Collectables Jazz Classics (series)

All Star Road Band

Description by OLDIES.com:

Some of the jazz heavyweights performing on this live album include Cootie Williams, Johnny Hodges, and Herbie Jones, and the album shines with all-star line-up of Ellington tunes such as "Satin Doll," "Mood Indigo," and "Stompin' At The Savoy." Recorded live in Carrolltown, Pennsylvania in 1957.

Product Description:

Personnel: Duke Ellington (piano); Ray Nance (vocals, cornet); Russell Procope (alto saxophone, clarinet); Johnny Hodges (alto saxophone); Jimmy Hamilton (tenor saxophone, clarinet); Paul Gonsalves (tenor saxophone); Harry Carney (baritone saxophone, clarinet); Harold "Shorty" Baker, Willie Cook, Clark Terry (trumpet); Quentin Jackson, Britt Woodman, John Sanders (trombone); Joe Benjamin (bass); Sam Woodyard (drums).

Recorded live in Carroltown, Pennsylvannia in June 1957. Includes original release liner notes by Bob Thiele, Mercer Ellington and new liner notes by Stanley Dance.

Digitally remastered by Ken Robertson.

The second ALL STAR ROAD BAND album captures the Duke Ellington Orchestra live in a 1964 performance at the Holiday Ballroom in Chicago. This dance concert gives a taste of how Duke and his constantly touring band sounded at the dawn of the '60s rock explosion.

Old friends like Johnny Hodges, Cootie Williams, Jimmy Hamilton, and Paul Gonsalves are on hand and all are in fine form. The set list is a familiar one laced with old favorites like "Mood Indigo," "Satin Doll," and "C-Jam Blues." In a nod to popular tastes, Duke offers an appealing big band take on Don Williams' country hit "I Can't Stop Lovin' You."