Jazz / Big Band, Swing, Classic Jazz
Duke Ellington - Piano, Arranger
Duke Ellington & His Orchestra
Alvin Raglin Bass
Barney Bigard Clarinet
Ben Webster Sax (Tenor), Horn
Billy Strayhorn Arranger, Piano
Bob Porter Reissue Producer
Cootie Williams Trumpet
Ed Begley Remastering
Fred Guy Guitar
Harry Carney Clarinet, Sax (Baritone), Sax (Alto)
Herb Jeffries Vocals
Ivie Anderson Vocals
Jimmy Blanton Bass
Joe Tricky Sam Nanton Trombone
Johnny Hodges Clarinet, Sax (Alto), Horn, Sax (Soprano)
Juan Tizol Trombone (Valve)
Junior Raglin Bass
Lawrence Brown Trombone
Mary Tucker Liner Notes
Otto Hardwick Sax (Baritone), Sax (Alto)
Ray Nance Violin, Trumpet, Vocals
Rex Stewart Cornet
Sonny Greer Drums
Steve Backer Executive Producer
Wallace Jones Trumpet
This attractive three-CD set contains the master takes of all 66 selections recorded by Duke Ellington's Orchestra during what many historians consider its peak period. Left out are the many alternate takes, last released by European labels, and the Duke Ellington-Jimmy Blanton duets, which are available on a different CD. Included are dozens of classics, including "Ko-Ko," "Concerto for Cootie," "Cottontail," "Harlem Air Shaft," "All Too Soon," "In a Mellotone," "Warm Valley," "Take the 'A' Train," "Jumpin' Punkins," "I Got It Bad," "Jump for Joy," "Rocks in My Bed," "Chelsea Bridge," "Perdido," "The C Jam Blues," and "Johnny Come Lately," among many others. The arrangements and originals of Ellington and Billy Strayhorn are full of surprises, and even the lesser-known pieces are generally gems. With such soloists as trumpeter Cootie Williams, cornetists Rex Stewart and Ray Nance, trombonists Tricky Sam Nanton and Lawrence Brown, clarinetist Barney Bigard, altoist Johnny Hodges, tenor saxophonist Ben Webster, baritonist Harry Carney, bassist Jimmy Blanton, and the leader/pianist (plus singers Ivie Anderson and Herb Jeffries), Ellington led quite a remarkable unit. This music is essential for all jazz collections. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide |
