GEORGE GERSHWIN : The Complete George Gershwin Porgy And Bess (1956-1996) RM | 2CD MONO | Serie Mastersonic, ベツレヘム名盤マスター・トランスファー・コレクション – 11 | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The Bethlehem label didn't make it out of the '50s before folding, and one of the reasons why is the ambitious yet misguided George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess, a three-LP box set that represents a complete recording of the Gershwin classic (with narration and sound effects). Bethlehem certainly had the talent to pull it off -- appearing on the label, and this production, are Mel Tormé, Duke Ellington & His Orchestra, Johnny Hartman, Bob Dorough, Betty Roche, Frances Faye, and minor period stars including vocalist Frank Rosolino, bandleader Stan Levey, and arranger Russ Garcia. And long-playing versions of theatrical productions were huge in the mid-'50s (a few sold millions of copies). The most popular of these, however, were simply easy-to-digest highlights LPs that never attempted to present the complete production. This version is a gargantuan two hours long, difficult to sit through even if every performance was stellar (and, unfortunately, that's far from the case). The recording makes a virtue of being hip, primarily through the narration of Al "Jazzbo" Collins, a radio DJ who may have been hip for the times but whose counterfeit excitement and perfect diction make the proceedings sound like a period newsreel. ("Watch out, Porgy, here comes that mean Sportin' Life!") Tormé, as the most popular vocalist on the label, was a shoe-in for the role of Porgy, despite Johnny Hartman's clear superiority, and Frances Faye received the role of Bess despite Betty Roche's ability to handle the role much better. Those mistakes are compounded by Russ Garcia's period arrangements (the Ellington group makes only one appearance) and some decidedly subpar performances from Frank Rosolino early in the program. Still, it has to be admitted that a highlights compilation of this record would sparkle very brightly, driven by Mel Tormé's swinging "I've Got Plenty o' Nuttin'" with a super-enthused backing chorus, George Kirby's "It Ain't Necessarily So," and Betty Roche's reprise of "Summertime" during the second half. John Bush  
Tracklist 1
Porgy and Bess, opera
1 Part 1. Introduction / Summertime 01:25
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé
feat: Duke Ellington / Duke Ellington & His Orchestra / The Russell Garcia Orchestra
2 Part 1. Narration 1:24
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins
3 Part 1. Summertime 3:48
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Betty Roché
4 Part 1. Narration 0:12
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins
5 Part 1. A Woman Is A Sometime Thing 2:39
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Frank Rosolino
6 Part 1. Narration / Here come de honey man... 1:20
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins / Joe Derise
7 Part 1. Narration 0:24
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins
8 Part 1. Evenin' ladies, hello boys... 0:43
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé
9 Part 1. Narration 0:15
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins
10 Part 1. No, no, brother, Porgy ain't soft on no woman... 1:33
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé
11 Part 1. Narration (Scene: crap game and murder) 4:31
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: The Russell Garcia Orchestra
12 Part 1. Narration 0:51
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins
13 Part 1. Gone, Gone, Gone 2:20
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Chorus
14 Part 1. Overflow, overflow 2:08
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé
15 Part 1. Narration 0:28
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins
16 Part 1. I can't puzzle this thing out... 1:18
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé
17 Part 1. Narration 0:11
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins
18 Part 1. My Man's Gone Now 3:49
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Sallie Blair
19 Part 1. Narration 0:35
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins
20 Part 1. Oh the train is at the station... 2:43
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Chorus
21 Part 1. Narration 0:37
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins
22 Part 1. Oh I'm agoin' out to the Blackfish banks... 2:17
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Frank Rosolino
23 Part 1. Narration 0:34
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins
24 Part 1. I Got Plenty o' Nuttin' 3:13
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: The Pat Moran Quartet
