Russell Procope was born and raised in the San Juan Hill (later called Lincoln Square) area of Manhattan, New York City. He was an accomplished veteran of many legendary American Jazz ensembles such as the great Fletcher Henderson’s band, John Kirby’s sextet, and eventually featured on alto saxophone and clarinet with the greatest of them all, Duke Ellington. He generally shared lead alto duties with Johnny Hodges, as well as becoming the residential “New Orleans clarinetist” with the band, filling the role that was forged originally by Barney Bigard, back in the 1930s. While Procope was not even from the South, he aptly interpreted “Barney’s Book”, and, in fact, added a flair to it which was entirely his own. As an alto saxophonist, Procope had a certain flair and bouncy swing feel that was perhaps influenced by his former section mate, and eventual employer, Benny Carter, also a NYC musician. When he worked with Ellington, his vibrato was notably wider than that of Hodges, and his articulation choppier, which made his sound become the foil to Hodges’ swooping, sensual tone. When Strayhorn or Ellington would pen something that required more difficult reading or execution the more “legit” Procope would take the lead part, although some way not even realize Hodges did not play lead alto on every piece in the Ellington repertoire. The year of this recording is 1979, five years after the death of Ellington caused Procope to retire from the organization, declining to continue with the band under the direction of Ellington’s son, Mercer. Russell decided to stay in New York, and formed his own small combo: Ellingtonia. Originally, Ellingtonian Tenor Saxophonist Harold Ashby was in the group, but by the time of this recording, jazz veteran George Kelly had joined. Also on here, we find Richard Wyands has replaced Ram Ramirez on piano. Peck Morrison, part time Ellingtonian himself, is present on bass. On the drums is Ronnie Cole, who was the swinging son of alto saxophonist Rupert Cole. Russell Procope would only live for a couple more years, perhaps heartbroken by the loss of Ellington, he died at 72 years of age, in New York City. The West End Cafe was one of those now defunct classic spots for Jazz Music in Harlem, NYC, and this recording was part of a weekly series on WKCR-FM, recorded and hosted by Phil Schapp, who recently passed away. This buoyantly swinging live recording is perhaps not of the premium sound quality, but is of historical significance to Ellington fans and swing music fans alike who appreciate Procope’s sweet sound and swing. We hope you will thoroughly enjoy this, digitally remastered trip down memory lane, to an era and a sound that is long gone, but hopefully not forgotten.