Customer Reviews

Unknown Session

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The session was recorded in Hollywood on 14 July, 1960, with Ray Nance, Lawrence Brown, Johhny Hodges, Harry Carney, Aaron Bell, and Sam Woodyard.

Track list: Everything But You, Black Beauty, All Too Soon, Something To Live For, Mood Indigo, Creole Blues, Don't You Know I Care, Mighty Like The Blues, Tonight I Shall Sleep, Dual Highway, Blues. <TT 39:06>

I don't know why, but Columbia (now Sony) didn't see fit to release this recording until 1979. This record is in a lot of ways like the Indigo record, only with a much smaller band. The booklet doesn't offer much explanation on the session, but gives great details on the background of the individual songs.

This record is very relaxed, making it a great late nite (or Sunday morning) record. Some of the arrangements are quite different, with "Creole Blues" being a duet between Ellington (piano) and Brown (trombone). This version of "Everything But You" is an instrumental (as is the whole record).

I can't understand why this record sat for so long. The arrangments and performances are great, with "Dual Highway" absolutely swingin' big. The quality of the recording isn't perfect (there is some distortion on particular solos due to mic placement) but in no way detracts from the listening experience. The levels are fine, and no one gets lost, even on the muted solos.

I have about a dozen Ellington records in my collection, and I've heard a few dozen more. This is the one I take out and play again and again on a regular basis. I don't know if it's his best (I think it's up there), but it certainly is my favorite.

For some reason, Sony has never seen fit to release this record in the US on CD, despite the big rollout and revamp they did for his 100th birthday. Sony needs to do an SACD release of this record. Right now, while you are reading this. Really.

I got this originally as a review LP in the late 70's when I was programming a San Diego radio station. Ellington's music is so timeless. And this set, with its small combo is incredible. There is a slight harshness occasionally, but it is beyond proof not only an example of this genius's music, but simply as great music that should be enjoyed by many. In spite of my career, most of my at home listening is Classical-- yet this album stands with the greatest. Absolutely amazing!

This small group session from 1962 has several tunes that are among my favorite Ellinton songs, including Everything But You, Black Beauty, and Mood Indigo. Ellington's intro on Black Beauty is worth the price of admission itself, and Lawrence Brown and Johnny Hodges are at their peak on this CD. A must for Ellington fans.

I have had this on LP for several years and it is never far away from my turntable,now it is at last available on CD. Ellington small group session at it's best and beautifully recorded it is worth the price for Lawrence Brown's trombone solos alone.Don't miss this or you will be sorry.