Description
SKU/Barcode: 717101832422
This 1958 concert is a typical Duke Ellington set from the period, mixing new numbers and old favorites, as well as the inevitable long medley of his biggest hits. Because this performance was recorded for radio broadcast, it doesn't quite have the depth or balance of Ellington's commercial recordings, though the balance is fairly good, and the soloists are very prominent. Highlights include the exciting 'Newport Up,' which showcases Clark Terry on flugelhorn, clarinetist Jimmy Hamilton, and tenor saxophonist Paul Gonsalves; baritone saxophonist Harry Carney in 'Sophisticated Lady,' and finally, alto saxophone star Johnny Hodges in 'Jeep's Blues.' The two songs from the fairly new LP, A Drum is A Woman, with lackluster singer Ozzie Bailey, are disappointing, while the long medley serves mainly to fulfill numerous audience requests. Sadly, the final number, 'Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue,' is the victim of a fade-out in the midst of Gonsalves' solo. This is a good, though hardly essential release for fans of Duke Ellington.