Duke Ellington: Live at Tivoli Gardens: Parts 1 and 2

During the period 1925-74, Duke Ellington led a pacesetting orchestra full of unique individuals who came together to play the leader's innovative music. Although many of Ellington's songs became standards, no other orchestra sounded like his.

Dating from 1971, these two concert performances feature the Duke Ellington Orchestra still in prime form, alternating such old favorites as "Take the 'A' Train," "Rocking' in Rhythm" and a hits medley with newer material. Although 72 at the time, Ellington proves to still be a masterful pianist and a genial host to an enthusiastic European audience.

The 1971 Duke Ellington big band features such classic players as trumpet player Cootie Williams, clarinetist Russell Procope, baritonist Harry Carney and Paul Gonsalves, Harold Ashby and Norris Turney on tenors. In addition, the legendary tenor Ben webster, one of the stars of Duke's orchestra in the early 1940s, sits in with the orchestra and is showcased on "Cotton Tail," "All Too Soon," and "I Got it Bad."

As strong as the soloists are, Duke Ellington is never overshadowed and he is very much seen and heard in prime form. These timeless performances not only give today's viewers a good idea what it was like to see Ellington live in concert during this era but how it must have felt to be on stage playing his music.

Part One
1. C-Jam Blues
2. Rockin' in Rhythm
3. All Too Soon
4. Cotton Tail
5. Take the "A" Train
6. Fire
7. Satin Doll
8. Chinoiserie
9. Quadruped
10. Rufus Jones
11. Medley: Prelude to a Kiss, Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me, I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart, Don't Get Around Much Anymore, Mood Indigo, I'm Beginning to See the Light, Solitude, Love You Madly, Sophisticated Lady, Caravan
12. Goof

Part Two
1. C-Jam Blues
2. Rockin' in Rhythm
3. Happy Reunion
4. Cotton Tail
5. I Got it Bad and That Ain't Good
6. Take the "A" Train
7. Fire
8. Chinoiserie
9. Satin Doll
10. Things Ain't What They Used to Be
11. Quadruped
12. Medley: Prelude to a Kiss, Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me, In a Sentimental Mood, I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart, Don't Get Around Much Anymore, Mood Indigo, I'm Beginning to See the Light, Solitude, Love You Madly, Sophisticated Lady, Caravan
13. Hello Dolly
14. One More Time