Newport 1958: Brubeck Plays Ellington (1958)

About this title: This 1958 set by the Dave Brubeck Quartet comes from the Newport Jazz Festival on a day which served as a tribute to Duke Ellington, with each band playing a set primarily drawn from Ellington's vast repertoire. Alto saxophonist Paul Desmond and drummer Joe Morello are in top form, as is bassist Joe Benjamin (who first worked with Ellington in 1951 and was his regular bassist from 1970 to 1974) who substitutes for Eugene Wright. The inspired choice of "Jump for Joy" makes for some of the most magical moments, while "Perdido" provides an extended workout for Desmond and Brubeck. "Liberian ... read more

Tracks:

1. Things Ain't What They Used to Be [Ellington/Persons]
2. Jump for Joy [Ellington/Kuller/We]
3. Perdido [Drake/Lengsfelder]
4. Liberian Suite Dance No. 3 [Ellington]
5. The Duke [Brubeck]
6. Flamingo [Anderson/Grouya]
7. C Jam Blues [Bigard/Ellington]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.