American Jazzscapes in the Middle East - Artists
👤

Duke Ellington

Name: Duke Ellington
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duke_Ellington
Wikipedia Summary: Duke Ellington was an American composer, pianist, and bandleader who played a pivotal role in the development of jazz. While not primarily associated with Middle Eastern themes, Ellington occasionally incorporated exotic elements into his compositions.
Born: 1899
Died: 1974
Url1: https://www.dukeellington.com/
Url2: https://www.allmusic.com/artist/duke-ellington-mn0000122886
Notes: Duke Ellington's vast repertoire occasionally included pieces that incorporated elements reminiscent of Middle Eastern music, reflecting his interest in diverse musical traditions. While not a primary focus of his work, Ellington's compositions sometimes featured modal scales, unusual harmonies, or rhythmic patterns that could evoke Middle Eastern or other non-Western musical concepts. His collaborations with musicians from various backgrounds and his interest in creating "tone parallels" to different cultures may have led to occasional incorporation of Middle Eastern-inspired elements in his music, albeit usually within the broader context of his jazz and swing styles.