Edward Kennedy Ellington lives on. It seems really hard to believe that Duke passed over fifty years ago. But the proof of his artistic musical longevity lies in recordings like this one. This is a step into jazz history with a big band perfectly arranged to remind us of the greatness of Duke Ellington. Most of the tunes examined here are lesser known D E gems with titles like “Flirtbird”, “Addi”, “Juniflip”, “Happy Reunion”, “Azalea”, and “The Shepherd”. Also heard here are Ellington and Billy Strayhorn “hits” like “Rocks In My Bed”, “Blood Count”, “Caravan”, and “Sophisticated Lady”. On all these and more the incredible Ellington stamp is front and center. Solos abound brilliantly here and the entire project is true to the magical Ellington spirit five decades after he passed on. Let me close by saying that guitar legend Kenny Burrell once did a series of LP's entitled “Ellington Is Forever”. I couldn't say it any better.Eastlawn Records; probably 2024; 79:23
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