This three-CD set, which has all of
Duke Ellington's recordings for the Brunswick and Vocalion labels, dwarfs all of the earlier reissues that Decca and MCA have put out of this important material. Starting with the first session in which the
Ellington Orchestra sounds distinctive ("East St. Louis Toodle-oo" and "Birmingham Breakdown" from November 29, 1926) and progressing through the Cotton Club years, this essential release (which contains 67 performances) adds a few "new" alternate takes and rare items ("Soliloquy" and a few titles by the "Six Jolly Jesters") to make this collection truly complete, at least for MCA's holdings (since
Ellington also recorded for Columbia- and Victor-owned labels during the same period). With such major soloists as trumpeters
Bubber Miley (and his replacement
Cootie Williams),
Freddy Jenkins, and
Arthur Whetsol, trombonist Tricky Sam Nanton, clarinetist
Barney Bigard, altoist
Johnny Hodges, baritonist
Harry Carney, and the pianist/leader, along with the classic arrangements/compositions, this set is essential for all serious jazz collections. ~ Scott Yanow