THE SACRED MUSIC OF LOUIE BELLSON AND THE JAZZ BALLET Louie Bellson was the featured percussionist in Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts of 1965. During that collaboration, Ellington encouraged drummer Bellson to compose and perform a sacred concert of his own. In The Sacred Music, composer Bellson combines the “voicings” of symphony, big band and choir into a thrilling rendition which has been hailed “a masterpiece” and “a spiritual celebration” by Bellson colleagues Tony Bennett, Della Reese and others. The Jazz Ballet is based on the vows of holy matrimony. It features veteran trumpeter Bobby Shew who had performed it several times before. The work originally premiered in Las Vegas (1962) with none other than Dizzy Gillespie on trumpet. Supporting musicians for both works were faculty and students of the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music Studio Jazz Band, Symphony String Orchestra and Choir. The album contains a 20-page booklet of comprehensive liner notes written by renowned Ellington journalist and Bellson biographer Patricia Willard. Also included are photos of Bellson performing in 2000, 2002 and in 1965 with Duke Ellington and Lena Horne. IN THE NEWS JazzTimes article, Nov 2007 "Louie Bellson: The Go-To Guy" by Don Heckman http://jazztimes.com/columns_and_features/table_of_contents/article_excerpts/index.cfm?article_id=18513 Christian Jazz Artists (CJA) Network Newsletter, Fall 2007 Featured Interview http://www.songsofdavid.com/CJAFall2007featuredinterview.htm Louie Bellson on the JazzWax Blog (Sept 10 & 11 entries) http://jazzwax.com NEW CD AVAILABLE NOW! Louie Bellson's new CD with Clark Terry, LOUIE & CLARK EXPEDITION 2. Click sidebar link at left. OFFICIAL WEBSITE http://www.LouieBellson.com Information, Events, Links, Bio, etc.