JLCO Plays Duke Ellington – Usher Hall

The Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra Residency brought us a night of Duke Ellington’s greatest compositions, directed by esteemed trumpeter and founder of JLCO, Wynton Marsalis.

Seeing as the theme of this year’s Edinburgh International Festival is ‘All Rise’ – tied to the 250th anniversary of America’s independence – an American ensemble playing the works of one of the most prolific American composers seems only fitting.  Especially when we get to the second act of the performance where the sole focus is on Ellington’s Black, Brown, and Beige, conducted by Chris Crenshaw. This suite tells the story of the hardships of the Black American, from slavery to segregation, and eventually emancipation.

Alongside the JLCO, musical guests were invited to perform, including EIF’s director Nicola Benedetti.  Ekep Nkwelle joins the orchestra to sing Blue Themes Mauve from Black, Brown and Beige, breaking up the bold and bright sound to bring us a more melancholy feeling.  Trumpeter Summer Camargo, the youngest ever member of the Saturday Night Live band, also featured.  The four other musical guests each brought their own unique flair to the music, blending seamlessly with the orchestra and playing with exceptional skill – those clarinet slides were unfathomable!

And of course, the JLCO themselves were unfaultable.  The soloists took Ellington’s music and had fun with it, even getting some laughs from the audience.  Although this might sound unusual in this setting, it gives testament to the rich, characterful playing of the musicians.  The band as a whole were punchy and vibrant – both the legacy and the expertise of the JLCO shines through their playing and passion towards the music.  JLCO are an undeniable force of excellence and culture.

More information is available at https://www.eif.co.uk/events/jlco-plays-duke-ellington  

Reviewer: Jessie Martin

Reviewed: 11th August 2026

North West End UK Rating: 5