Joe Jackson is preparing to release has just released (June 26th) The Duke, a tribute album of affectionate covers of songs originally composed by Duke Ellington.
Rather than emulating the songs’ original big-band settings, Jackson filters the material through his own musical imagination while exploring an assortment of unexpected grooves and textures.
It’s also more than a bare-bones “tribute album” – The Duke features an eclectic array of special guest musicians. On tracks such as It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing), Iggy Pop stops by to share the microphone, while Sharon Jones offers her services for I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But The Blues.
Providing the backing music for Jackson’s re-imaginations is a team of world-class talent: members of the Roots, guitar virtuoso Steve Vai, violinist Regina Carter, bassist Christian McBride, longtime Jackson collaborators Vinnie Zummo (guitar) and percussionist Sue Hadjopolous are also in the mix.
Jackson:
“It felt a little daunting – like, how am I gonna pull this off? But it started to pick up momentum, and took on a life of its own. I got to work with people I never thought I’d be able to get, and they were all extremely enthusiastic and supportive of the project. It all came together in a way that surpassed my expectations. And it’s been a hell of a lot of fun.”
UPDATE: The Duke was released today. Listen to a couple of tracks, I’m Beginning to See the Light –
…and It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing) featuring additional vocalist… Iggy Pop!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHW1zfy7XNs
