Search - Duke Ellington :: Hot Summer Dance

The highest Quality Ellington Recording I have ever heard!!!

J. L. Myers | S.H. MI USA | 12/30/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Do Yourself a BIG Favor, and check out Ellington's "Hot Summer Dance". This CD has OUTSTANDING Sound Quality, Music Selection, and Perfomance Enthusiasm!!! This record is without a doubt one of the best recordings I own (Bought 3 Gifted 1). Bob Thiele deserves a GRAMMY, and the undying appreciation of ALL Ellington Fans for the existance of this album!!! I have been listening to Duke since 1956. I have owned and played extensively, at least 10 Records and 25 CD's. I would GREATLY disagree with the statement by the reviewer who said a serious collector would NOT need this recording. This is the BEST Ellington recording I own.



This summer I had the luxury of sitting dead center 20 yards from the music stands of the Rythem Society Orchestra. A Great, currently performing swing band. I heard a great deal of live Jazz & Big Band music during the 60's, 70's, and 80's, but have not had that opportunity in the last 20 years. The next day I made a point of playing this CD. I wanted to see if this CD was as good as I thought, compared to the Fresh and Live music, I had just enjoyed. I was amazed at the Fidelity of this recording. To be honest, I wondered if my opinion was Accurate & Appropriate, or just a result of my personal enthusiasm.



I have 2 acquaintances who were for a period of time performing musicians. I had both of them, on seperate ocassions soon afterward, audition the track #6 medley, as an assesment of my sound system. The fellow with the most experience, and musical enthusiasm, said "WOW!!!, I haver NEVER heard anything this GOOD!" The other fellow said "PERFECT!!, NOT a single Note imperfect, in any respect."



I gave a copy of this CD to the fellow I see most often, as a Christmas present. I own 2 copies myself.



"Three Suites" is another Great Ellington recording, you may want to acquire.



ENJOY MUSIC/IT WILL MAKE YOU SMILE!!!"

You Are There

Robert Mcluckie | Michigan | 08/02/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"What fun! This recording of Duke playing a dance party puts you at a front table. Glasses clinking, crowd conversation between numbers, cheering ("Oh Yeah!") when the band cuts loose, and the Duke himself cheering his band on and punctuating the performance with yelps of encouragement. These are great tunes done with carefree abandon. A few of the solos rank with the best Ellington and the guys have recorded. This may not be a showcase concert....but close your eyes...and you are there! Have a great time! (Oh yes...The sound quality is near excellent throughout.)"