Search - Duke Ellington :: Berlin '65 / Paris '67

Prime Ellington

Jerome Wilson | Greenbelt, MD USA | 10/21/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This Pablo concert set comes from two Eurpoean concerts in the mid-60's when most of Duke Ellington's legendary later soloists were still in the orchestra and two of his master saxophonists are featured, Paul Gonsalves and Johhny Hodges. Gonsalves is commanding on Billy Strayhorn's "Chelsea Bridge" and kicks around the blues on "Happy-Go-Lucky Local". Hodges is a thing of beauty on Strayhorn's last masterpiece, "Blood Count" and also leads the band on a high-stepping version of "Things Ain't What They Used To Be". Throw in Jimmy Hamilton's snaky clarinet feature, "Ad Lib On Nippon" and some high-flying stride piano from Ellington himself and you've got a fine set. It's hard to recommend this over other excellent concert recordings from the same era but this is a good one. If you're new to Duke, it's a good snapshot of his live form. If you love Hodges or Gonsalves, it's essential."