The Works of Duke, Vols. 1-5

Duke Ellington

  • AllMusic Rating
    9
  • User Ratings (0)
  • Your Rating

The Works of Duke, Vols. 1-5 Review

by Scott Yanow

In the '70s, French RCA did a perfect job of reissuing Duke Ellington's priceless recordings for its associated labels, releasing everything cut through 1952 (including all of the alternate takes) on 24 LPs also available in five box sets. No other reissue program conducted by RCA (whether on LP or on CD) comes close, although these sets are unfortunately out of print. The five volumes trace Ellington's legacy from 1927-30 and, along with a few period vocals and novelties, is overflowing with classics. Get it if you can.