25 Part 1. Mornin', Lawyer. Looking for somebody?... 4:23
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: George Kirby / The Pat Moran Quartet
26 Part 1. Buzzard Song 2:43
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé
27 Part 1. Narration 0:28
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins
28 Part 1. Bess, You Is My Woman Now 4:57
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin 
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé
29 Part 1. Oh, I can't sit down (picnic music) 1:55
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Don Fagerquist / Don Fagerquist Group / Betty Roché
30 Part 1. Porgy, I hates to go... 1:00
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé
31 Part 1. I Got Plenty o Nuttin' (reprise) 0:37
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé
32 Part 1. It Ain't Necessarily So (instrumental) 1:52
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Russell Garcia / Betty Roché
33 Part 1. Narration 0:34
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins
34 Part 1. It Ain't Necessarily So 4:28
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: George Kirby
35 Part 1. Narration 0:53
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins
36 Part 1. What you want wid Bess?... 2:12
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Johnny Hartman
37 Part 1. Narration 00:33
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins
38 Part 1. Oh I'm agoin' out to the Blackfish banks... (reprise) 1:27
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Frank Rosolino
39 Part 1. Narration 0:30
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins
40 Part 1. Oh, doctor Jesus...
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Sallie Blair
41 Part 1. Here come de honey man... / Oh dey's so fresh and fine... / I'm talkin' about devil crabs.. 3:31
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Joe Derise / Bob Dorough / Loulie Jean Norman
Tracklist 2
Porgy and Bess, opera
1 Part 2. Narration 0:38
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins
2 Part 2. I Loves You, Porgy 3:17
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé
3 Part 2. Narration (Scene: storm) 3:04
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Chorus / The Russell Garcia Orchestra
4 Part 2. Summertime (reprise) 1:22
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Betty Roché
5 Part 2. Narration 0:11
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins
6 Part 2. Oh, dere's somebody knockin' at de do'... 1:03
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Chorus
7 Part 2. Narration 1:20
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins
8 Part 2. If God want to kill me... 2:05
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Johnny Hartman
9 Part 2. Narration  0:06
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins
10 Part 2. A red-headed woman... 1:48
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Chorus / Johnny Hartman
11 Part 2. Narration 0:59
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins
12 Part 2. Oh, doctor Jesus (reprise) 0:38
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Chorus
13 Part 2. Narration 00:55
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins
14 Part 2. Clara, Clara, don't you be downhearted... 1:36
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: The Pat Moran Quartet
15 Part 2. Narration 0:10
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins
16 Part 2. Summertime (reprise) 1:12
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Betty Roché
17 Part 2. Narration 1:50
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Chorus
18 Part 2. Oh, Lawd, what I goin' do?... 1:21
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé
19 Part 2. Narration 0:09
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Chorus
20 Part 2. There's a Boat Dat's Leavin' Soon for New York 1:28
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: George Kirby
21 Part 2. Narration 1:18
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins / The Russell Garcia Orchestra
22 Part 2. Narration 0:24
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Chorus
23 Part 2. How are you dis mornin'?... 1:41
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Chorus
24 Part 2. Narration 0:39
George Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Chorus
25 Part 2. Oh, Bess, Oh, Where's My Bess 2:19
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Sallie Blair
26 Part 2. Oh Lawd, I'm on My Way 1:57
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: Chorus
27 Suite (editied instrumental suite from Russ Garcia's orchestration) 29:12
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Frances Faye / Mel Tormé feat: The Russell Garcia Orchestra

