TUESDAY, MAY 4, 1999

Ellington tribute hits all the right jazzy notes

By Tina Dhamija

On-Line Forty-Niner

Saturday marked a very important birthday for music fans everywhere. Jazz icon Duke Ellington would have turned 100.

In honor of this occasion, Borders bookstore in Long Beach held a birthday bash for the legendary jazz performer in a "Duke Ellington Centennial Celebration," held Saturday night in the cafe portion of the bookstore.

More than 60 people turned out to partake in the festivities. Local group the Great American Music Company played an hour-long set of Ellington songs.

The group's two vocalists, Dewey Erney and Stephanie Haynes, belted out lyrics to some of the Duke's most memorable works, from his days in New York's legendary Cotton Club, to his collaborations with other artists.

Haynes did a wonderful job while singing the Duke's slow, bluesy tune "Solitude." She held every note at ample pitch and created the somber mood the song was written for.

Such instrumental pieces as the fast-paced "Caravan" were played by the group. The tune, with its mambo feel and upbeat mood, was enjoyable.

Another highlight of the show was a medley sung by Haynes and Erney that covered three of the Duke's most timeless songs, "Rocks in My Bed," "Ain't Nothin' the Same it Used to be" and "The C-Jam Blues." The medley was well-sung and adequately performed by the group; it had the crowd following along excitedly.

Aside from the group paying tribute to the Duke, a traveling photo exhibit with never-before-seen photos of Ellington will be on display at the bookstore through May 15. For more information, one may call (562) 799-0486.