Homage to Duke
Dave Grusin · 1993
50 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A vibrant tribute blending intricate jazz arrangements with rich melodies, celebrating the legacy of Duke Ellington.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cotton Tail Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Take the 'A' Train — This track exemplifies Grusin's skillful arrangement and energetic interpretation, making it an iconic representation of the album’s spirit.
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Satin Doll — Grusin's version infuses the classic with lush harmonies and a modern sensibility, illustrating his reverence for Ellington's songwriting.
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Caravan — This track stands out due to its rhythmic complexity and vibrant instrumentation, showcasing Grusin's ability to blend traditional jazz with contemporary elements.
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Mood Indigo — The melancholic arrangement highlights Grusin's emotional depth as an artist while paying homage to the original composition’s poignant beauty.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalGrusin's arrangements celebrate Ellington's legacy with intricate instrumentation and varied tempos, making it a notable jazz tribute.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of rich orchestration, with strings and brass complementing the core jazz ensemble throughout.
- Each track is arranged to highlight different instruments, allowing for varied textures and solos that showcase individual musicianship.
- The tempo shifts between tracks maintain listener engagement, with some pieces employing a slow, reflective pace while others are more upbeat.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady rhythmic complexity throughout
- sophisticated arrangements for focus
- enjoyable for attentive listening
- vibrant improvisation moments
- consistent journey experience
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- avoid long, cohesive pieces
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases Grusin's reinterpretation of jazz standards with acclaim.
- Themes
- Duke Ellington legacy· melodic jazz tribute· vibrant arrangements
- Career context
- By 1993, Dave Grusin had established himself as a prominent figure in contemporary jazz, having won an Academy Award for his film scoring earlier in his career. 'Homage to Duke' is a significant work that showcases Grusin's deep appreciation for Ellington's music while also highlighting his own distinctive style, following his acclaimed album 'Nightlines' released in 1988.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chick Corea· Herbie Hancock· Brad Mehldau
Tracklist
- 1 Cotton Tail Start here 4:12
- 2 Things Ain't What They Used to Be 6:46
- 3 Satin Doll 5:23
- 4 Mood Indigo 5:22
- 5 Just Squeeze Me (But Don't Tease Me) 4:57
- 6 Caravan 6:17
- 7 East St. Louis Toodle-oo 4:27
- 8 "C" Jam Blues 5:47
- 9 Sophisticated Lady 3:29
- 10 Take the "A" Train 3:20
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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