Search - Duke Ellington :: Duke's Men 2

Ellingtonian small-group sessions were informal, laidback affairs that gave solo space (and leader credits) to his great stars such as Johnny Hodges, Cootie Williams, and Rex Stewart. It says volumes about Duke Ellington that these "secondary" pursuits, these respites from the demands of the big band, are actually some of the most rewarding examples of small-band swing ever recorded. These two CDs are culled from 1938 and 1939, and form a worthy addendum to Columbia's first volume. The exotic "Wanderlust" (with Hodges on soprano) and the sexy "Jeep's Blues" both debuted here and would become staples of the big band, while obscure Ellington-penned gems like "I'm in Another World," with Hodges at his most sublime, make their only recorded appearance in this set. This setting also allowed for oddball interpretations of age-old standards like "Ol' Man River," played uptempo and with great humor (and goofy new lyrics), starring Cootie Williams's trumpet growl. --Marc Greilsamer