Duke Ellington & John Coltrane

iTunes Review

Two of the most extraordinary figures in 20th century jazz — make that 20th century music — meet on this singular album. At the time of its recording, Ellington was already in his sixties but still trying out new things. And Coltrane, at the height of his powers and exploring new directions, continued to be engaged with the music of his predecessors. It’s interesting to compare the rhythm sections that accompany the two giants on the disc. Ellington regulars Sam Woodyard and Aaron Bell embody an exciting sense of swing that is clearly rooted in dance music. Coltrane’s rhythm section of Elvin Jones and Jimmy Garrison swing too, but in a complex, agitated way. The two pairs each play on three cuts, and on “A Sentimental Mood,” Jones and Bell pair up to back Duke and Trane who interpret the melody with deep blues feeling, conjuring a late night air of intrigue. Also, check out Coltrane’s whimsical soprano on “Big Nick,” or the tenderness displayed by the players on Billy Strayhorn’s “My Little Brown Book.”