This is a tribute album that works quite well.
The Modern Jazz Quartet is heard at their best on such
Duke Ellington tunes as "Rockin' in Rhythm," "Jack the Bear" and "Ko-Ko." Also quite noteworthy are their two newer pieces,
John Lewis's "For Ellington" and
Milt Jackson's "Maestro E.K.E." which perfectly capture the spirit of
Ellington's music. The ballads sometimes get a little sleepy but on a whole this is a very enjoyable release. ~ Scott Yanow