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Ellington and Strayhorn's Genius in no order really
By an Amazon.com customer
... and His Mother Called Him Bill... and His Mother Called Him Bill by Duke Ellington
Buy new: $15.99 / Used from: $8.90
This emotionally charged recording was recorded soon after Duke learned of Billy Strayhorns death. With the exception of one song, they are all Billy's. Johnny Hodges pulls off some of his best solo work ever on "Day Dream" (by far the best version ever), "After All", "Snibor" and Strayhorn's final composition "Blood Count".
New Orleans SuiteNew Orleans Suite by Duke Ellington
Buy new: $9.98 / Used from: $4.09
Features Johnny Hodges last solo, on the lead off track, and also features some amazing writing buy Duke, and phenominal playing by Joe Benjerman (bass) and Cootie Williams (Trumpet) A must have.
Far East SuiteFar East Suite by Duke Ellington
Buy new: $16.98 / Used from: $8.75
Ellington composes, to me, one of his all time masterpieces, in "Ad Lib On Napeon", the rest includes 3 great Strayhorn compositions, and John Lamb, Rufus Jones, and Jimmy Hamilton steal the show
Afro-BossaAfro-Bossa by Duke Ellington
Buy new: $12.98 / Used from: $8.01
Criminally underatted, this suite is composed of 12 short song, developing an idea of African rythms. Great sound quality, and very interesting sounds. Clocking in a only 36 minutes, this is a must
Masterpieces by EllingtonMasterpieces by Ellington by Duke Ellington
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $7.94
The first Ellington album I had ever heard. Truly sublime and long versions of "Mood Indigo", "Sophisticated Lady", and "Solitude". The bonus tracks are great including the Strayhorn gem "Smada"
The Afro-Eurasian EclipseThe Afro-Eurasian Eclipse by Duke Ellington
Buy new: $11.98 / Used from: $4.95
This is quite interesting, I could not describe this, except that is another masterpiece buy Ellington. Recorded in 1970 Ellington was still moving ahead and evolving his sound.
Latin American SuiteLatin American Suite by Duke Ellington & His Orchestra
Buy new: $11.98 / Used from: $2.98
Ellington's happy and affectionate suite for the Latin America's. Fun, loud, and rocking, this a must have for the more expirenced Ellington fan
Money JungleMoney Jungle by Duke Ellington
Buy new: $17.98 / Used from: $6.09
Ellingtonia in the avant garde. Ellington plays piano with mad-man and fellow genius Charles Mingus. Max Roach plays powerfully along Ellington orginals that will will be remebered for years to come.
Blues in OrbitBlues in Orbit by Duke Ellington
Buy used from: $0.67
Ellington At Newport 1956Ellington At Newport 1956 by Duke Ellington
Buy new: $22.99 / Used from: $12.24
Ellington's most famous recording, featuring Paul Gonsalves's amazing extended solo in "Dimuendo and Cresendo In Blue". But what follows, is even better; Johnny Hodges plays the definition of the blues to a stunned crowd.
Piano in the ForegroundPiano in the Foreground by Duke Ellington
Buy new: $11.98 / Used from: $6.39
Never No Lament: The Blanton-Webster BandNever No Lament: The Blanton-Webster Band by Duke Ellington
Buy new: $35.99 / Used from: $19.88
The Bubber Miley Era: 1924-1929The Bubber Miley Era: 1924-1929 by Duke Ellington
Buy new: $10.98 / Used from: $7.00
The orgins of Duke's sound. Bubber Miley was phenominal, way ahead of his time, and his plunger mute trumpet would change Ellington's sound forever.
The Great Summit: The Master TakesThe Great Summit: The Master Takes by Louis Armstrong & Duke Ellington
Buy new: $7.97 / Used from: $5.55
"Just a Lucky So and So" and "Black And Tan Fantasy" are perfect performances
Piano in the BackgroundPiano in the Background by Duke Ellington
Buy new: $11.98 / Used from: $6.70
"Main Steam", "Harlem Air Shaft", and "Happy Go Lucky Local" and great Ellington compositions written in the 40's, redone here with new charts in the 60's. Strayhorn's great "Midriff" also included.
Duke Ellington Meets Coleman HawkinsDuke Ellington Meets Coleman Hawkins by Duke Ellington
Buy used from: $16.99
Ellington's small group meeting with one of the masters of the tenor, Coleman Hawkins. Hawk plays a starling version of "Mood Indigo" and "Solitude". Ray Nance shines with his violin/cornet
Duke Ellington & John ColtraneDuke Ellington & John Coltrane by Duke Ellington
Buy new: $18.98 / Used from: $5.50
Ellington Suites (20 Bit Mastering)Ellington Suites (20 Bit Mastering) by Duke Ellington & His Orchestra
Buy used from: $12.98
The Jaywalker: 1966-1967The Jaywalker: 1966-1967 by Duke Ellington
Buy new: $18.98 / Used from: $14.99
Ellington UptownEllington Uptown by Duke Ellington
Buy used from: $4.49
Harlem suite, essential verson of "The Mooche"
Festival SessionFestival Session by Duke Ellington
Buy used from: $8.99
Recollections of the Big Band EraRecollections of the Big Band Era by Duke Ellington
Buy used from: $7.98
Concert in the Virgin IslandsConcert in the Virgin Islands by Duke Ellington
Buy new: $12.98 / Used from: $9.28
Side by SideSide by Side by Duke Ellington With Johnny Hodges
Buy new: $14.98 / Used from: $7.14
Play the Blues Back to BackPlay the Blues Back to Back by Duke Ellington & Johnny Hodges
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $8.99
Johnny Hodges with Billy Strayhorn and the OrchestraJohnny Hodges with Billy Strayhorn and the Orchestra by Johnny Hodges
Buy new: $14.98 / Used from: $8.99
Ella at Duke's PlaceElla at Duke's Place by Ella Fitzgerald & Duke Ellington
Buy new: $14.98 / Used from: $5.75
Jazz PartyJazz Party by Duke Ellington
Buy used from: $34.95
The Great Paris Concert [Collectables]The Great Paris Concert [Collectables] by Duke Ellington
Buy new: $13.98 / Used from: $8.79
The Symphonic Ellington [Collectables]The Symphonic Ellington [Collectables] by Duke Ellington
Buy new: $12.98 / Used from: $11.31
The Cosmic Scene: Duke Ellington's SpacemenThe Cosmic Scene: Duke Ellington's Spacemen by Duke Ellington
Buy used from: $31.95