Customer Reviews

70th Birthday Concert

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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.

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.

The very first Ellington album I purchased, from the cut-out section at the old Rose Records in Chicago for $3.98 (the equivalent of buying gold for $20 an ounce). Yes, some of the sidemen weren't up to their previous peaks, but on the whole a great performance, especially from the leader himself. Just listen to his vocal exhortations as he comments on his own playing or encourages the soloists. And one of the best versions of "A Train" out there. A well balanced recording gives us a hint of what a live Ellington show in his last years must have sounded like.

A great, great album set. A must have to anyone's jazz collection. I currently own the original LP set which is getting rather worn for being played so much. Wonderful solos by all the players and the greatest big band of all time. You can't beat that combination even with a pile driver.

This Set is Incredible.The Band&Duke are Wonderful.it's a Grand Tribute to one of The Greatest Teachers The Music World Has ever Heard.The Music always sounds so Fresh&Alive.that's The Legacy Of Duke.

I do love this recording, but only for its historic significance. It is with sad regret that i listened to the concert and realized that Duke and the band at this point were showing a noticable lack of physical health and ability. Paul Gonsalves, although still a very skilled player, just did not have the ability to pull off his classic solo stylings. Many of the other solists showed a similar deterioration. All in all Duke fares the best. This aside i still recommend this recording as it does show the influence of more modern jazz stylings. (i cant say i like the organ playing though) Any serious Ellington fan must buy this CD.