Chineke! Orchestra, Andrew Grams - The Nutcracker Suite EP (2023) Hi-Res

Music from Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker has frequently been used in non-classical contexts, including cartoon films and chocolate bar commercials. In 1960, the great Duke Ellington gave his favourite Nutcracker numbers a jazz makeover—here, Chineke! Orchestra presents an orchestrated version of the composer and bandleader’s The Nutcracker Suite.

The “Overture” sports a swinging double bass groove, punchy trumpets and a swaggering saxophone solo, while “Toot Toot Tootie Toot (Dance of the Reed-Pipes)” boasts cheeky clarinet glissandos. “Dance of the Floreadores (Waltz of the Flowers)” is an irresistible toe-tapper, complete with chattering hi-hat shuffles and cymbal clashes. “Sugar Rum Cherry (Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy)” features a laid-back tom-tom shuffle, and “Peanut Brittle Brigade” brings the Suite to an upbeat, brass-riffing conclusion. The Chineke! Players’ clear enjoyment is utterly infectious.