Mood Ellington is a lavishly ambitious collection from acclaimed vocalist Paul Marinaro, presenting twenty-five of Duke Ellington's finest vocal compositions, vividly reimagined by thirteen of the world's most celebrated arrangers-including Alan Broadbent, John Clayton, Bill Cunliffe, Chuck Israels, and Chuck Owen-and performed by his Chicago quartet along with horns and a lush string section. Praised for his masterful phrasing, rich tone, and deep emotional connection to a lyric, Mariano inhabits Ellington's masterpieces with wit and elegance, resulting in a sweeping 21st-century celebration of Ellington's timeless artistry. While flowing as one cohesive whole, the themes of rhapsodizing on love ("I'm Just a Lucky So & So"), somber reflection ("Mood Indigo"), and tunes suggesting a little more of real life ("Don't Get Around Much Anymore"), divide the songs into three distinct thematic story arcs. "One of the most beautiful vocal instruments in the business today." - Chicago Tribune "Like Nat Cole, it's art so close to perfection that it seems almost artless. I've heard many new singers, and no one has touched me as deeply as this guy. He's got it all. - Dick LaPal

Tracklist:

[3:52] I'm Beginning to See the Light
[5:34] a Flower Is a Lovesome Thing
[4:16] I'm Just a Lucky So and So
[3:26] Love You Madly
[4:58] Sophisticated Lady
[5:15] I Like the Sunrise
[4:53] Just Squeeze Me
[4:11] It Shouldn't Happen to a Dream
[3:42] in a Mellow Tone
[5:43] Mood Indigo
[3:54] Azure
[4:52] Don't You Know I Care (Or Don't You Care to Know)
[5:02] I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)
[6:21] (In My) Solitude
[4:39] All Too Soon
[3:52] Lush Life
[5:11] (I Want) Something to Live for
[5:05] Don't Get Around Much Anymore
[3:56] Take Love Easy
[5:05] Day Dream
[5:46] I Ain't Got Nothin' But the Blues
[4:53] Caravan
[4:14] I Didn't Know About You
[4:38] in a Sentimental Mood
[5:42] Do Nothing Till You Hear from Me

UPC: 805558293726
Label: Origin Records
Release Date: 11.21.25
Format: CD

Paul Marinaro - Mood Ellington (CD)