70th Birthday Concert [Live]

Duke Ellington | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 15, 1995)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Live
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B000005H06
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #286,272 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

From Jazziz

Captured on a 1969 tour by United Artists (and reissued by Blue Note), Duke Ellington's 70th Birthday Concert presents both familiar hits and newer compositions. On Final Speech/Satin Doll, Duke is as commanding and clever as ever, explaining to the audience that the hushed strains of "Satin Doll" are "background to this finger-snapping bit. And you are all cordially invited to join the finger-snapping. I don't have to tell you: One never snaps one's fingers on the beat, it's considered aggressive. Don't push it, just let it fall."

--- JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is Duke at his best, May 31, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (california) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 70th Birthday Concert (Audio CD)

This was the last great live recording Duke and his orchestra made prior to his death in 1974. Every one in the band just shines. I wore out my LP and had to buy the CD when it was finally released on that format. happy listening

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review of Duke Ellington's 70th Birthday Concert, December 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: 70th Birthday Concert (Audio CD)

This CD not only is an excellent tribute to one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time, but it also is a great CD with some of the best jazz music I ever have heard. Cat Anderson's trumpet ability in "El Gato" is just amazing. His range and volume alone make this CD worth buying. The way be nails double and trible high notes, and how he builds off his melody make for a really exciting trumpet solo.

Billy Strayhorn's "Take the A Train" also is a great song. Besides it being one of the greatest and well known jazz piano songs ever, the version on this CD is the best I have ever heard.

I think that it is important to realize the monumental impact jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Count Basie have had on the jazz world. These men struggled against racism and discrimination and stood out in the crowd. Duke's superior ability had made him a jazz legend, and this CD is basically the best of his work.

Overall, this is a great CD with great takes of great songs. Any jazz fan would love this one - trust me. A great tribute to the father of jazz.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Evolution, January 22, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: 70th Birthday Concert (Audio CD)

The Duke establishes yet another indelible mark on the jazz world with the release of this stupendous live recording. This concert not only captures the essence of Ellington's artistry; it ultimately reveals to fans the evolution from Duke's primitive, earliest works to the sophisticated, rich arrangements captured here; and evokes an intense aura of energy that is certain to rivet listeners. I have also worn out my LP and am ordering a replacement CD. This is one of the finest jazz recordings you will ever own.