The Private Collection, Volume 01

Product Description:

Personnel: Duke Ellington (piano); Russell Procope (alto saxophone, clarinet); Johnny Hodges (alto saxophone); Jimmy Hamilton (tenor saxophone, clarinet); Paul Gonsalves (tenor saxophone); Harry Carney (baritone saxophone, clarinet); Willie Cook, Clark Terry, Ray Nance, Cat Anderson (trumpet); Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders (trombone);

Jimmy Woode (bass); Sam Woodyard (drums).

Recorded between March 17 and December 16, 1956. Includes liner notes by Stanley Dance.

Duke Ellington, along with his frequent collaborator Billy Strayhorn, was so prolific a composer that whether or not he had an "outlet" for his music--an album for a record company--he'd record it if only to hear how it sounded! Also, some of these pieces of music were, in part or in entirety, works-in-progress, that would sometimes be "fine-tuned" at a later date. This is a great opportunity to hear Ellington & company playing for themselves--relaxed and informal, but by no means sloppy or second-rate. Note the rich, easygoing-but-with-a-swagger "Miss Lucy" or the sly, blusey, understated take on "Satin Doll." Fans or neophytes--this is a keeper!