Duke Ellington performed by Hugo Jennings - at Morocco Bound

Pianist Hugo Jennings performs Ellington & Brown’s This One’s for Blanton! live, celebrating jazz’s revolutionary bass legacy in an intimate gig at Morocco Bound.

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 Morocco Bound Book tickets

On Saturday 16th August, pianist Hugo Jennings presents a special concert at Morocco Bound Bookshop, honouring Duke Ellington and Ray Brown’s iconic 1973 duo album, This One’s for Blanton!, a heartfelt tribute to the revolutionary bassist Jimmie Blanton.

Though his life was tragically cut short at 23, Blanton’s innovative bass techniques and groundbreaking contributions to the Duke Ellington Orchestra in the late 1930s reshaped jazz forever. His pioneering 1939 piano-bass recordings with Ellington laid the foundation for generations of bassists, including Ray Brown, whose legendary work with Ella Fitzgerald cemented his own place in jazz history.

Jennings, a renowned pianist, vocalist, and conductor, brings his signature blend of historical insight and engaging performance to this intimate setting. Known for his work as Founder and Director of the Battersea Jazz Festival, he masterfully bridges education and entertainment, offering audiences both a deep dive into jazz’s legacy and a night of exquisite musicianship.

A must for jazz aficionados and newcomers alike, this concert promises a rich exploration of swing, bebop, and the timeless artistry of Ellington, Brown, and Blanton.

Venue details