Search - Duke Ellington :: Ellington 55

In the scope of the Ellington catalog, this record from the maestro's short Capitol tenure represents more of a historical curiosity than an essential entry. For one, Ellington '55 is the band's first foray into the world of long players; thus they have a chance to stretch out well beyond the three-minute limit, shedding new light on four Ellington chestnuts. Even more fascinating are the six jazz standards from outside the Ellington songbook. After hearing the Ellington orchestra tackle Goodman's "Stompin' at the Savoy," Basie's "One O'Clock Jump," Waller's "Honeysuckle Rose," Hampton's "Flying Home," Miller's "In the Mood," and the warhorse "Body and Soul," one can only marvel at the Duke's ability to recast any tune in his own band's image. Only the absence of Johnny Hodges, who was in the midst of his short-lived solo career, is a mild disappointment, but overall the record finds the rest of the band in a spirited and frolicsome mood. --Marc Greilsamer