The Intimate Duke Ellington (2003)

Duke Ellingtons fifty year career was full of accomplishments as a highly original pianist arranger prolific composer and leader of a timeless orchestra On occasion he recorded with a small group from his orchestra or as a piano soloist but Duke was rarely filmed in that capacity with a few exceptions On January 23 1967 Ellington filmed two programs for Danish television The first has him jamming with an octet taken from his orchestra including such greats as altoist Johnny Hodges tenorsaxophonist Paul Gonsalves baritonist Harry Carney and trumpeter Cat Anderson Highlights include The Jeep Is Jumpin Sophisitcated Lady and Jam with Sam The second program puts the focus on Ellingtons piano in solo and trio performances that include Lotus Blossom Mood Indigo and a definitive version of Take the A Train Always a modern and distinctive soloist Ellington is seen creating brilliant improvisations full of strong melodies subtle surprises and sly wit