laurent mignard duke orchestra “ if you want to hear

Laurent Mignard DUKE ORCHESTRA booking – Claudette De San Isidoro – [email protected] – tel + 33 6 77 05 66 12

L’agence musicale - 14 rue Parmentier 92140 Clamart France - tel +33 6 60 28 73 73 [email protected] - www.laurentmignard.com

“ If you want to hear Ellington live, go to Paris ! Thank you “Duke Orchestra” for keeping Duke alive. ”

Duke Ellington Music Society



Duke Ellington

The work of Duke Ellington represents one of the greatest legacies of the 20th century.

Combining the spirit of the blues with the most elegant orchestral compositions and continual references to Afro-American culture, the “Duke” always maintained the ideal of art for all, while delivering an original and transcending language based on intelligence and aesthetic, beyond eras and styles.

Laurent Mignard Duke Orchestra

The sound of the Orchestra, crafted transcriptions realized by ear from the original recordings, personality of the soloists and a special spirit confer Laurent Mignard Duke Orchestra a strong reputation in concerts and (re)creations such as the “Sacred Concert” in church Saint Sulpice, Paris, Cork Irland and Jazz à Vienne, “Far East Suite” in Beirut Lebanon, “New Orleans Suite” (Rhoda Scott), Radio France …

Founded in 2003, the Duke Orchestra led by Laurent Mignard explore the multiple facets of a Duke Ellington well worth

(re)discovering. The engagement is loyal, respectful, creative and enthusiastic. The aesthetics and the timeless values of "The Duke" are projected into today’s world…

In 2011... the Duke Orchestra met with nearly 20,000 spectators (21 concerts) : creation "Duke Ellington is alive" at the Alhambra Paris, Jazz à Vienne "Battle Royal" (on-line on France Inter), uptake TV "live at College des Bernardins", recording of the new album "Ellington French Touch" (Juste une Trace - Columbia / Sony Music France, transcription of unreleased Ellington's pieces, collaborations with "La Maison du Duke" (Duke's Place in Paris).

Duke Ellington is alive !



2012 highlights

The upcoming season will be the one of creation and diffusion …

- licence agreement with prestigious label Columbia / Sony Music France

- new album "Ellington French Touch", reveals french songs and unreleased numbers

- Creation of the show "Ellington French Touch" at the Palace theatre, Paris (03/12)

- TV broadcast on TF1 "live at College des Bernardins" (04/03)

- TV broadcast on Mezzo "Battle Royal - jazz à Vienne" (june)

- 20 concerts (20,000 spectators expected).

Press

Duke Ellington Society - "Remarkably close to the originals"

Duke Ellington Music Society - "If you want to hear Ellington live, go to Paris !"

L'Express - "Laurent Mignard, messenger of the Duke"

Radio France Info - "One of the best ambassadors of Ellington's music".

TV France 2 - "A formidable tool of exploration of the work of Duke Ellington"



Shows and Creations The work of Duke Ellington stands like a proclamation for diversity, beyond fashion and styles, nourished by the most varied inspirations. As a token of its esteem for this extraordinary aesthetic abundance and in order to enlighten the public, the Duke Orchestra proposes a large choice of thematic concerts and original performances for a variety of audiences.

Ellington Panorama available The multiple facets of Duke Ellington’s work : famous standards, pieces to be (re)discovered, excerpts of the Suites. .. “Ellington Panorama” brings different audiences together, in the same enthusiastic spirit, as they encounter a major composer.

Sacred Concert available Testament of Duke Ellington, opus with soloists, choir and narrator. Duke’s words are staged in a spiritual and poignant concert.

Duke Ellington “French Touch” creation Duke and France : a love story ! This original production combines live music and video art, showing some of the most beautiful chapters of the Duke Ellington's works in (and about) France. Duke is on stage, he interacts with the orchestra, talks to the audience … A new way for encounting the Duke.

The world of Duke available Incessant and untiring voyager in encounting others, as a missionary, Duke Ellington testify continents and people in the Suites that today are known as major works. An invitation to (re)discover a world of humanism, elegance and contrasts.

Symphonic Ellington creation The Duke Orchestra invites an acclaimed symphony orchestra exalting the Ellington colors in great thematic frescos. Duke at the pantheon of great music.

