Although in his mid-60s,
Duke Ellington proves on this program of mostly new music that he never declined nor lost his creativity. Four of the pieces comprise "The Virgin Islands Suite," and there are new versions of "Things Ain't What They Used to Be" and "Chelsea Bridge," and also a variety of miniature classics. In 1965 the
Ellington orchestra had 11 very distinctive soloists; eight are heard from during this memorable set. ~ Scott Yanow