Duke Ellington's Far East Suite

by Duke Ellington

Overview

This third CD edition of Duke Ellington's masterwork, Far East Suite, recorded after two grueling tours of the Middle and Far East in the early- to mid-'60s, is, hopefully, the definitive version. Issued in 2003's Bluebird First Editions series, the album has been lovingly compiled to include a fine set of liner notes by Stephanie Stein Crease (the originals are also included on the back panel), as well as seven bonus tracks, all of which are alternate takes, five released here for the first time -- two of the four from the "Special Mix" edition" are here, while two more are left off. The endless repackages of jazz classics are becoming tedious, but this one is worth it. The alternates reveal not only works as they developed, such as the truly transcendent "Isfahan," but even a newer alternate of "Bluebird of Delhi." This is one that Ellington aficionados need. ~ Thom Jurek

Product Details

Release Date:	10/07/2003
Label:	Bluebird Rca / Rca
UPC:	0828765561426

Tracks

1. Tourist Point of View
2. Bluebird of Delhi (Mynah)
3. Isfahan
4. Depk
5. Mount Harissa
6. Blue Pepper (Far East of the Blues)
7. Agra
8. Amad
9. Ad Lib on Nippon
10. Tourist Point of View
11. Amad
12. Bluebird of Delhi (Mynah)
13. Bluebird of Delhi (Mynah)
14. Isfahan
15. Depk
16. Mount Harissa

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Duke Ellington   Primary Artist,Piano
Duke Ellington & His Orchestra   Primary Artist
Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra   Primary Artist
Cootie Williams   Guest Artist,Trumpet
Harry Carney   Guest Artist,Reeds,Clarinet,Saxophone,Sax (Baritone)
Johnny Hodges   Guest Artist,Reeds,Clarinet,Saxophone,Sax (Alto)
Paul Gonsalves   Saxophone,Sax (Tenor),Clarinet,Reeds
John Lamb   Bass,Double Bass
Chuck Connors   Trombone
Russell Procope   Reeds,Clarinet,Saxophone,Sax (Alto)
Cat Anderson   Trumpet
Jimmy Hamilton   Clarinet,Saxophone,Sax (Tenor),Reeds
Rufus "Speedy" Jones   Drums
Mercer Ellington   Trumpet,Flugelhorn
Herbie Jones   Trumpet,Flugelhorn
William Cat Anderson   Trumpet
Lawrence Brown   Trombone
Buster Cooper   Trombone

Technical Credits

Duke Ellington   Composer
Duke Ellington & His Orchestra   Performer
James Nichols   Remixing,Digital Remixing,Audio Enhancement,Digital Remastering
Liz Fierro   Art Research
Billy Strayhorn   Composer
Brad McCuen   Producer
Brian Bacchus   Executive Producer
T. Cohan   Composer
Stanley Dance   Liner Notes
Amy Wenzler   Cover Design
Ed Begley   Engineer
Orrin Keepnews   Liner Notes,Reissue Producer