Shakespeare Ellington creation Theatrical and musical portraits of emblematic characters of Shakespeare. The Suite “Such Sweet Thunder ” extend the playwright’s text. Shakespeare and Ellington, another look at the aesthetic of passions.

Choreographic Ellington creation All the richness of Ellington’s atmosphere in a great choreographic show : revue of the 30’s, tap dance, frenetic stomps, jungle, jitterbug, veiled dances, street dances and operatic ballet … The gestures of the Duke are choreographic!

Duke Ladies creation Women are at the heart of the Duke’s work : their sensuous perfume (Perfume Suite), their femininity (Sophisticated Lady), the great singers (Girl’s Suite, Ivie Anderson, Betty Roche, Ella Fitzgerald, Alice Babs…). Dedicated to Ladies, the show presents a wide variety of singers, and gives the opportunity of meeting creators (fashion, perfume, video art, choreographers …). “Music is a woman” – Duke Ellington.

Afro Duke creation Spokesperson for black people eager for integration, “dandy” mirror of a “multicolor high society,” Duke is in some way the inventor of “black is beautiful.” A performance to discover a complex and passionate esthetic undertaking.



Saluted performances

Jazz à Vienne (with Harlem Jubilee Singers), Paris - l'Esprit Jazz Saint-Sulpice (with La Velle), Cork - Guiness Jazz Festival (with Pat Cox), Liban Jazz festival Beirut, Radio France, Festival Radio France & Montpellier, Festival Rhino Jazz, 24 Heures du Swing and Méridien Jazz Festival avec Rhoda Scott, Couleurs Jazz Saint Malo, Nîmes Métropole Festival, Cavalaire Jazz Jestival, Munster Jazz Festival, Sully & Loiret Festival, La Défense Jazz Festival, Pertuis Big Band Festival, Jazz sur son 31 Festival, Jazz en Val de Cher, Niederbronn (Nuit du Jazz), Oléron (Sites en scène), Sancy Snow Jazz, Touches de Jazz Beynes Festival, Auvillar Festival, Festival du Monastier, Sancy Snow Jazz, Niederbronn (Nuit du Jazz), Festival Touches de Jazz, Sites en Scène Oléron, Limoges, Périgueux, Provins, Auvillar, Puteaux Théâtre, Vendôme, Maisons-Laffitte, Versailles, La Sorbone Paris, Jazz club Lionel Hampton, La Bellevilloise, l'Entrepôt, Collège des Bernardins Paris, Alhambra Paris ...



Albums « Ellington French Touch » Laurent Mignard Duke Orchestra reveals the influence of France in Ellington’s work : french songs (that he founded particularly smart), cinema (movie Paris Blues which he composed the soundtrack for), places (Château de Goutelas - Suite), art (Edgar Degas, racecourse scenes), legendary concerts (Antibes Côte d’Azur 1966 ) ...

Laurent Mignard also offers unpublished works, created from Ellington’s manuscripts : 2 new pieces for the “Goutelas Suite”, 3 full length tracks from “Paris Blues”, and the theatre music of “Turcaret” for Jean Vilar’s « Theâtre National Populaire »/ Chaillot Venue. An opportunity to (re)discover an exceptional and timeless work.

2011 - Juste une Trace / Columbia – Sony Music France

« Duke Ellington is alive » The Duke Orchestra gathers a large variety of public in crowed theatres ... which probably illustrates the need for a music based on values, acting like a bridge between past and present. The album “Duke Ellington is alive” is a testimony of the audience's enthusiasm during the january 2009 concerts. From “Ko-Ko” to “ Ad lib on Nippon”, the Duke Orchestra presents a wide repertoire (from 1940 to the end of the 60’s) and carries the legacy of one of the greatest composers of the 20th century. Music expresses and survives toward its creator.

“Duke Ellington is alive” - Winter concerts 2009 - Juste une Trace – dist. Socadisc

�� Duke Ellington Music Society - « Marvelous CD »

�� Jazz Magazine : « Un CD jubilatoire »

Grand Prix 2009



The “Maison du Duke” - Duke’s Place in Paris

The “Maison du Duke” has been recently founded by the french ellingtonians in Paris for sharing Duke Ellington's heritage, bringing together spectators, musicians and fans. La “Maison du Duke” (Duke’s place in Paris”) was founded in September 2009, aiming to bring together enthusiasts and help disseminate the legacy of Duke Ellington. Represented by Claude Carrière (honorary president) and Christian Bonnet (president), the Maison du Duke presents :

- Duke Orchestra evenings : Themed programs with public performances, concerts, special guests ...

