Not the best
Classics
disc of
Ellington
's 1920s and '30s work (look to the label's mid- to late-'30s titles), this 23-track round-up of the bandleader's 1932-1933 output still offers enough in the way of quality originals and stellar playing to keep most
Duke
enthusiasts happy. The first half contains the choicest selections, including such top-notch ensemble vehicles as
Benny Carter
's
"Jazz Cocktail"
(his arrangement is used, too) and superb
charts like
"Slippery Horn,"
"Blue Harlem,"
and
"Lightnin'."
The latter half does sag a bit with several vocal novelties featuring
Ivie Anderson
,
the Mills Brothers
, and
Adelaide Hall
, but the always excellent contributions of
Johnny Hodges
Lawrence Brown
Barney Bigard
Cootie Williams
keep things in check. An enjoyable slice of early Ellingtonia that's may be best left to the more trench-friendly of early
jazz
lovers. ~ Stephen Cook