"Moon Maiden"

I just discovered this idiosyncratic, but delightful piece by Duke Ellington called, "Moon Maiden" (from "The Intimate Ellington"). Duke recites a poem with the backing of a keyboard of some kind, not regular piano. Perhaps it is a harpsichord.

Notice how perfectly Duke intones the lyrics--having fun, ahead of the beat, behind the beat, on the beat. It is "beyond category" once again.

My link to this music features a video created to accompany it. I suggest you not watch it, at least the first time you listen.