Ellingtonia Live At The West End 1979, Russell Procope, CD

Russell Procope was born and raised in the San Juan Hill (later called Lincoln Square) area of Manhattan, New York City. He was an accomplished veteran of many legendary American Jazz ensembles such as the great Fletcher Henderson's band, John Kirby's sextet, and eventually featured on alto saxophone and clarinet with the greatest of them all, Duke Ellington. He generally shared lead alto duties with Johnny Hodges, as well as becoming the residential "New Orleans clarinetist" with the band, filling the role that was forged originally by Barney Bigard, back in the 1930s. While Procope was not even from the South, he aptly interpreted "Barney's Book" and, in fact, added a flair to it which was entirely his own. This buoyantly swinging live recording is perhaps not of the premium sound quality, but is of historical significance to Ellington fans and swing music fans alike who appreciate Procope's sweet sound and swing.