Dating from 1971, these two concert performances feature the Duke Ellington Orchestra still in prime form, alternating such old favorites as "Take The 'A' Train," "Rockin' In Rhythm" and a hits medley with newer material. At 72, Ellington proves to still be a masterful pianist and a genial host to an enthusiastic European audience.
The 1971 Duke Ellington big band features such classic players as trumpeter Cootie Williams, clarinetist Russell Procope, baritonist Harry Carney and Paul Gonsalves, Harold Ashby and Norris Turney on tenors. In addition, the legendary tenor Ben Webster, one of the stars of Duke's orchestra in the early 1940s, sits in with the orchestra and is showcased on "Cotton Tail," "All Too Soon" and "I Got It Bad."
As strong as the soloists are, Duke Ellington is never overshadowed and he is very much seen and heard in prime form. These timeless performances not only give today's viewers a good idea what it was like to see Ellington live in concert during this era but how it must have felt to be on stage playing his music.