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1927-1928 | The Classics Chronological Series – 542 (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

As usual with the Classics series, the music on this CD is released complete and in chronological order, covering the music originally released by several record labels but without including alternate takes. In the case of Duke Ellington, because he would frequently record the same song slightly rearranged on several occasions for different companies, there are multiple versions of some titles on this CD, but the alternate versions that he made for the labels have been left out. During the very important period covered by this disc, the Duke Ellington Orchestra (having recently found their sound) was hired by the Cotton Club as the house band and they hit the big time. Certainly it is obvious that they deserved fame since this set has classic versions of such songs as "Creole Love Call" (famous for being the first entirely wordless vocal, featuring Adelaide Hall), "Black and Tan Fantasy," their theme song "East St. Louis Toodle-Oo," "Jubilee Stomp," and other hot numbers. Featured along the way are such greats as trumpeter Bubber Miley, trombonist Joe Tricky Sam Nanton, and altoist Otto Hardwick. Scott Yanow    Tracklist + Credits :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1928 | The Classics Chronological Series – 550 (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

During 1928, the main stars of Duke Ellington's orchestra (in addition to the leader/pianist/composer/arranger) were trumpeter Bubber Miley, trombonist Joe Tricky Sam Nanton, clarinetist Barney Bigard, and (starting in June) altoist Johnny Hodges. All of the master takes (including ones for different labels) are being reissued in the Classics series. This disc is highlighted by "Black Beauty" (particularly Ellington's solo piano version), the heated "Hot and Bothered" (featuring guest guitarist Lonnie Johnson and singer Baby Cox), "Louisiana," and "I Can't Give You Anything but Love." Two songs feature singer Ozie Ware backed by a small combo taken from Ellington's big band. This CD has plenty of timeless classics, most of which are also available in other reissue programs. Scott Yanow  Tracklist :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1928-1929 | The Classics Chronological Series – 559 (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 The main change for the Duke Ellington Orchestra during this period was that the increasingly unreliable Bubber Miley (an alcoholic) was fired by Ellington in January 1929 and quickly replaced by Cootie Williams. Otherwise, the personnel was stable, featuring trombonist Joe Tricky Sam Nanton, altoist Johnny Hodges, and clarinetist Barney Bigard as key soloists along with trumpeters Miley, Arthur Whetsol, and Freddie Jenkins. Most of the selections from this era border on the classic, with highlights including Miley's spot on "Bandanna Babies," "I Must Have That Man," "Harlemania," and a two-part version of "Tiger Rag." Scott Yanow    Tracklist + Credits :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1929 | The Classics Chronological Series – 569 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Duke Ellington's 1929 band found Cootie Williams gradually developing into a major trumpet soloist alongside the contrasting styles of Arthur Whetsol and Freddy Jenkins. Also in the band during the era was the remarkable trombonist Joe Tricky Sam Nanton, altoist Johnny Hodges, clarinetist Barney Bigard, and baritonist Harry Carney. Among the many underrated gems on this CD are "The Dicty Glide," "Stevedore Stomp," "Freeze and Melt," "Cotton Club Stomp," "Saturday Night Junction," and the intriguing two-part "A Nite at the Cotton Club," which is narrated by Irving Mills. Scott Yanow     Tracklist :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1929-1930 | The Classics Chronological Series – 577 (1991) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Trying to make sense of Duke Ellington's massive catalog is one of the more daunting tasks facing jazz lovers. His early output alone includes scores of songs, often with several different versions and a variety of record labels to consider. For completists, the Classics label offers a chronological route covering the mid-'20s through the mid-'40s (without a lot in the way of alternate takes). And while not as strong in content as roundups on Bluebird or Columbia, these discs offer one the thrilling opportunity of witnessing Ellington go from novelty jungle material to sophisticated early swing and on into the annals of jazz legend with those stellar early-'40s sides. This Classics title takes in Duke's 1929-1930 period, and is squarely one for die-hard fans: It mostly includes minor cuts, many bearing the residue of the band's Cotton Club set pieces (hence the presence of washboard player Bruce Johnson and the Whoopee Makers). On the more serious side, there are a good number of cuts showing off Ellington's burgeoning writing talents, like "Flaming Youth," "Saturday Night Function," and "Jazz Lips," and loads of fine playing by Joe Nanton, Johnny Hodges, Barney Bigard, and the newly arrived Cootie Williams. All in all, a fairly solid collection, but one that's best heard after checking out a few early Ellington retrospectives first. Stephen Cook       Tracklist :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1930 | The Classics Chronological Series – 586 (1991) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Despite the rise of the Depression, Duke Ellington's orchestra was able to continue a hectic recording schedule, cutting the 23 selections on this CD (which are all master takes) within a four-and-a-half-month schedule. Some of the numbers are remakes or pop songs of the era (though those are usually excellent) and there are vocals by Irving Mills, Frank Marvin, and Dick Robertson that are not up to the level of Ellington's instrumentalists, but there are also such gems along the way as "When You're Smiling" (featuring Freddy Jenkins' trumpet), "Maori," "Sweet Jazz of Mine," "Jungle Nights in Harlem," and particularly "Shout 'Em Aunt Tillie." Scott Yanow  Tracklist + Credits :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1930, Vol. 2 | The Classics Chronological Series – 596 (1991) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Although susceptible to some of the commercial pressures that other bands were feeling in 1930, which accounts for the inclusion of a few pop numbers and some added vocalists, in general the recordings of Duke Ellington were at the same high level in 1930 that they had been in 1929. There are many gems on this set, including "Double Check Stomp," a remake of "Black and Tan Fantasy," "Old Man Blues," and the two earliest recordings of "Mood Indigo," and even a throwaway such as "That Lindy Hop" is still worth hearing. The Rhythm Boys (Bing Crosby, Al Rinker, and Harry Barris) guest on "Three Little Words," and star soloists throughout the program include Cootie Williams, Tricky Sam Nanton, Barney Bigard, and Johnny Hodges. Scott Yanow     Tracklist + Credits :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1930-1931 | The Classics Chronological Series – 605 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

