DUKE ELLINGTON

ELLINGTON, Edward Kennedy ‘Duke’ (1899-1974). Black Beauty / Swampy River. OKeh Phonograph Corporation, 1928.

10-inch single signed in white ink on the label by Duke Ellington, in original green paper sleeve.

‘Black Beauty begins with the same harmonies as the opening piano solo in the Gershwin [Rhapsody in Blue]; it’s even in the same key… Swampy River, which Ellington recorded at the same piano solo session as Black Beauty, began with an even more explicit allusion to Rhapsody in Blue… Gershwin returned the compliment, because the bridge of I Got Rhythm, written two years later, recalls the second strain of Black Beauty. Tipping his hat to Gershwin, Ellington flaunted his compositional and pianistic chops.’ Schiff, 275.

[With:] a large vintage publicity portrait of Duke Ellington, late 1920s, signed and inscribed in black ink ‘To D.M. Levy, Best Wishes, In Appreciation, Duke Ellington’. Gelatin silver print, mounted to board, 354 x 277 mm, framed (396 x 322 mm).

[And:] a novelty double publicity portrait of Ellington, c.1938, signed and inscribed in blue ink ‘To Miss Urtz, Best Wishes, Sincerely, Duke Ellington’, gelatin silver print, 204 x 258 mm.