Ellington, Duke
Golden Duke
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

1973 US All-analogue 2LP gatefold reissue. Duke Ellington and his Orchestra plus the legendary Ellington / Strayhorn duets. "This double LP contains some very valuable Duke Ellington studio recordings that have since been reissued as separate sessions. The 13 titles from late 1946 include the hot "Jam-A-Ditty," a classic trumpet battle on "Blue Skies," Ray Nance's colorful vocal on "Tulip or Turnip" and the original version of "Happy-Go-Lucky Local," which Jimmy Forrest would "borrow" a few years later and rename "Night Train." The second half of this two-fer features piano duets by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn (the radical-sounding "Tonk" is very memorable) and four showcases for Oscar Pettiford's cello. This music is recommended in one form or another." All Music Guide - Scott Yanow.