This CD reissues three unusual combo dates by
Duke Ellington. Two of the sessions feature
Ellington and his longtime musical partner
Billy Strayhorn both playing piano (while assisted by either
Wendell Marshall or
Joe Shulman on bass and sometimes an unidentified drummer). The futuristic "Tonk" is the best-known performance but all eight numbers (which include "Cotton Tail" and "Johnny Come Lately") are quite fascinating. The remaining date has four songs that primarily serve as features for the cello of
Oscar Pettiford who is accompanied by
Ellington, bassist
Lloyd Trotman, drummer
Jo Jones and (on two tunes) the celeste of
Strayhorn; "Perdido" and "Take the 'A' Train" are most memorable. Intriguing music. ~ Scott Yanow