Few musicians can claim the kind of influence over 20th century music as Edward Kennedy Ellington. And few orchestras, if any, can claim the kind of expertise over his music as the one that bears his name. Swinging into our city this fortnight, the Duke Ellington Orchestra will be making its long-awaited Hong Kong debut, performing the composer’s best-loved tunes.

The Duke, American composer, pianist and big band leader, was one of the most famous jazz icons. Over his 50-year career, he wrote over 3,000 pieces of music, including the well-known songs Take the A-Train, Mood Indigo, and Satin Doll. Besides his great influence in the realm of jazz, Ellington also wrote film and musical scores, and ventured into genres as diverse as blues, gospel and even pop. His songs have been covered extensively by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Dizzy Gillespie. After Ellington’s death in 1974, the Pulitzer Prize Board awarded him a posthumous honour.

Today, his legacy lives on through the prolific Duke Ellington Orchestra, which he formed after World War I – an ensemble that was later led by his son, Mercer, and now under the guidance of his grandson Paul. Joining the Orchestra will be Elaine Liu, a jazz vocalist born and raised in Hong Kong. Often heard on local radio and television stations, she has also represented Hong Kong in the 2002 Taiwan Jazz Festival. Pianist Tommy James, a New York-based musician who has been performing with the Orchestra since 1987, will conduct the band.

If you’re a fan of Ellington, don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes. After all, as the jazz master himself famously wrote, “it don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing”. And the Duke Ellington Orchestra, without a doubt, has got that swing. 

Caroline Chen

The Duke Ellington Orchestra play Queen Elizabeth Stadium on September 3. Tickets: 2734 9009; www.urbtix.hk.