Most of this CD was recorded at the earlier date.
Duke Ellington's longtime tenor,
Paul Gonsalves, was a perfect match for the inventive pianist,
Earl Hines, who (along with bassist Al Hall and drummer
Jo Jones) is in top form on five standards, three by
Ellington. The music swings hard and has its surprising moments. The one track from 1972 is a solo version of "Blue Sands" played by its composer
Earl Hines. Although not essential, this CD should please the fans of
Hines and
Gonsalves, two masterful players who had only previously recorded together once, on a date shared by the pianist and
Johnny Hodges. ~ Scott Yanow