Bernie Gregoire wrote:

>My sense about Ellington is that his composition and arranging efforts were
>actually primarily focused on his sidemen.  He stated on several occasions
>that his output was created especically to the individual strengths (sound
>and improvisational styles) of his soloing musicians, especially Harry
>Carney, Bubba Miley (in the very early days), Cat Anderson and his unique
>trombone choir comprised of Tizol, Jackson and Woodman.

Not to mention Cootie Williams and the incomparable Johnny Hodges.

Richard Pennycuick
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