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Great transcriptions!

10/17/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 3-CD set consists of radio transcriptions chronologically presented from 3/46 to 6/47. Hindsight has done an absolutely fantastic job remastering these broadcasts: the highs are crisp and clean while the lows are prominent throughout. The box set itself is also presented with an 18 page booklet which gives a short, very informative synopsis of each track as well as recording dates and personnel. Highly recommended and highly enjoyable!"

Step Right In Give My Man Skin, Jump For Joy

M. C Coulson | 01/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I suppose you always remember the first time. It was like that with me and this collection of radio transcriptions of the Duke and the boys. I was introduced to the original vinyl versions of these recordings by a friend who was learning jazz sax. It was wild and jazzy but at the same time restrained. I marvelled at the performances especially those of the titanic Johnny Hodges - just how did he get those incredible passages out of his sax with only one respiratory system? These performances and versions of the Ellington portfolio became the definitive versions for me and to a certain extent they still are.



When I finally bade farewell to vinyl I searched in vain for replacements on CD until recently. It was with much joy that I finally got my grubby little mitts on these recordings again. I'm delighted to say they still do it for me. The sound quality is exemplary with no discernable surface noise - quite something for recordings that are pushing 60! Ulimately though it's the contents that really matters.



It doesn't take long before I close my eyes and my head starts a-nodding in appreciation of the music. It's great to have what was originally a rather cumbersome collection of LP's in a nice compact format. The highly informative booklet is a bonus. As for stand out tracks..well where do you start? It would be churlish for me to try and pick out the best though I have a place in my heart for Jennie, Jump For Joy, Everything Goes and Far Away Blues.



Don't take my word for it get this collection while you can."