Personnel: Duke Ellington (piano); Ray Nance (vocals, violin, trumpet); Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope (clarinet, reeds, alto saxophone); Harry Carney (clarinet, reeds, baritone saxophone); Jimmy Hamilton (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Paul Gonsalves (reeds, tenor saxophone); Rick Henderson (alto saxophone); Clark Terry, Cootie Williams, Herbie Jones, Mercer Ellington, Bill Berry , Roy Burrowes, Willie Cook, Cat Anderson (trumpet); John Sanders (trombone, valve trombone); Alfred Cobbs, Leon Cox, Juan Tizol, Lawrence Brown , Quentin Jackson, Chuck Connors, Britt Woodman, Buster Cooper (trombone); Billy Strayhorn (celesta); Butch Ballard, David Black, Sam Woodyard (drums); Ralph Collier (congas).
Liner Note Authors: Don Ovens; Roger Rhodes.
Recording information: Chicago, IL (04/06/1953-??/??/1955); Los Angeles, CA (04/06/1953-??/??/1955); New York, NY (04/06/1953-??/??/1955); San Francisco, CA (04/06/1953-??/??/1955).
Photographer: Brad Benedict.
Though it's plainly impossible for one CD to encapsulate the very best of even one aspect of Duke Ellington's long, prolific, and multifaceted career, the 1989 compilation THE BEST OF DUKE ELLINGTON makes a valid attempt at summarizing the bandleader's '40s big band work.
At 12 tracks and 39 minutes in length, this compilation only has room for the very best, and with the best-known recordings of classics like "Satin Doll," "Rockin' in Rhythm," "Flamingo," "Prelude to a Kiss," and the legendary mood piece "Black and Tan Fantasy," that's just what THE BEST OF DUKE ELLINGTON offers. With musicians like Paul Gonsalves, Cat Anderson, Johnny Hodges, and Ray Nance, the Ellington orchestra was at its peak during this era, and probably the finest big band in jazz history. Though fans can argue for hours about what else should have been included, THE BEST OF DUKE ELLINGTON is a fine introduction.
