For reasons that are unclear, this LP reissue of an Impulse set drops one of the seven songs ("Black and Tan Fantasy") from the program, reducing the playing time down to a mere 29 minutes. But if one finds this LP at a budget price, it is worth picking up, for the great pianist
Earl Hines is featured on three selections with many of the members of the
Duke Ellington Orchestra (including on the exciting "Once Upon a Time" and "Cotton Tail"), in a quartet featuring
Jimmy Hamilton and with a nonet that also includes clarinetist
Pee Wee Russell along with some Ellingtonians. Great music, lousy packaging. ~ Scott Yanow