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 – 1936-1937 | The Classics Chronological Series – 666 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Cut a few years before the Ellington band's golden run during the early '40s, this 24-track collection from 1936-1937 finds the group in top form. As is usual with any of Classics' chronological discs, the fare runs the gamut. In this case, the mix takes in novelties ("Love Is Like a Cigarette"), reprised classics ("East St. Louis Toodle-Oo"), and contemporary gems ("In a Jam"). And as a highlight, there are also several sides cut by clarinetist Barney Bigard and a small band made up of other Ellington sidemen ("Caravan," "Stompy Jones"). A treat. Stephen Cook     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 :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1940 | The Classics Chronological Series – 805 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

While listeners really should just dive right in and get the three-disc Blanton-Webster Band package from Bluebird, this single disc does a fine job of chronicling Ellington's epochal 1940 sessions. One of a few Classics discs covering that year, the 22-track collection takes in such milestones as "Concerto for Cootie," "Cottontail," "Ko-Ko," and "Sepia Panorama," while spotlighting some absolutely classic solo work by Ben Webster, Johnny Hodges, Rex Stewart, and Barney Bigard, among many others. And even with such essential cuts as "In a Mellotone" and "Warm Valley" missing -- not to mention a handful of duets featuring Ellington and bassist Jimmy Blanton -- this roundup still has more than enough bedrock jazz to keep newcomers fully engrossed. Stephen Cook      Tracklist :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1940, Vol. 2 | The Classics Chronological Series – 820 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Duke Ellington Orchestra in 1940 may not have been as popular with the general public as that of Glenn Miller, but they were one of the great big bands of all time. The best way to acquire their music is to get all of the alternate takes, which are available through RCA/Bluebird, but the Classics series has done a fine job of reissuing all of the master takes. This particular disc has a small-group session apiece led by altoist Johnny Hodges and cornetist Rex Stewart along with nine songs from the big band. Among the gems are "In a Mellotone," "Five O'Clock Whistle," "Warm Valley" (heard twice), "Daydream," and "Linger Awhile." In addition, the four classic Jimmy Blanton-Duke Ellington bass-piano duets (which include "Pitter Panther Patter" and "Mr. J.B. Blues") are included and find Blanton sounding quite futuristic, almost like Charles Mingus 15 years later. Scott Yanow Tracklist :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1940-1941 | The Classics Chronological Series – 837 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Starting with the first selection by Barney Bigard's small group, Ray Nance succeeded Cootie Williams (who had left to join Benny Goodman) as Duke Ellington's trumpet soloist. The Ellington orchestra was so strong that Williams' departure did not make much of a difference. After all, the band still featured such soloists as Rex Stewart, Lawrence Brown, Joe Tricky Sam Nanton, Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Ben Webster, Harry Carney, Jimmy Blanton, and Ellington himself, with vocals from Ivie Anderson and Herb Jeffries and writing by Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Other than the first four numbers on this disc (taken from a Barney Bigard small-group date), the full orchestra is heard throughout the CD. Among the more memorable numbers are "Flamingo" (Herb Jeffries' big hit), the original version of "Take the 'A' Train," "Jumpin' Punkins," "Blue Serge," "Just a-Sittin' and a-Rockin," the original recording of "I Got It Bad" (featuring Ivie Anderson), and a pair of Ellington piano solos. Scott Yanow  Tracklist + Credits :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1941 | The Classics Chronological Series – 851 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Duke Ellington's last recordings before Pearl Harbor are on this CD. The band's personnel remained remarkably consistent, except that Jimmy Blanton was forced into retirement by tuberculosis before the final four selections on this disc, unfortunately passing away the following year. Included on this set are sessions led by cornetist Rex Stewart, altoist Johnny Hodges, and clarinetist Barney Bigard, which include the initial recordings of "Subtle Slough" (soon renamed "Just Squeeze Me"), "Passion Flower," "Things Ain't What They Used to Be," and "C Jam Blues" (initially called "'C' Blues"). The big band selections are highlighted by "Rocks in My Bed," Billy Strayhorn's "Chelsea Bridge," and "Raincheck." This is classic music, whether acquired in this series or with the alternate takes on its American counterpart through RCA/Bluebird. Scott Yanow  Tracklist :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1942-1944 | The Classics Chronological Series – 867 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The first 13 selections on this CD complete the reissue of the studio recordings of the classic 1939-1942 Duke Ellington & His Orchestra. Among the more notable selections are "Perdido," "The 'C' Jam Blues," "What Am I Here For," "Main Stem," and "Johnny Come Lately." The other nine numbers are much rarer than those Victor records, for they are V-discs cut during the recording strike of 1942-1944, primarily remakes of earlier Ellington hits. Although not quite essential (the Victors are easily available domestically), this set nevertheless has plenty of memorable performances by Ellington's World War II band. Scott Yanow   Tracklist :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1944-1945 | The Classics Chronological Series – 881 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The 29th in Classics' reissuance of Duke Ellington's recordings as a leader (which unfortunately skips most alternate takes) features his orchestra shortly after the recording ban of 1942-44 had finally ended. In addition to several vocal numbers for Joya Sherrill (including the hit "I'm Beginning to See the Light"), Al Hibbler and Kay Davis, there are features for trombonist Lawrence Brown ("Blue Cellophane") and altoist Johnny Hodges ("Mood to Be Wooed"), the original four-part studio version of "Black, Brown and Beige" (which totals 18 minutes), a four-song session headed by drummer Sonny Greer that features altoist Otto Hardwick, trumpeter Taft Jordan and clarinetist Barney Bigard (despite what it says in the liner notes, the pianist is the obscure Duke Brooks and not Duke Ellington) and the early V-disc version of "The Perfume Suite." Excellent music from an underrated edition of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Scott Yanow   Tracklist :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1945 | The Classics Chronological Series – 915 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

