CiTR

This album is a bit of a misnomer as it was recorded in New York in the studio in March and April 1965, after the band had returned from a short(Ellington's first) to the West Indies. Duke and his alter-ego, Billy Strayhorn wrote some new material for the tour and it's heard here along with some standard Ellington fare. All of the compositions come from within Ellingtonia. The band is relaxed and happy and in creative form and all of the great soloists are playing at their best. They include Johnny Hodges on alto saxophone, Paul Gonsalves on tenor saxophone, Ray Nance on violin and trumpet, Cat Anderson and Cootie Williams on trumpets, Buster Cooper on trombone, Jimmy Hamilton on clarinet,Lawrence Brown on trombone and of course Ellington on piano, John Lamb on bass and Sam Woodyard on drums and others.This album may not rank with Ellington's masterpieces but it is very representative of how the band would sound on a regular gig on a good night. Duke Ellington forever!