David Morgenroth | Alone with Duke
Take music from one of the most influential composers in American history, put it in the hands of one of Montana’s most influential pianists and what do you get? A mighty fine recording, that’s what.
Missoula musician David Morgenroth explores his love of jazz improvisation here on 13 of Duke Ellington’s tunes, recorded on two consecutive days in August of last year. Morgenroth’s liner notes say these jazz pieces were some of the earliest he learned, and his 30-year-familiarity with them, combined with his respect for Ellington, led him to create the album.
This is also his first solo piano recording: Morgenroth felt it would provide him the most flexibility to make a true jazz album, with the emphasis on improvisation. In that, he has succeeded admirably.
Starting off with the laid-back, finger-snappin’ rhythm of “Just Squeeze Me (But Please Don’t Tease Me),” Morgenroth proves his deft connection with the Duke’s light, ornamental style.
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