Ellington, Duke -& His Orchestra-
A Drum Is A Woman
'A Drum Is A Woman' is a musical allegory by American pianist, composer, and bandleader Duke Ellington and his long-time musical collaborator Billy Strayhorn. It tells the story of Madam Zajj, the personification of African rhythm, and Carribee Joe, who has his roots firmly in the jungle with his drums. Zajj travels out into the world seeking fame and sophistication and melds with the influences of cultures she weaves through the story, which gives a brief history of the rise of jazz and bebop. Originally recorded for the Columbia label in 1956, it was produced for television on the US Steel hour on May 8, 1957 SIDE 1: Part I: 1. A Drum Is a Woman (Margaret Tynes, Soprano) 2. Rhythm Pum Te Dum (Chorus) 3. What Else Can You Do with A Drum - Calypso (Ozzie Bailey, Vocal) Part II: 4. New Orleans (Duke Ellington, Narrator) 5. Hey, Buddy Bolden (Joya Sherrill, Vocal) 6. Carribee Joe (Joya Sherrill, Vocal) 7. Congo Square (Duke Ellington, Narrator) SIDE 2: Part III: 1. A Drum Is A Woman-Part 2 (Margaret Tynes, Soprano) 2. You Better Know It (Ozzie Bailey, Vocal) 3. Madam Zajj (Duke Ellington, Narrator) 4. Ballet Of The Flying Saucers Part IV: 5. Zajj's Dream (Duke Ellington, Narrator) 6. Rhumbop (Joya Sherrill, Vocal) 7. Carribee Joe Part 2 (Joya Sherrill, Vocal) 8. Finale (Margaret Tynes, Soprano)