Recorded just a month after Duke Ellington's death, this tribute album (reissued on CD) features guitarist Joe Pass (just beginning to become famous), bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Bobby Durham jamming on eight Ellington tunes and "Caravan" (which was penned by one of Duke's key sidemen, Juan Tizol). The interplay between the three musicians is quite impressive, and Pass' mastery of the guitar is obvious (he didn't really need the other sidemen). Highlights include "In a Mellow Tone,""Don't Get Around Much Anymore," and "I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)." Recommended. - Scott Yanow
Tracks
1. Satin Doll (Duke Ellington/Johnny Mercer/Billy Strayhorn)
2. I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart (Duke Ellington/Irving Mills/Henry Namo/John Redmond)
3. Sophisticated Lady (Duke Ellington/Irving Millas/Mitchell Parish)
4. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good) (Duke Ellington/Paul Francis Webster)
5. In a Mellow Tone (Duke Ellington/Milt Gabler)
6. Solitude (Eddie DeLange/Duke Ellington/Irving Mills)
7. Don't Get Around Much Anymore (Duke Ellington/Bob Russell)
8. Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me (Duke Ellington/Bob Russell)
9. Caravan (Duke Ellington/Irving Mills/Juan Tizol)
JOE PASS guitar
RAY BROWN bass
BOBBY DURHAM drums
Recorded June 21, 1974
Pablo J33J 20027