Sophisticated Lady

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Sophisticated Lady (Duke Ellington, Irving Mills) Duke Ellington and His Orchestra introduced Sophisticated Lady with a 1933 recording that featured solos by Toby Hardwick (alto sax), Barney Bigard (clarinet), Lawrence Brown (trombone), and Ellington (piano).

Oddly, I haven’t found a single video, or audio track (I don’t know many sources of the latter) of Ellington’s hit 1933 recording. Below are a couple of later Duke Ellington versions followed by notable covers. I’ve found several other Ellington recordings, but they are presented without dates or other information so I’ve withheld them for now.

Duke Ellington and his Orchestra – 1952, a Snader telescription. Solos by Harry Carney (bass clarinet) and Willie Smith (alto sax).

Copenhagen – late in Duke’s career. The identification “1965-1971” may indicate a range of possible dates, or an album. Harry Carney, baritone clarinet.

Boswell Sisters – 9/11/33 — Accompanied by Manny Weinstock (tpt), Charlie Butterfield (tbn), Benny Goodman (cl), Chester Hazlett (as), Harry Hoffman (vln), Martha Boswell (p), Perry Botkin (bj, g), Dick Cherwin (sb), Stan King (d), New York

Billie Holiday – Session #78 Los Angeles 18 August 1956 — Billie Holiday & Her Orchestra (Verve) Harry ‘Sweets’ Edison (tp) Ben Webster (ts) Jimmy Rowles (p) Barney Kessel (g) Joe Mondragon (b) Alvin Stoller (d) Billie Holiday (v)