This record was produced in New York City on June 4th 1930 featuring Arthur Whetsel, Freddy Jenkins, and Cootie Williams trumpets, Joe Nanton trombone, Juan Tizol valve trombone, Johnny Hodges clarinet, soprano, & alto sax, Harry Carney clarinet, alto, & baritone sax, Barney Bigard clarinet & tenor sax, Duke Ellington piano, director, & arranger, Fred Guy banjo, Wellman Braud string bass, and Sonny Greer drums.
*"Jungle Nights in Harlem" was composed by Edward "Duke" Ellington.
Following the sudden death of the leader of the Cotton Club's popular house band, violinist Andy Preer during the Spring of 1927, the "Duke Ellington Orchestra" were quickly hired as replacements. The Ellington Band's first stay as resident band at the Cotton Club would span from December 4th 1927 until June 30th 1930.
The first choice of the establishment was King Oliver's band, but in a legendary act of stupidity that would forever alter the future of jazz, Oliver turned the job down because they were not offering as high a salary as he was accustomed.
Between the Winter of 1927 and the Spring of 1930 "Duke Ellington & His Orchestra" would develop and popularize the "Jungle Sound", putting the Cotton Club on the map as one of the hottest night spots in all of New York.
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