Ivie Anderson joined Duke Ellington's band in 1931 and stayed with him till 1942. Ivie didn't record anything with the Duke in 1931, so this collection starts in 1932, covering the period to 1937. As with the second volume (All God's chillun), the songs cover a variety of styles and moods, yet all with that trademark Duke Ellington sound.This collection includes their hits It don't mean a thing, I'm satisfied, Cotton, Isn't love the strangest thing, Love is like a cigarette and Oh babe! maybe someday. The band had many more hits during this period but they don't qualify for this collection because Ivie didn't sing on them. Like the second voulme (which includes Old plantation), this collection includes songs which now seem controversial - Delta bound, Ebony rhapsody and Cotton. Seventy years on, it is best just to regard these songs as a reflection of the times in which they were recorded (when they were regarded as OK), and to realise how far things have changed, usually for the better. I don't think anybody would be wise to cover these songs now. Notwithstanding those songs (and you don't have to listen to the words), this is an outstanding collection of the music that Ivie recorded with the Duke. Enjoy both volumes !!!! |
