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 edition of Pates Place we salute a select group of composers who have birthdays in February. Harold Arlen composed “I’ve Got the World on a String”. Here Lena Horne sings (lyrics by Ted Koehler) and Phil Woods plays on Lena: A New Album. Harold Arlen also wrote “Ill Wind”. This time Koehler’s lyrics are [...]

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 [...]

Let’s listen to the words. Pate’s Pace is offering a special edition where we will concentrate on the lyrics. And to learn more about the songwriters, click on their pictures. Here’s To Life, written by Artie Butler & Phyllis Molinary (both pictured below), is the first song on Shirley Horn’s Here’s To Life CD.   [...]

This lady has it in her genes. Pate’s Place is proud to salute the daughter of the late Nat Cole, Ms Natalie Cole. Soon (on “Ask A Woman Who Knows”) and Don’t Explain (on “Take A Look”). Tell Me About It (on “Ask A Woman” ) and Ahmad’s Blues (on “StarDust”). I Told You So [...]

This edition of Pates Place we’re saluting some of our favorite male vocalists. It Might As Well Be Spring / L.A. Breakdown Grady Tate on his Body & Soul CD and Jack Jones singing his title track recording. Don’t You Love Me Anymore / Mandy Is Two Ray Charles on Disc 5 of Genius & [...]

This edition of Pates Place we’re going to delve into the field of different arrangements of the same song. SURREY WITH THE FRINGE ON TOP as played by   George Shearing on How Beautiful Is Night Ahmad Jamal on Okeh Jazz compilation and the Gene Harris and the Philip Morris SuperBand on Live at Town [...]

A Jazz vocalist with extraordinary “chops”.  The lady knows what to do with a song. The Best Is Yet To Come / Wild Is The Wind Let There Be Love / You Are There You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To / Never Let Me Go / I Know That You Know Luiza Something Happens To [...]

This elegant lady has been at the “top of her game” for quite a few years, and we just celebrated her birthday on February 20. Pate’s Place can’t find enough adjectives to introduce you to Miss Nancy Wilson. Day in, Day Out/An Older Man Is Like An Elegant Wine (on R.S.V.P. – Rare Songs, Very [...]

Here at Pates Place we like to introduce you to talent you might not be too familiar with. Meet Ms. Helen Merrill. People Will Say We’re in Love / Don’t Explain* You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To* / Born To Be Blue* You’re Lucky To Me / By Myself Yesterdays* / Falling In [...]