Duke Ellington, 73 years young, joins guitarist Joe Pass, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Louie Bellson on Duke's Big 4, to pretty astounding results. Album opener "Cottontail" is a chance for Pass to shine with a solo that bows to the past (Charlie Christian) and points to the future (Bern Nix) of jazz guitar. On "Prelude to a Kiss," Pass's opening credits lead straight into Ellington's soft chords; it's the album's sweetest tune, no small feat as the competition on this disc is stiff. With "The Hawk Talks," the group is a powerful unit; on "Just Squeeze Me (But Don't Tease Me)," Brown gets his moment in the sun. That said, the entire album is a testament to Ellington's graceful, gorgeous bandleading. As small-group Ellington lineups go, Duke's Big 4 is one of the best. JVC's XRCD recording makes the date even more exciting, with crystal-clear high ends and plenty of definition on the bass side. Audiophiles and jazz fans should be rejoicing. --Jason Verlinde
Duke's Big 4,Duke Ellington,Jvc / Xrcd,Big Band,Jazz,Pop
Jazz Music:
- Excursions
- Explorations [Import]
- Falling Together
- Fine & Mellow [Import] [Limited Edition] [Original recording remastered]
- Fireside Jazz
- Four Acoustic Guitar Giants
- Friends
- G-Clef's Jazzy Breaks
- Gary Clark/Christmas
- Genius of the Electric Guitar [Import]
Jazz Music
Sibelius: Symphony No. 6, Op. 104; Pohjola's Daughter, Op. 49; En Saga Op. 9
Stoned Woman/You Have Been Watching
Still Not Getting Any [Import]