Duke Ellington’s Grandson, Jazz Band Performing Christmas Show In Morristown

MORRISTOWN, NJ — A 17-piece jazz band is coming to the Morris Museum this weekend to perform a special Christmas concert.

On Dec. 20, The Water Gap Jazz Orchestra will fill the Morris Museum with swingin’ Christmas tunes.

The group, made up of “the highest caliber professional musicians in the tri-state area,” will perform Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite and their very own Grinch Suite.

Joining the orchestra will be Duke Ellington’s grandson, Edward Ellington II as the narrator, and iconic jazz vocalist Nancy Reed.

Ellington II, mainly a guitarist, has been performing both originals and covers of his grandfather for years with bands from across the country.

Reed was brought up in Harlem’s jazz scene in the 1940s. She’s been performing jazz shows with her husband, Spencer, for decades.

“The Nutcracker Suite” is a 1960 album by Ellington and his orchestra that features jazz interpretations of the 1892 ballet "The Nutcracker" by Tchaikovsky.

The Water Gap Jazz Orchestra’s own Grinch Suite is expected to be an even “jazzier” interpretation of the classic story and movie soundtrack.

Tickets to the show are available online now and are $28 for members, $33 for non-members.