Aardvark Jazz Orchestra to Celebrate Duke Ellington

Mark Harvey and his Aardvark Jazz Orchestra will honor Duke Ellington (1899-1974) in his 120^th birthday year with a concert celebrating joy, justice, and love – themes that were important for Ellington throughout his life.  Selections will range widely, from hits like Satin Doll, Solitude, and I’m Beginning to See the Light, to joyful music from Ellington’s Sacred Concerts.   Among the sacred works, Aardvark will perform New World A-Comin’ which Duke described as “a place where there would be no war, no greed, no categorization, and where love would be unconditional.”  The First Parish choir will join Aardvark in two selections:  the ebullient David Danced before the Lord, and It’s Freedom, a powerful expression of Civil-Rights-era fervor with resonance for today.

The Aardvark Jazz Orchestra performs widely, has premiered more than 185 works for jazz orchestra, and has released 15 CDs, including nine discs on Leo Records and a recording of Duke Ellington’s Sacred Music on Aardmuse.  Aardvark guests have included Sheila Jordan, Ricky Ford, Geri Allen, Jaki Byard, Jimmy Giuffre and other luminaries.  Mark Harvey has transcribed many Ducal works, and has written and lectured about Ellington for more than 25 years.  Aardvark is: Arni Cheatham, Peter H. Bloom, Phil Scarff, Chris Rakowski, Dan Zupan/saxes and woodwinds; K.C. Dunbar, Jeanne Snodgrass/trumpets; Bob Pilkington, Jay Keyser/trombones; Jeff Marsanskis, Bill Lowe/bass trombones, tuba; John Funkhouser/piano; Jesse Williams/string bass; Harry Wellott/drums; Jerry Edwards and Grace Hughes, vocalists; Mark Harvey/trumpet/music director.