Ellington at Newport 1956 (Complete) [Remaster] by Duke Ellington

Pros: A terrific, once-in-a-lifetime live performance; Ellington at his best.
Cons: Stage announcements and some unnecessary studio pieces.

Duke Ellington was in something of a slump at the beginning of the Newport Jazz Festival. The big band swing sound was in decline in the US. Rock and roll and rhythm and blues were gaining in popularity and most big bands were falling by the wayside....

Pros: allington
Cons: none

what we have here is one of ellington's most important recordings. why you ask? well ellington in 1956 had fallen on hard times. bebop had come and gone and now it was hard bop. small groups were sexy, big band was old. so here is the most important...

Pros: Stereo, extra songs
Cons: None

The Newport Jazz Festival has produced a great body of memorable music thoughout the years. Legendary among these performances is Duke Ellington's 1956 appearance. While this recording has long been available, the version we've been listening to for...