"Duke Ellington's 50-year career (1924-74) was full of accomplishments as a highly original pianist, arranger, prolific composer and leader of a timeless orchestra full of individualists. On occasion through the years, he recorded with a small group from his orchestra or as a piano soloist, but Duke was rarely ever filmed in that capacity. This release features a couple of rare exceptions. "On January 23, 1967, Ellington filmed two half-hour programs for Danish television. The first show has him jamming with an octet taken from his orchestra including such greats as altoist Johnny Hodges, tenor-saxophonist Paul Gonsalves, baritonist Harry Carney and trumpeter Cat Anderson. Highlights include 'The Jeep Is Jumpin', 'Sophisticated Lady', and 'Jam With Sam'.
"The second program puts the focus on Duke Ellington's 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 his sly wit."