With the rise of the Depression, most big bands were being pressured to record more dance band-oriented pop music. Duke Ellington managed to keep his standards high despite occasional vocals from Sid Garry, Dick Robertson, Chick Bullock, and Frank Marvin. Along with some lightweight material, this chronological study of Ellington's work during a six-week period (which has all of the master takes but none of the alternates) is most significant for its early versions of "Rockin' in Rhythm" and "Mood Indigo," a rollicking "Twelfth Street Rag" (with Benny Payne on second piano with Duke), and Ellington's first extended work to be recorded, the moody "Creole Rhapsody." Scott Yanow  Tracklist + Credits :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1933 | The Classics Chronological Series – 637 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

1933 found Duke Ellington going overseas for the first time, and the four songs (and a short interview) that he recorded in London are on this CD. Otherwise things stayed pretty consistent with no major personnel change (Otto Hardwick rejoined the band), Ivie Anderson proving to be a strong asset with her vocals, and such gems as "Merry Go Round," "Sophisticated Lady," "Drop Me Off in Harlem," and "I'm Satisfied" offering further proof that Ellington was the master of the three-minute record, making every bar count. As usual with the Classics series, all of the master takes are included on this CD (repeating songs if they were recorded on different days) but leaving off the alternate takes.  Scott Yanow          Tracklist + Credits :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1935-1936 | The Classics Chronological Series – 659 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

All of the Duke Ellington Orchestra's recordings from 1935 plus their first two sessions from 1936 are on this enjoyable CD. The rise of the swing era may have resulted in many competing big bands being formed, but Ellington occupied his own private musical world and continued to flourish artistically and to an extent commercially. By 1935, his orchestra featured major soloists in Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart, Tricky Sam Nanton, Lawrence Brown, Johnny Hodges, Barney Bigard, and the leader on piano. During the era Ellington experimented by frequently using both Hayes Alvis and Billy Taylor on bass. Among the memorable selections that are on this disc are "In a Sentimental Mood," "Accent on Youth," "Clarinet Lament" (featuring Bigard), "Echoes of Harlem," and the melancholy four-part "Reminiscing in Tempo." The music may be available in more complete form elsewhere (since alternate takes are left out), but this is an excellent series nevertheless. Scott Yanow       Tracklist + Credits :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1937 | The Classics Chronological Series – 675 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In addition to seven selections by the Duke Ellington Orchestra, this interesting CD has a number released by Ivie Anderson's name ("The Old Plantation") and small-group dates full of Ellington stars but led by Cootie Williams, Barney Bigard, and Johnny Hodges, plus four numbers by the Gotham Stompers (which mixes together Ellington and Chick Webb sidemen). No matter who is leading the particular group, Ellington is very much under control, often using the more spontaneous combo settings as a way of trying out new tunes. Among the more memorable selections are "Blue Reverie," "Whispering Tiger" (which is really "Tiger Rag"), "Caravan," and "Azure." Scott Yanow   Tracklist + Credits :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1937, Vol. 2 | The Classics Chronological Series – 687 (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

During the period covered by this CD, the Duke Ellington Orchestra recorded nine performances (including vocal and instrumental versions of "All God's Chillun Got Rhythm") while combos led by Johnny Hodges, Barney Bigard, Rex Stewart, and Cootie Williams that were mostly filled with Ellington all-stars accounted for 14 other selections. Duke was overseeing everything while letting his star sidemen stretch out, and the result was a steady stream of fresh and high-quality recordings that both fit into the mainstream of swing and stood apart from other bands. Among the more memorable selections on this set (which contains quite a few obscurities) are "The Back Room Romp," "Tea and Trumpets," the remarkable "Harmony in Harlem," and the original versions of "Diminuendo in Blue" and "Crescendo in Blue." Scott Yanow  Tracklist : 

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1938 | The Classics Chronological Series – 700 (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

