Duke's 1947 Carnegie Hall concert almost didn't come off -- as the date fell, New York City was up to its waist in snow. But
Duke and his men pressed on valiantly, and here, with some judicious editing, is the second night of a two-night stand at the hall. Featuring a version of the
Ellington band that didn't do a lot of recording during this period due to the AFM's recording ban, this documentation captures a band in transition, with old guard players like
Hodges,
Lawrence Brown,
Harry Carney and others working in tandem with newcomers to the fold like
Ray Nance,
"Scad" Hemphill, and high-note master
Al Killian. The judicious editing out of certain material provides a fresh set list, with little duplication from other live recordings and no overworked hits, making this a wonderful addition to anyone's
Ellington collection. ~ Cub Koda