This is a rather disappointing second CD from a previously unreleased 1948
Duke Ellington concert that was put out in 1996. Although most of the material is fresh, several of the songs are taken much too fast (particularly the overarranged "Tootin' Through the Roof," which blows its potential), a few
Al Hibbler vocals are forgettable except for their typical weirdness, and a hits medley has no real surprises. Best are altoist
Johnny Hodges' feature on
Billy Strayhorn's "Brown Betty" and a satirical
Ray Nance violin solo on "Humoresque," but overall, this is one of
Duke's lesser sets.