1938 was a very busy year for Duke Ellington in the recording studios, whether making classics with his big band or being the pianist and organizer of sessions allegedly led by his sidemen. This disc has plenty of big-band sides and combo dates led by clarinetist Barney Bigard, trumpeter Cootie Williams, and altoist Johnny Hodges. Most notable among the selections are "Stepping Into Swing Society," "Echoes of Harlem," "The Gal From Joe's," "I Let a Song Go out of My Heart," and "Jeep's Blues," but there are no throwaways among these three-minute gems.  Scott Yanow      Tracklist + Credits :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1938, Vol. 2 | The Classics Chronological Series – 717 (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The music on this CD was all recorded within a four-month period, featuring performances by Duke Ellington's Orchestra and small groups led by trumpeter Cootie Williams and altoist Johnny Hodges that include Ellington as pianist, arranger, and organizer. Ellington fit right into the swing era yet his music was far too individual to be associated with any of the soon-dated fads the pervaded the era. In fact, these performances might be from 1938 but most still sound quite fresh today. Highlights include "I'm Slappin' Seventh Avenue," "Rose of the Rio Grande" (a longtime feature for trombonist Lawrence Brown), "Pyramid," "Empty Ballroom Blues," and "Jitterbug's Lullaby." Scott Yanow   Tracklist + Credits :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1938, Vol. 3 | The Classics Chronological Series – 726 (1993) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Duke Ellington's very busy year of 1938 resulted in enough music (counting small group dates led by his sidemen) to fill up more than three CDs. This disc has big-band dates plus outings headed by Cootie Williams and Johnny Hodges. Although 1939-1942 is often thought of as the peak of Ellington's career, his output from 1938 was very impressive too. Among the high points of the sessions on this CD (which feature such soloists as trumpeter Cootie Williams, cornetist Rex Stewart, trombonists Lawrence Brown and Tricky Sam Nanton, altoist Johnny Hodges, clarinetist Barney Bigard, baritonist Harry Carney, and Duke on piano) are "Love in Swingtime," "Prelude to a Kiss," "The Jeep Is Jumpin'," "Mighty Like the Blues," "Battle of Swing," and "Hodge Podge." Scott Yanow          Tracklist :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1938-1939 | The Classics Chronological Series – 747 (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The 1938-1939 Duke Ellington Orchestra, even before bassist Jimmy Blanton and tenor saxophonist Ben Webster became members, was quite a strong band, having at least eight major soloists. With Ellington providing constant new material plus rearrangements of older tunes, there was a limitless amount of high quality music flowing from this band. On this CD, there are eight numbers from the small group of Cootie Williams, four from Johnny Hodges, and three by Rex Stewart in addition to eight big-band performances. Among the many gems are "Old King Dooji," Rex Stewart's famous feature on "Boy Meets Horn," "Slap Happy," "Dooji Wooji," "Pussy Willow," "Subtle Lament," and a pair of Duke Ellington piano solos. Scott Yanow         Tracklist + Credits :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1939 | The Classics Chronological Series – 765 (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The 1939 Duke Ellington Orchestra was a mighty force, with eight major soloists and a genius as their leader. Billy Strayhorn first worked with Ellington during this period and on this CD he contributes "Something to Live For" (which is surprisingly sung by Jean Eldridge rather than the band's regular vocalist, Ivie Anderson). This disc has ten selections from the full orchestra, eight from small groups led by altoist Johnny Hodges, two from clarinetist Barney Bigard's combo, and two vocal features for the Quintones. Highlights include "Rent Party Blues," "Portrait of the Lion" (Ellington's tribute to his idol, Willie "The Lion" Smith), a remake of "Cotton Club Stomp," and "Serenade to Sweden." Scott Yanow       Tracklist :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1939, Vol. 2 | The Classics Chronological Series – 780 (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The biggest change for the Duke Ellington Orchestra in the relatively brief period covered by this CD is that on "Little Posey," Jimmy Blanton became the band's new bassist, taking over for Billy Taylor. While Taylor was a fine supportive player, Blanton was the first great soloist on his instrument and an innovative player who was a decade ahead of his time. This CD in Classics' extensive Duke Ellington chronological series, as usual, has all of the master takes from both Ellington's big band and the small groups led by his sidemen (trumpeter Cootie Williams and altoist Johnny Hodges), but skips over the valuable alternate takes. Among the most memorable selections are the spirited "I'm Checkin' Out Go'ombye," "Black Beauty," "The Sergeant Was Shy," two versions of "Grievin'," "Little Posey," and "Tootin' Through the Roof" (which has a brief trumpet battle by Cootie Williams and Rex Stewart). Scott Yanow    Tracklist :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1939-1940 | The Classics Chronological Series – 790 (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This CD has Duke Ellington's final recordings for the Columbia and Vocalion labels before switching over to Victor and beginning what many consider to be his greatest period on record. During this period, Ben Webster joined the band on tenor, taking his first solo on "Solitude." The band was up to ten major soloists and, whether heard as the full orchestra or in small groups led by altoist Johnny Hodges, clarinetist Barney Bigard, or trumpeter Cootie Williams, the music was generally very rewarding. High points of this intriguing transitional disc include an Ellington piano solo on "Blues," "Lost in Two Flats," and several remakes (including "Solitude," "Mood Indigo," and "Sophisticated Lady"). In addition, a pair of unprecedented bass-piano duets ("Blues" and "Plucked Again") for the first time really show off the solo abilities of bassist Jimmy Blanton. Scott Yanow     Tracklist + Credits :