In the early '80s,
Mercer Ellington and
Stanley Dance searched through the treasure trove of unreleased live and studio recordings by
Duke Ellington to produce a series of Black Lion LPs. This volume is a mixed bag.
Paul Gonsalves shines in "Happy Reunion," which debuted at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival and was regularly performed by
Ellington, though it never seemed to catch the public's attention as the composer hoped. A trio of pieces from
Ellington and
Strayhorn's suite "Such Sweet Thunder" showcase trombonist
Britt Woodman, alto sax star
Johnny Hodges, and cornetist
Ray Nance in great form. Trumpeter
Clark Terry, who was not featured often enough during his eight-plus year tenure with
Ellington, is outstanding in "Perdido." The selections are less than perfect. It is obvious that
Ellington and
Strayhorn's adaptation of a
Tchaikovsky composition (Chinoiserie) is still evolving at the time of this live recording. The solos (particularly by
Paul Gonsalves) are potent, but the ensembles are a bit unsteady at times. The album ends with the inevitable concert medley of greatest hits, which was expected by audiences but only tolerated by longtime
Ellington collectors.