Stefon Harris - African Tarantella: Dances With Duke (2006)

On this unusual project, vibraphonist Stefon Harris performs three excerpts apiece from Duke Ellington's "New Orleans Suite" and his lesser-known "The Gardner Meditations" plus two pieces from the Duke's "The Queen's Suite." The sensitive "Single Petal of a Rose" is the best known of these selections. Rather than use a big band, Harris is joined by viola, cello, flute, clarinet, trombonist Steve Turre (who is wonderful on "Portrait of Wellman Braud"), and a piano-bass-drums rhythm section. The arrangements are colorful and inventive, with Harris (who doubles on marimba) usually being heard as the lead voice. African Tarantella serves as further proof that Duke Ellington's music, in addition to being enormous in quantity, can be interpreted in an infinite number of colorful ways. Well worth several listens. ~ Scott Yanow