Customer Reviews

The Duke's Men: Small Groups Vol. 1

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This is perfect music on this doule cd. With clear arrangements and perfect playing of all members these recordings are one of the best of swing small groups music.

There are many great themes like Caravan, Stompy Jones, Moonlight Fiesta, Lost In Meditation, Echoes Of Harlem, Tiger Rag in noncommercial versions (for the most part better then orchestral versions). And many great swing themes which never been played with orchesta (like Rexatious, Blue Reverie).

Perfect music, good sound (but low volume).

Exist Duke's men: Small groups vol.2 double cd with many perfect small combos music too.

But both this Columbia double cds are not actual for me, because there exist new limited Mosaic 1936-40 small group sessions 7cd set. It includes all recordings from Columbia Duke's men vol.1 and vol.2 doule sets (omit Stingaree and Baby, Ain'tcha Satisfied?, but add all alternate versions and small groups recordings like Blue Light, or Ellington-Blanton duets). It also includes perfect 1939-40 sessions.

Sound on this Mosaic set is perfect, much better than on vol.1, but not so clear and thin like vol.2 double set.

I reccomend this 7cd box, which can buy on Mosaicrecords site directly.

This is the first of two Columbia sets featuring Duke Ellington and small groups (6-8 musicians)from the 1930s. This set spans 1934 to 1938, but most of the sessions are from 1936 and 1937. The recordings were originally released under the nominal leadership of key members of Ellington's big band including trumpeters Rex Stewart and Cootie Williams, clarinetist Barney Bigard, and saxophonist Johnny Hodges. Most of the songs were penned by Ellington together with various members of the group, usually the nominal leaders of the sessions. All the music is wonderfully elegant swing music that will take you back in time.

In addition to the musicians mentioned above, Ellington also was joined by Harry Carney on baritone sax, Otto Hardwick on alto saxophone, Lawrence Brown, Joe Nanton, Sandy Williams, and Juan Tizol on trombone (but only one at a time), Billy Taylor on bass, and Sonny Greer on drums. Featured singers included Ivie Anderson, Buddy Clark, Sue Mitchell, Jerry Kruger, and Mary McHugh.

There are many wonderful songs on this set including lovely ballads and upbeat stompers. You'll be impressed by the charm and inventiveness of this music as you enjoy one great song after another. It is unfortunate that these sets are no longer available from Columbia. Hopefully, you'll be able to find used copies.

This album is wonderful! Almost every track is glorious. And it's such a shame that this is no longer in print. The sound is wonderful.

But for some reason, Columbia (and other labels) have decided to re-release and re-package old jazz recordings like this one from the 20's and 30's, with "remastering" that, for me, totally ruins the sound.

I know that they're trying to make the recordings sound better, but they only end up ruining the recordings as far as my ears can tell. And it's really a shame.

I wish they would keep the original pre-"remastered" CD's, like this one, on the market.

This is some of the greatest music you can find, in any genre. It has heart, soul, swing, humor, talent, and is just plain infectious, melodious music of the highest order. If you are a Duke Ellington fan, this is absolutely indispensable. It speaks directly to me, not out of the past, but as just as great, visionary music.

thanks to my Grandparents&Family I got Schooled on the Importance of Duke Ellington.well I also I got Schooled on the Importance of a Band.THe Man had a Band like nobody's Business&here they really shine.these Discs Showcase their Genius.DUke was A Genius&His Band are just as tight.