Album review of “Festival Session” by Duke Ellington, originally released in 1959.
Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges
Album reviews of “Back to Back” and “Side by Side,” two collaborative LPs by Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges.
Live at the Blue Note – Duke Ellington
One of Duke Ellington’s most famous concerts proves why modern music wouldn’t exist without his trailblazing innovations.
Anatomy of a Murder – Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington’s soundtrack to Otto Preminger’s 1959 film.
Grade: A-
Duke Ellington – Jazz Party
Did Duke Ellington ever make a bad album?
Grade: A-
Black, Browns and Beige
Duke Ellington’s 1958 update of his 1943 concert suite is a complete reimagining.
Grade: A-
Such Sweet Thunder
An instrumental ode to William Shakespeare.
Grade: A-
Ellington at Newport
One of the most famous live albums in jazz history, featuring one of the greatest solos of all time.
Grade: A
Thelonious Monk continued his hot streak into 1955
Reviews of two Thelonious Monk LPs from 1955.
The Duke Plays Ellington – Duke Ellington
My all-time favorite Duke Ellington LP.
Grade: A
Top 10 Albums of 1952
My picks for the best albums of 1952.
Ellington Uptown – Duke Ellington
The greatest album by one of jazz’s greatest musicians.
Grade: A
