Duke Ellington & His Orchestra- A Drum Is A Woman

Label: Honeypie

Reissued 2022, Originally released 1957

Vinyl LP pressing. Reissue, originally released in 1957. A Drum Is A Woman is a musical allegory by American pianist, composer, and bandleader Duke Ellington and his long-time musical collaborator Billy Strayhorn. It tells the story of Madam Zajj, the personification of African rhythm, and Carribee Joe, who has his roots firmly in the jungle with his drums. Zajj travels out into the world seeking fame and sophistication and melds with the influences of cultures she weaves through the story, which gives a brief history of the rise of jazz and bebop. Originally recorded for the Columbia label in 1956, it was produced for television on the US Steel Hour on May 8, 1957.

Track listing:

Part 1

1. A Drum Is A Woman
   
2. Rhythm Pum Te Dum
   
3. What Else Can You Do With A Drum

Part 2

1. New Orleans
   
2. Hey, Buddy Bolden
   
3. Carribee Joe
   
4. Congo Square

Part 3

1. A Drum Is A Woman (Part 2)
   
2. You Better Know It
   
3. Madam Zajj
   
4. Ballet Of The Flying Saucers

Part 4

1. Zajj's Dream
   
2. Rhumbop
   
3. Carribee Joe (Part 2)
   
4. Finale