Sam Woodyard

During his long and prolific career, Duke Ellington composed music for concerts ranging from the most prestigious venues to dance halls. He also wrote for the theatre, for movies, and, of course, for records. The work contained on this album, however, originates from an early television special.

This release compiles a rare batch of small group studio sessions recorded by Duke Ellington between 1956 and 1958, including eight amazing quartet tracks with Paul Gonsalves, as well as quintets, sextets and septets, showcasing not only the Duke’s amazing talents but also those of his selected soloists.