Duke Ellington: A Concert of Sacred Music/Love You Madly

From the Ralph J. Gleason archives come two significant Duke Ellington programs available on DVD for the first time ever, "Love You Madly" and "A Concert of Sacred Music At Grace Cathedral". Both Emmy-nominated programs represent a significant piece of Ellington history, and this DVD celebrates the 40th anniversary of this premier performance of his Concert of Sacred Music.

"Love You Madly" is an Emmy-nominated behind-the-scenes profile of Ellington including performances and interviews with the legendary bandleader. The performance footage was recorded in a number of places, from The Basin St.West Jazz Club, the 1965 Monterey Jazz Festival, and his first Concert of Sacred Music at Grace Cathedral. This program was described by Ellington in his autobiography as "…the best film about Duke Ellington ever made…"

"A Concert of Sacred Music At Grace Cathedral" (also an Emmy-nominated program) is a rare piece of history. Filmed on location at the premier performance on September 16, 1965, it is the first of what would be 3 Concerts of Sacred Music composed by Ellington between 1965 & 1973. These pieces combined classical, jazz, spirituals, gospel, blues music and dance and were performed in churches and cathedrals around the world. This Concert of Sacred Music was commissioned by the Dean of Grace Cathedral as part of a yearlong celebration for the completion and consecration of the Cathedral.

Liner notes have been contributed by noted journalist and author Ashley Kahn.