DUKE ELLINGTON
The Best Of The Centennial Edition (RCA)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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If you can afford the complete 24 disc collection of The Complete RCA Victor Recordings (1927-1973), by all means buy it. If your music budget lands you in the same category as the overwhelming majority of us, though, this single disc set of highlights from that collection is a welcome treat. Ranging from the very first Ellington recording, 1927's "Black And Tan Fantasy" to the 1967 tribute to the then recently departed Billy Strayhorn, "Raincheck," the 18 tracks on this compilation represent some truly historical moments in one of the greatest musical careers in American music history.

Included is a track with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra backing Ellington, a 1946 all star session that paired Ellington and Louis Armstrong, a track from the first of the historical Sacred Concert and memorable tracks from some of the finest bands that carried the Duke Ellington Orchestra name over a period of forty years. The sound quality is impressive, especially for the vintage material, and the track selection is equally impressive, especially considering the absolutely daunting task that faced coordinating producer Orrin Keepnews.

There's a wealth of Ellington material appearing during this centennial year, boxes, single releases and tributes enough to keep every fan broke all year long. This one is truly essential, though. It's packed with great music and historical importance. Don't miss it, unless, of course, you already have 24 shiny new CD's in a box on your shelf....

Track List:

Black And Tan Fantasy * East Saint Louis Toodle-o * Rockin' In Rhythm * Mood Indigo/Hot & Bothered/Creole Love Call * My Old Flame * Jack The Bear * Day Dream * Take The "A" Train * I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good * Perdido * Work Song * The Minor Goes Muggin' * Just Squeeze Me (But Don't Tease Me) * Long, Long Journey * Come Sunday * Isfahan * Sophisticated Lady * Raincheck

© 1999 - Shaun Dale