Duke Ellington

4 STARS ALL MUSIC GUIDE

The fourth of ten CDs released in this valuable series, these studio sessions from 1963, in addition to rare revivals of "Harmony in Harlem" and "Blue Rose," are filled with previously unknown Ellington compositions, a stockpile of fresh material well worth a full investigation by contemporary musicians. Throughout all but the four full-band tracks, the focus is on cornetist Ray Nance, who is the only brass player present on most of this set. Johnny Hodges, Jimmy Hamilton and Paul Gonsavles also receive a good sampling of solo space on this strong entry in The Private Collection program. - SCOTT YANOW

TRACKS:

01. Bad Woman
02. Jeep's Blues
03. Stoona
04. Serenade to Sweden
05. Harmony in Harlem
06. Action in Alexandria
07. Tajm
08. Isfahan
09. Killian's Lick
10. Blousons Noir
11. Elysee
12. Butter and Oleo!
13. Got Nobody Now
14. M.G.
15. Blue Rose
16. July 18th Blues