Duke Ellington’s “African Flower”

[Mike Neer]

To listen to Duke Ellington play this is pure magic. This tune really moves me.
Here is my humble tribute to the greatest. I played and arranged and recorded everything for what it’s worth.

https://mikeneer.bandcamp.com/track/african-flower

[Earnest Bovine]

magical

[Christopher Woitach]

I love this, Mike - beautiful and personal

Yeah, man

[Mike Neer]

You made my day, guys. Thanks!

[Craig Stock]

Very nice Mike! Hope you include that this summer in Westfield!

[Susan Alcorn]

Nice!!! I love how you interpret this Ellington piece - you truly bring it to life.

[Mike Neer]

Thanks, Susan!

When Ellington presented this tune at a session with Mingus and Max Roach, he instructed them to imagine the most beautiful flower ever seen in the middle of the jungle, unseen by any other eyes.

There is a scene from Ratatouille where a food critic tastes the rat's ratatouille, and all the fondest memories of his childhood flash back through his mind. For me, it's one of the most moving things I've ever seen on film, and I wanted to capture a piece of that feeling.

[Richard Nelson]

Nice one Mike.

[Tom Keller]

Great sound Mike! I loved it.