Ellington,Duke & His Orchestra Live At The Cave CD

Back in 1970, Duke Ellington was at the threshold of a new sound. Yet again like so many times before, he was to take in his surroundings, musically and otherwise, and bring forth a new style for his musicalinstrument, his Famous Orchestra. Billy Strayhorn, his writing and arranging companion was now dead, and the bulk of the writing was once again falling on Ellington's shoulders. Hammond Organ pioneer Wild BillDavis took up some of the slack, as he became Duke's assistant arranger, but Ellington seems to know at this point, that pushing hisown limits was needed. This outing documents the final days of star saxophonist Johnny Hodges. The setting is the Cave Theatre Restaurant in Vancouver, B.C. in Canada, and the feeling is warm and intimate, but there is a decided edge to the feel of the music. The exotic power of drummer Rufus Jones is making a mark, and Ellington is about to bring US on his final journey through "The Jungle" once again.

1. C-Jam Blues 2. Kinda Dukish/Rockin in Rhythm 3. 4:30 Blues 4. Fife 5. Black Power 6. Take the "A" Train 7. Up Jump 8. Birth of the Blues 9. Passion Flower 10. Things Ain't What They Used to Be 11. Come Off the Veldt (Drum Solo) 12. Medley, Pt. 1: Fanfare/Don't You Know I Care/In a Sentimental Mood/Prel 13. Do Nothing Till You Hear from Me 14. Don't Get Around Much Anymore 15. Mood Indigo 16. I'm Beginning to See the Light 17. It Don't Mean a Thing 18. 1818 19. I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good 20. Be Cool 21. Sophisticated Lady 22. Caravan 23. I Can't Get Started 24. Stone Soul Jones 25. April in Paris