- Duke Ellington Conference : Cycle of thematic conferences by Dukish specialists, such as Claude Carrière, Philippe Baudoin, François Biensan, François Théberge, Laurent Mignard …

- Music sheet : Transcriptions of Duke Ellington repertoire available to members.

- Private collections : Privileged access to the private collections of the "Maison du Duke": rare recordings and documents, sheet music ...

- Exhibition : Thematic billboards for festivals, schools, firms …

- WebTV : on line, conferences, concerts, rares documents …

www.maisonduduke.com



Line Up

Surrounded by a “dream team” perfectly suited and ready to follow him in his adventure, Laurent Mignard succeeds in faithful and creative interpreter

of the great music of the Duke” - Claude Carriere Saxophones – Clarinets Didier Desbois, Aurelie Tropez, Fred Couderc, Nicolas Montier, Philippe Chagne Trumpettes François Biensan, Franck Delpeut, Richard Blanchet, Franck Guicherd Trombones Jean-Louis Damant, Fidel Fourneyron, Guy Arbion Piano Philippe Milanta Drums Julie Saury Contrebass Bruno Rousselet

Conductor Laurent Mignard Guests Rhoda Scott, La Velle, China Moses, Sylvia Howard, Patrick Bacqueville, Patrick Artero, Claude Carrière



Laurent Mignard

Conductor, trumpeter, composer

Born in 1965 in a little village near Paris, Laurent Mignard received diverse musical training participating in brass and dancing bands, educated at conservatories and jazz schools (CIM, IACP) as well as music and master classes with Eric Schultz, Jean Gobinet, Francois Théberge, Albert Mangelsdorff (Franco-German ensemble,) David Liebman, Bill Dobbins, David Angel, Francois

Jeanneau, Jean-Michel Bardez … After dedicating himself to most of the styles of jazz, his music evolved in a free written elaboration, transcending styles, and he tries a successful fusion between a jazz trio and a cello quartette (album “Face a Face.”).

In 2002 he founded his “Pocket Quartet” and proposed an original aesthetic nourished by the legacy of Ornette Coleman, Don Cherry and Duke Ellington (albums “Suites” and “After Tropicus.”)

• Winner of the national jazz competition at La Defense in Paris – 2002 • Jazz Révélation at Juan-les-Pins – 2005

In 2003 he founds the “Duke Orchestra” and conducts this ensemble considered as the reference serving Duke Ellington’s work.

As a composer, he has a passion for Debussy, Ravel, Dutilleux and Takemitsu and searches to attain an equilibrium between serenity and surprise going beyond the tonal traditional laws.

Always striving to reach wider audience he participates in diverse activities:

• Different forms of educational actions, master classes, instruction. • Conception and production of performances for businesses. • President of the “Fédération musicale des Hauts-de-Seine”.

Discography • Laurent Mignard Duke Orchestra « Ellington French Touch », 2011

Juste une Trace / Columbia – Sony Music France • Laurent Mignard Pocket Quartet « Good News”, 2010 * • Laurent Mignard Duke Orchestra « Duke Ellington is alive », 2009 * • Laurent Mignard Pocket Quartet « Alter Tropicus », 2004 * • Laurent Mignard Jazz Quartet « Suites », 2002 * • Laurent Mignard jazz trio & quatuor de violoncelles « Face à Face », 1998 * • Indigo « Live at Stil»,

* Label « Juste une Trace » - AMOC.



Press and reviews

Duke Ellington Society USA " ... Remarkably close to the originals ... Wisely and respectfully, the soloists capture the spirit as they play themselves ..." - Ted Hudson Duke Ellington Music Society Laurent’s group of dedicated musicians succeed in recreating Duke’s music, allowing people who have never heard Duke live, listen to his compositions like we had the great fortune to listen to them many times in the last century. I have never dreamed that it would be possible to come that close to the original Ellington performances. If you want to hear Ellington live, go to Paris. If you do not believe me, try to find a copy of this marvelous CD. Thank you “Duke Orchestra” for keeping Duke alive - Sjef Hoefsmit. Jazz Magazine - « A jubilating CD » France Info - «One of the best ambassadors of Duke Ellington's music (…) puts the light on the modernity of Ellington's work » France 2 - «A great tool for exploring Duke Ellington's work » Nouvel obs - «The right tone to play this timeless music » Le Monde - «Ellington's music played by a band of smooth demeanor » Telerama - «The spirit of Ellington in a contemporary body » La Terasse - «One of the better contemporary ambassadors of Duke Ellington's music, thanks to the quality of its originals arrangements, a great sound and a beautiful collection of soloists » Radio - TV

