This disc is probably one of the Verve label beads, founded by genius producer Norman Granz who has brought together around the microphone (already at that time in 1959) old Jazz legends. In this disc, you can hear the best of both form and an optimal acoustic musicians who have marked the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Duke himself alternating on piano with his faithful lieutenant Billy Strayhorn, fabulous saxophonists Johnny Hodges (this is in my opinion the best record to sample his art) and Ben Webster, and trombonist Lawrence Brown. To accompany the two musicians of the Count Basie Orchestra, the brilliant minimalist trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison (few musicians have both increased their nickname) and the equally awesome drummer Jo Jones. And as if that were not enough, you can also hear on this record the great trumpeter Roy Eldridge. This disc is available in a beautiful digipack edition of 1999. It is regrettable that the latest editions Verve are less qualitative, more original notes or other photos that the original cover. These are probably the consequences of the crisis of the disc. Too bad for lovers ...
