[Ellington, Duke. (1899-1974)] Bellson, Louie [Luigi Paulino Alfredo Francesco Antonio Balassoni]. (1924 - 2009)
"The Hawk Talks," Autograph Musical Manuscript
Autograph full score accomplished in pencil in the hand of Louie Bellson and titled on the outer wrapper in red pencil "The Hawk Talks / Original / By Louie Bellson / 1/17/51. / For Harry James Band" and again at the top of the first page of music, " The Hawk Talks." Oblong. 15 large pages, each page with 8 measures scored in full for 18 players (Saxophones, Trumpets, Trombones, Guitar, Piano, Bass, Drums), noting specific parts intended for ‘Jimmy’ [Cook], ‘Corky’ [Corcoran] and ‘Harry’ [James]. The score bound with three staples along the left margin, final page verso serving as the title wrapper (so upright folio when score is foldedin half). Crease from prior folding through center, final 2 pages with tape staining and some damage along crease, otherwise fine. 45 x 35 cm fully opened; 347 x 453 mm, large 19 stave score sheets by King Brand with eight bars per page. [With:] a typewritten publishing agreement for the composition The Hawk Talks between Tempo Music, Inc. and composer Louie Bellson, dated 25 May 1951, signed in blue ballpoint pen by Bellson, 4pp., 356 x 216 mm. [And:] a leaflet for the Duke Ellington Society of Southern California, Inc., signed and inscribed in black ink to Rolling Stones drummer, Charlie Watts ‘To Charlie – peace + love, Louie Bellson’. Housed in a modern custom red cloth solander box. Provenance: Collection of Charlie Watts.A very rare original autograph manuscript of the most famous work by the influential jazz drummer, composer, arranger and bandleader who performed regularly with many of the greats, including Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Ella Fitzgerald and many others.
"Bellson often said that he regarded his tenure with Ellington as one of the significant points in his career. Performing with the orchestra in the early '50s triggered a forward leap in his development as an instrumentalist and his confidence as a composer. A pair of his best-known big band works, 'The Hawk Talks' and 'Skin Deep' became popular staples of the Ellington repertoire -- but not without some initial reservations from Bellson. In a 2006 interview he said he had written 'The Hawk Talks' with Harry James in mind. 'Harry was called 'The Hawk,'' Bellson recalled. 'But I wrote it when I was with Duke, and it took a lot of coaxing from [trombonist] Juan Tizol to make me bring it to Duke. I told Juan, 'Are you crazy? You want me to bring music in to a place with Duke and Billy Strayhorn? Geniuses like that? No way.' I brought it in anyhow and lo and behold, Duke recorded it right away...But it was Duke who taught me how to write. How to be original. How to know what to do with the rhythm section, with the horns.' Ellington returned Bellson's high regard, noting, 'Not only is Louie Bellson the world's greatest drummer . . . he's the world's greatest musician!' Other artists concurred. Oscar Peterson described Bellson as 'the epitome of musical talent. . . . I consider him one of the musical giants of our age.'" (Don Heckman, Obituary, February 17, 2009, Los Angeles Times) (23137)
Manuscript Music Jazz