After starting off with a few valuable V-disc performances (including 13 minutes of the "Black, Brown and Beige" suite), this CD features some of Duke Ellington's studio recordings of April-May 1945. Although this particular band was not rated as high as their 1939-1942 counterpart, they still ranked near the top of their field. Among the gems are "The Kissing Bug," "Harlem Air Shaft," quite a few fine remakes (this version of "It Don't Mean a Thing" with singers Al Hibbler, Joya Sherrill, Kay Davis, and Marie Ellington is a classic), and a pair of unusual numbers. "Tonight I Shall Sleep" has trombonist Tommy Dorsey guesting with Duke Ellington's orchestra, while on "The Minor Goes Muggin'," Ellington sits in with Dorsey's band. Overall, there is a lot of rather interesting music to be heard on this CD from this underrated version of the Ellington big band. Scott Yanow   Tracklist :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1945, Vol. 2 | The Classics Chronological Series – 951 (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Duke Ellington's orchestra in 1945 was riding quite high, with annual Carnegie Hall concerts, constant performing and recording, and appearances on many radio broadcasts. This disc features both studio recordings and a few V-Discs taken from radio shows. The latter are most notable for including the extended two-part "Frankie and Johnny" and the 12-and-a-half-minute "New World A-Comin'," while the studio recordings are highlighted by "Jumpin' Room Only" and three of the four parts of "Perfume Suite." With such soloists as Tricky Sam Nanton, Lawrence Brown, Al Sears, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney, and four trumpeters, Ellington's big band remained at the top of its field as World War II came to an end. Scott Yanow  Tracklist :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1945-1946 | The Classics Chronological Series – 985 (1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

There is a lot of intriguing music on this CD, which features Duke Ellington's postwar orchestra. "Dancers in Love" (from "Perfume Suite") and "Carnegie Blues" (from "Black, Brown and Beige") managed to catch on as individual pieces, "I'm Just a Lucky So and So" and "Just Squeeze Me" were hits, and both "Tonk" and "Drawing Room Blues" showcased the piano duo of Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. A few numbers are V-Discs, including a brief version of "C Jam Blues" that features the combined orchestras of Duke Ellington and Woody Herman (his First Herd). Among the changes in personnel were Russell Procope taking over for the retiring Otto Hardwick on alto and clarinet and Oscar Pettiford succeeding Junior Raglin on bass. This underrated music ranks with some of Duke's best work. Scott Yanow   Tracklist :