France 2, France 3, M6, LCI, France Inter, Europe 1, France Culture, France Musique, FIP, France Info, TSF …

Audio and video • Listen Duke Orchestra

http://www.myspace.com/dukeorchestra

• Watch videos of Duke Orchestra / Sacred concert in Jazz à Vienne 2009

http://www.laurent-mignard.com/index.php?id=6



THE INTERNATIONAL

DEMS BULLETIN DUKE ELLINGTON MUSIC SOCIETY 09/2 August - November 2009 Our 31st Year of Publication FOUNDER: BENNY AASLAND HONORARY MEMBER: FATHER JOHN GARCIA GENSEL EDITOR: SJEF HOEFSMIT ASSISTED BY: ROGER BOYES Voort 18b, 2328 Meerle, Belgium tel : +32 3 315 75 83 / [email protected]

DEMS 09/2-15 Highly recommended recently released CD: Juste Une Trace AMOC305369175646 “Duke Ellington Is Alive” (2009) Recently my friend Claude Carrière was so thoughtful as to introduce DEMS Bulletin to Laurent Mignard, who wrote me a nice letter and sent me a copy of his latest — actually the first — CD by his “Duke Orchestra”. This orchestra was founded by Laurent in 2003. It gives concerts four times a year at Duke’s Place (a warehouse in Paris, called “La Maison de Duke”) but there are many more concerts elsewhere during the year. Everything one could wish to know can be found on the Internet at www.laurentmignard.com and if you select “presentation” (in English) you will have a pdf file downloaded that contains answers on every possible question. Laurent was nine years old when Duke died. It is a great comfort for Ellington fanatics of my age to see (and hear) that a completely new generation shows so much respect for Duke’s heritage. Laurent’s group of dedicated musicians succeed in recreating Duke’s music, allowing people who have never heard Duke live, listen to his compositions like we had the great fortune to listen to them many times in the last century. There was a very well responded inquiry by Jo Ann Sterling on the Duke-LYM list to share memories of live performances of Ellington in the past with the list members. Laurent’s CD is simply overwhelming. I have never dreamed that it would be possible to come that close to the original Ellington performances. If you want to hear Ellington live, go to Paris. If you do not believe me, try to find a copy of this marvelous CD. The orchestra consists of Franck Delpeut, Franck Guicherd, François Biensan and Richard Blanchet on trumpet; Jean-Louis Damant, Guy Figlionlos and Guy Arbion on trombone; Didier Desbois, Aurelie Tropez, Nicolas Montier, Fred Couderc and Philippe Chagne on reeds; Philippe Milanta on piano; Bruno Rousselet on bass and Julie Saury on drums. For the CD “Duke Ellington Is Alive” Fred Couderc was replaced by Christophe Allemand, and Patrick Bacqueville was invited to do the vocal. The selections: 1. Ko-Ko; 2. Harlem Airshaft; 3. Black and Tan Fantasy; 4. Kinda Dukish and Rockin’ in Rhythm; 5. Sophisticated Lady; 6. Madness in Great Ones; 7. Half the Fun; 8. Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue; 9. Isfahan; 10. The Eighth Veil; 11. It Don’t Mean a Thing; 12. Ad Lib on Nippon; 13. Take the “A” Train. Tracks 1, 8, 10, 11 and 13 were recorded at Maisons Lafitte - salle Malherbes - on 16Jan09. The other tracks were recorded at Versailles at the école Sainte Geneviève Ginette on 7Jan09. The bottom line of the text says: “Merci à Duke Ellington et Billy Strayhorn pour leur heritage, leur vision et leur humanité.” I would add: “Thank you “Duke Orchestra” for keeping Duke alive.” Sjef Hoefsmit http://www.depanorama.net/dems/092c.htm

laurent mignard duke orchestra “ if you want to hear

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