This set documents a historic occasion. Although
Coleman Hawkins
had been an admirer of
Duke Ellington
's music for at least 35 years at this point and
Ellington
had suggested they record together at least 20 years prior to their actual meeting in 1962, this was their first (and only) meeting on record. Although it would have been preferable to hear the great tenor performing with the full orchestra, his meeting with
and an all-star group taken out of the big band does feature such greats as
Ray Nance
on cornet and violin, trombonist
Lawrence Brown
, altoist
Johnny Hodges
, and baritonist
Harry Carney
. High points include an exuberant
"The Jeep Is Jumpin',"
an interesting remake of
"Mood Indigo,"
and a few new
pieces. This delightful music is recommended in one form or another. ~ Scott Yanow