Duke Ellington & John Coltrane

During the final decade and a half of Duke Ellington's life, he become more and more creatively productive. One of the key elements of this was showcasing the progression of his own personal compositional stamp-evolving elements of it to adapt to the new sounds of the decade in which he was creating. Part of this involved willing collaborations with some of the newest musical innovators in jazz. And few were making more abrupt innovations in their instrumental approach to playing in the early 60's than John Coltrane. With Elvin Jones and Sam Woodyard doubling up on drums with Jimmy Garrison and Aaron Bell doing the same on bass this album proved that Ellington's interest in recording with Coltrane was in fact ingenious. Overall this is a musically wonderful album. But as with just about any music involving Coltrane, it has a quality about it that simply isn't always easy to put into words. The opening "In A Sentimental Mood" is one of the most entrancing melodies in jazz and,in this particular version,is one of my favorite jazz pieces. But it's appeal goes beyond romanticism. Its the way Ellington lightly touches the keys of the piano, the way Coltrane holds the last note of each melodic phrase like a musical mantra. On "Take The Coltrane" the two musicians swing hard together in Duke's classic style. Still 'Trane's playing maintains his own soul searching quality on contrast to Duke's concentration on the rhythm and melody. "Big Nick" is the lone Coltrane composition here-still very much involved in the blues but of course the man himself is already taking it to a whole other place. That bluesy flavor maintains throughout "My Little Brown Book" and "The Feeling Of Jazz". While "Stevie" again swings away "Angelica" is the most spirited uptempo composition here-with a Caribbean rhythmic flavor similar to Sonny Rollins' "St. Thomas". Likely my second favorite number here. The mixture of intellectual and emotional understanding of how human beings are affected by melody and rhythm are the key forces in what drives the creative energies of both Ellington and Coltrane. Both have somewhat different outlooks on it. But these somehow converge in harmony here to give this album a deeply intangibale musical quality

TWO GREAT ARTISTS IN ONE PLACE !!! I Am an avid fan of the very talented John Coltrane and the masterful Duke Ellington and when you put the two together ..... WOW !!! This is a must for jazz lovers everywhere. I play this over and over and never tire of hearing these Classic Artists perform. Be sure and add this to your music collection, you will not be sorry !! It sounds like you are back in time sitting in a club and being entertained in person !!!

I must confess, I love just about everything Duke Ellington and John Coltrane, but surprisingly, this collaboration is new to me! Two masters recording an album together! And backed up by Jimmy Garrison and Aaron Bell (bass), Elvin Jones and Sam Woodyard (drums)! All the songs were great, my favorite being "Take the Coltrane." The Duke wrote five tunes, Coltrane one(Big Nick), and Billy Strayhorn (My Little Brown Book). Both musicians, along with their rhythm sections, were great. The Duke's piano playing is more prominent due to the smaller combos. A must for jazz lovers!

The classic 1962 album Duke Ellington & John Coltrane is introducing the rising jazz saxophone innovator performing with the long-established piano institution Duke Ellington. Sublime and timeless music.

good CD

I'm going to buy copies of this cd to give as gifts

They speak for themselves and one hour of listening will make you a fan of world class jazz.

Very good