Complete Sessions

Product Description:

Disc 1 is the previously released THE COMPLETE LOUIS ARMSTRONG & DUKE ELLINGTON SESSIONS. Disc 2 is a bonus CD of conversations, false starts and outtakes from the same sessions.

Personnel: Louis Armstrong (vocals, trumpet); Duke Ellington (piano); Trummy Young (trombone); Barney Bigard (clarinet); Mort Herbert (bass); Danny Barcelona (drums).

Producer: Bob Thiele.

Reissue producer: Michael Cuscana.

Recorded at RCA Studios, New York, New York on April 3 & 4, 1961. Includes liner notes by Dan Morgenstern.

Digitally remastered by Ron McMaster.

These are Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington's only recorded studio sessions working together. As the two men were arguably the most definitive improviser and bandleader/composer of the century respectively, that alone makes this collaboration of high interest. Originally released as two LPs on Roulette, "Together for the First Time" and "The Great Reunion of..." these sessions were well produced and well recorded the first time around. This two CD set brings together all 17 official cuts, and elegantly places all the outtakes, false starts, alternate takes, and session conversations on a second disc with its own set of liner notes.

Historical significance aside, this is simply some really great music. Armstrong's singing is relaxed and full of humor and grit, and the small combo setting means we get to hear more of Ellington's piano than usual. The group is rounded out with members of Armstrong's band, and includes the reunion of Duke and his former employee, clarinetist Barney Bigard. Duke's repertoire brings out the best in Armstrong, and he returns the favor, casting even the most familiar of these tunes in a fresh light. An exceptional recording through and through.