Duke Ellington - Solo Piano Concert 1964 (CD)

Duke Ellington was of course known as a bandleader and one of the greatest of all American composers, but as a pianist, he was equally as great and influential, yet often overlooked. Here for the first time on CD and digital release, we present Ellington at his refined best, in the mid 1960s. This recording was made at Columbia University in New York City, and for the most part it's pure solo piano by Duke. He gives us several of his jewels, such as Fleurette Africaine (Little African Flower), Melancholia, as well as a previously unrecorded solo version Bird of Paradise, which dates back to 1935. Of course as usual, there is the standard medley of Ellington "hits" where he is joined by bassist Ernie Shepard, and drummer Sam Woodyard for a trio setting. This 1964 Solo Piano concert reaffirms what a wonderful experience it is to hear "The Piano Player" live, doing his thing.