Duke Ellington was one of the most important and influential figures in the entire history of jazz, as pianist, bandleader, composer and innovator, his career spanned the evolution from the early days of electric recording. However, while critics and commentators focus on his over-arching significance as a giant of the medium, it's easy to forget that he was a genius at composing tune and songs for the medium of the 3-minute 78rpm single, and during the first three decades of his career before rock 'n' roll changed the pop landscape irrevocably, he had more than 70 records that were credited as chart hits. The Duke himself preferred not to have his work referred to as 'jazz' but liked people to see it as he himself saw it, as being beyond category, simply American music. In a career lasting six decades, he attracted the very best musicians to his orchestras, and gifted to the world many of the jazz standards we know and love today This LP brings together some of his most iconic compositions, including timeless classics such as the Billboard R&B No.1 Don't Get Around Much Anymore, alongside stalwarts of the jazz canon Mood Indigo, Sophisticated Lady, Solitude, Caravan, Take The 'A' Train and It Don't Mean A Thing (If You Ain't Got That Swing). It's a fantastic insight into his most successful output during a primary era of his career, and a great showcase for the artistry which made the Duke such a revered and iconic personality.
