Monday Side‑Session — A Victor-ious Session

Since we’ve been enjoying Duke Ellington classics from 1940 — including yesterday’s Cotton Tail — the first year of Duke’s new Victor contract, I thought today’s Side‑Session could rewind to what was literally the band’s first session for Victor...

It took place on March 6, yielding masters of five different tunes. The date shows off the band’s versatility and gives space for the vocalists and sidemen to shine.

“You, You Darlin’” 

This was Herb Jeffries’ first recorded vocal with the band. He's obviously a polished professional, bringing another level of sophistication to the table.

Herb was Duke’s first regularly featured male vocalist, paving the way for Al Hibbler and later Jimmie Grissom.

Billy Strayhorn’s lovely arrangement gives solo spots to Ben Webster on tenor and Lawrence Brown on trombone.

“Jack the Bear” 

A complete shift in direction. Duke’s arrangement gives generous space to the astounding Jimmie Blanton, who opens and closes the tune with those unmistakable bass lines. Barney Bigard on clarinet and Tricky Sam Nanton on trombone deliver their usual rock‑solid solos.

“Ko‑Ko”

Jimmie and Tricky Sam keep the momentum going here. I also love Juan Tizol’s valve trombone repeating the main melody — hearing the distinct trombone personalities of Juan, Tricky Sam, and Lawrence Brown across different records is one of the joys of this era.

“Morning Glory"

A perfect showcase for Rex Stewart’s cornet — the tune fits him like a glove.

Morning Glory was paired with Jack the Bear on the original single release. A very good deal for fans!

“So Far, So Good” 

Another non‑Ellington pop tune arranged by Strayhorn, this time featuring Ivie Anderson. She delivers another typically strong vocal, and Harry Carney adds a warm baritone sax solo.

This one was paired with You, You Darlin’ on the two sides of the 78‑rpm single. These pop tunes highlight the band’s versatility and provide a nice contrast to the justly celebrated instrumental originals.

Bonus Flip Side — “Conga Brava”

Since Ko‑Ko didn’t get a platter partner on March 6, let’s not leave it stranded! Its flip side was Conga Brava, recorded nine days later.

The title alone tells you Juan Tizol must have collaborated, and you can hear his valve trombone throughout. Barney, Ben and Rex also get solo space.

A Six‑Tune Snapshot

Quite a variety across these six sides — lots of great solos, lots of personality. And we only heard Cootie Williams briefly on Jack the Bear, while Johnny Hodges didn’t get a solo on any of them. That’s how deep the band was!

Warehouse Whispers

There may be a very good reason why Morning Glory fit Rex Stewart so well...

The story goes that Rex actually composed the melody, but lost it to Duke in a poker game. True or not, it’s a great tale!