Originally composed in 1956 and first released in 1957, A Drum Is a Woman is Duke Ellington’s ambitious musical allegory blending jazz, narration, and theatrical storytelling. This 2022 reissue from Honey Pie Records restores the full suite on vinyl, remastered and pressed in Europe. The album tells the story of Madam Zajj, a symbolic figure representing African rhythm, as she journeys through musical evolution—from tribal roots to bebop sophistication.

Tracklist

1. A Drum Is a Woman
2. Rhythm Pum Te Dum
3. What Else Can You Do With a Drum
4. New Orleans
5. Hey, Buddy Bolden
6. Carribee Joe
7. Congo Square
8. A Drum Is a Woman (Part 2)
9. You Better Know It
10. Madam Zajj
11. Ballet of the Flying Saucers
12. Zajj's Dream
13. Rhumbop
14. Carribee Joe (Part 2)
15. Finale

Features

• Label: Honey Pie Records
• Catalog Number: HONEY079
• Format: Vinyl LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered
• Country: Europe
• Release Year: 2022
• Genre: Jazz / Big Band / Narrative Suite
• Barcode: 7427252391565
• Packaging: Standard sleeve
• Originally recorded: Columbia Studios, 1956
• First broadcast: US Steel Hour, 8 May 1957
• Narration and vocals: Duke Ellington, Margaret Tynes, Joya Sherrill, Ozzie Bailey