Pianist
Al Haig and his longtime bassist Jamil Nasser are heard co-leading a quartet in London that also includes the fine tenorman Art Themen and drummer Tony Mann. Despite the title, the repertoire is not exclusively by
Duke Ellington; of the eight songs, four are by
Duke and there is a song apiece from
Billy Strayhorn and Juan Tizol, in addition to "Flamingo" and "Body and Soul." Few surprises occur, but the boppish music on this LP is enjoyable and should be of interest to straight-ahead jazz collectors. ~ Scott Yanow