Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington has often been called a genius and a number of fine biographies will illuminates the whys and where fors. Here’s a very short list: (1) Duke Ellington’s autobiography Music Is My Mistress; (2) Beyond Category: The Life And Genius Of Duke Ellington by John Edward Hasse; (3) The World of Duke [...]

This special edition of Pate’s Place is proud to bring you some of the superbly talented ladies in our business.   DIVA, an all-female big band headed by drummer Sherri Maricle, playing You Stepped Out of a Dream and If I Should Lose You – both tunes are on Something’s Coming     Pianist Lynne [...]

Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass visit Pate’s Place to show us what big bands should sound like. Strollin’ and Days Gone By (both on Brass is Back) Hey! (on Brassy and Sassy) Good Morning Irene (on Big Band Jazz (1977 vinyl LP)) Nobody Else But Me (on Velvet and Brass with Mel Torme)       [...]

This edition of Pates Place we introduce you to an elder statesman in the field of music. Sammy Nestico fits this mold. Listen in and you’ll see why. The Blues Machine / This Is The Moment (both on his CD titled This Is The Moment) Lisette / A Minor Affair (On Basie & Beyond
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Happy Birthday! Clare Fischer cele- brates his 80th birthday on October 22, 2008. We wish him a very happy day and thank him for all his musical gifts that he has given us. This is a gentleman who can be called a musical genius. He has been way ahead of his time for many years. [...]