Duke Ellington

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.

PERSONNEL:

• REEDS:
• Harry Carney
• Russell Procope
• Jimmy Hamilton
• Paul Gonsalves
• Rick Henderson

• TRUMPETS:
• Cat Anderson
• Clark Terry
• Willie Cook
• Ray Nance

• TROMBONES:
• Britt Woodman
• Quentin Jackson
• John Sanders

• DRUMS:
• Sam Woodyaed
• Candido
• Terry Snyder

• Duke Ellington - (piano)
• Jimmy Woods - (bass)
• Betty Glamann - (harp)

TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• A1 Drum Is a Woman
• A2 Rhythm Pum Te Pum
• A3 What Else Can You Do With a Drum
• A4 New Orleans
• A5 Hey, Buddy Bolden
• A6 Carribee Joe / Congo Square

• SIDE B
• B1 A Drum Is a Woman
• B2 You Better Know It
• B3 Madam Zajj / Bullet of the Flying Saucers
• B4 Zajj's Dream
• B5 Rhumbop
• B6 Carribee Joe
• B7 Finale