Paul Marinaro - Mood Ellington (CD)

Mood Ellington is a lavishly ambitious collection from acclaimed vocalist Paul Marinaro, presenting twenty-five of Duke Ellington's finest vocal compositions, vividly reimagined by thirteen of the world's most celebrated arrangers-including Alan Broadbent, John Clayton, Bill Cunliffe, Chuck Israels, and Chuck Owen-and performed by his Chicago quartet along with horns and a lush string section. Praised for his masterful phrasing, rich tone, and deep emotional connection to a lyric, Mariano inhabits Ellington's masterpieces with wit and elegance, resulting in a sweeping 21st-century celebration of Ellington's timeless artistry. While flowing as one cohesive whole, the themes of rhapsodizing on love ("I'm Just a Lucky So & So"), somber reflection ("Mood Indigo"), and tunes suggesting a little more of real life ("Don't Get Around Much Anymore"), divide the songs into three distinct thematic story arcs. "One of the most beautiful vocal instruments in the business today." - Chicago Tribune "Like Nat Cole, it's art so close to perfection that it seems almost artless. I've heard many new singers, and no one has touched me as deeply as this guy. He's got it all. - Dick LaPal

Track List:

Disc: 1

1. [3:52] I'm Beginning to See the Light
2. [5:34] a Flower Is a Lovesome Thing
3. [4:16] I'm Just a Lucky So and So
4. [3:26] Love You Madly
5. [4:58] Sophisticated Lady
6. [5:15] I Like the Sunrise
7. [4:53] Just Squeeze Me
8. [4:11] It Shouldn't Happen to a Dream
9. [3:42] in a Mellow Tone
10. [5:43] Mood Indigo
11. [3:54] Azure
12. [4:52] Don't You Know I Care (Or Don't You Care to Know)
13. [5:02] I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)
14. [6:21] (In My) Solitude
15. [4:39] All Too Soon
16. [3:52] Lush Life
17. [5:11] (I Want) Something to Live for
18. [5:05] Don't Get Around Much Anymore
19. [3:56] Take Love Easy
20. [5:05] Day Dream
21. [5:46] I Ain't Got Nothin' But the Blues
22. [4:53] Caravan
23. [4:14] I Didn't Know About You
24. [4:38] in a Sentimental Mood
25. [5:42] Do Nothing Till You Hear from Me