"The artistry of Benny Goodman and the music of the Benny Goodman Orchestra remain one of the most recognizable landmarks in American musical achievement. The NCJRO is so pleased to bring you these new performances of this spirited and timeless music."
- Jim Ketch, NCJRO director

"Since its debut in 1993, the NCJRO, led by UNC music professor and trumpeter Jim Ketch, has consistently demonstrated exacting standards akin to Goodman's. It is a well rehearsed ensemble. I marvel at the rhythm section's ability to step into each assignment with a true feeling for the era and the subject. Kathy Gelb's vocals always radiate optimism and a solid sense of swing. And the horn players consistantly demonstrate musical integrity via section balance, ensemble blend, and swinging, unified phrasing."
- Owen Cordle - Jazz Times, N & O

Highlighted titles link to musical excerpts (mp3)

1. Let's Dance
2. Wrappin' It Up
3. I Thought About You
4. Why Don't You Do Right
5. Bugle Call Rag
6. King Porter Stomp
7. Stealin' Apples
8. Air Mail Special
9. Don't Be That Way
10. Sing, Sing, Sing (Part I)
11. Moonglow (Quartet)
12. Sweet Sue, Just You (Quartet)
13. I Found A New Baby (Septet)
14. Breakfast Feud (Septet)
15. Oh, Lady Be Good Nonet

"The rich script which life presented to Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington is presented to us through his compositional genius and the artistry of the performers who interpret that genius. To be able to join my colleagues in recording this Ellington collection as we celebrated the centennial of his birth has been among the richest and most rewarding experiences of my life. I hope that each of you will experience some of the joy in listening to this collection that we experienced in preparing it for you. To Duke - "The world loves you madly, your music lives on!"
- Jim Ketch, NCJRO music director

"Space does not permit a play-by-play description of the performances on this CD. But dig the echoes of the Ellington soloists, the authentic Ellington band drive and feeling of the rhythm section, and the shifting horn colors. The tunes range from "Ring Dem Bells" and " Mood Indigo", both written in 1930, to "Mount Harissa" (from the "Far East Suite"), written in 1966. Each musician in this band rates high on my musical scale."
- Owen Cordle - Jazz Times, N & O

highlighted titles link to musical excerpts (mp3)

1. Take the A Train
2. Cotton Tail
3. Satin Doll
4. Isfahan
5. Kissing Bug
6. Ring Dem Bells
7. I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good
8. Diminuendo in Blue
9. UMMG (Upper Manhattan Medical Group)
10. Clarinet Lament
11. C Jam Blues
12. Pitter Panther Patter
13. Mount Harissa
14. Mood Indigo
15. Zweet Zursday
16. I Ain't Got Nothin' But The Blues
17. Azure
18. Le Sucrier Velour

I would like to share with you my great admiration for and appreciation of the fine musicians of the NCJRO. Throughout this recording you will listen to creative soloists, exciting section work, marvelous lead playing, and the kind of driving rhythm section needed to bring it all together. I am honored to serve as musical director of such an outstanding group of musicians. On behalf of all the members of the North Carolina Jazz Repertory Orchestra and our Board of Directors, I wish you many hours of listening enjoyment! Don't forget to dress warmly .... a blizzard's headed your way!
- James Ketch

highlighted titles link to musical excerpts (mp3)

1. Snowball
2. Jingle Bells
3. Sleigh Ride
4. Let It Snow
Tracks 5-9.The Nutcracker Suite (Tchaikovsky) arranged by Duke Ellington
5. Nutcracker Overture
6. Peanut Brittle Brigade
7. Sugar Rum Cherry
8. Vodka Vouty
9. Dance of the Floreadors
10. A Child is Born
11. March of the Toy Soldiers
12. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
13. Good King Wenceslas
14. The Christmas Song
15. We Three Kings
16. Santa Claus is Coming To Town
17. Little Drummer Boy
18. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas